Escape for a Long Weekend: Romantic Ottawa Getaway

Discover the heart of Canada's capital and fall in love all over again in Ottawa.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Ottawa, Canada offers the perfect blend of culture and natural beauty. From strolling through charming streets lined with boutique shops and cozy cafes, to admiring the jaw-dropping views of the Parliament Hill, there's no shortage of things to do. Take a leisurely stroll along the Rideau Canal, catch a show at the National Arts Centre, or savor a romantic dinner at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants for a truly unforgettable experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check into the Fairmont Château Laurier, a luxurious hotel with a stunning view of Parliament Hill
  • Take a stroll around ByWard Market, a bustling area filled with unique shops, restaurants and cafes
  • Visit the National Gallery of Canada and admire the beautiful art and architecture
  • Take a boat ride on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the world's largest skating rink
  • End the day with dinner at Wilf & Ada's, a cozy diner with delicious comfort food
Day 2

Historic Landmarks

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Baker Street Cafe
  • Visit the Parliament Buildings and take a guided tour of the iconic Centre Block
  • Explore the Canadian Museum of History, which has impressive exhibitions on the country’s past
  • Visit Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and walk around the gardens
  • End the day with a dinner reservation at Play Food & Wine, a trendy restaurant with a great wine selection
Day 3

Nature Escape

  • Have breakfast at Art-is-in Bakery, known for its unique pastries and breads
  • Visit Gatineau Park and go for a hike or bike ride on one of the many trails
  • Have a picnic lunch at the beautiful Dow's Lake Pavilion
  • Visit the Canadian Museum of Nature, which has exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the Arctic
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at North & Navy, an Italian-inspired restaurant with a cozy atmosphere
Day 4

Culture and Food

  • Start the day with breakfast at The Scone Witch, a cute cafe with homemade scones and coffee
  • Visit the National Arts Centre and see a show or symphony
  • Go on a food tour of the city’s best restaurants and landmarks
  • Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a beautiful Gothic Revival church downtown
  • End the day with a sunset walk along the Ottawa River, taking in the beautiful views and scenery

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ottawa by plane is to fly into Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) from major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Car

The best way to get to Ottawa by car is via Highway 401, which connects Ottawa to major cities such as Toronto and Montreal.

Train

The best way to get to Ottawa by train is via Via Rail Canada from major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal.

Boat

While Ottawa doesn't have direct access by boat, travelers can take a cruise down the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which connects Ottawa to other cities in Ontario including Kingston and Brockville.

Bus

The best way to get to Ottawa by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus from cities such as Toronto, Montreal, or New York City.

Destination

Ottawa

If you enjoy beavers, hockey, and extreme temperature changes, then Ottawa is the city for you! This capital city has all the cultural and political attractions you could ask for, as well as the occasional maple syrup-induced food coma.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

A Fun-Filled Family Adventure in Ottawa, Canada

A trip to Ottawa, Canada promises an enriching and family-friendly experience filled with history, culture, and outdoor activities. Start by exploring the iconic Parliament Hill and learning about Canadian politics and heritage. Indulge in the fascinating exhibits at the National Gallery of Canada, and don't forget to visit the beautiful Rideau Canal for a leisurely boat ride or ice skating in the winter.

Ottawa Adventure: A 2-Day City Escape!

As a tourist, visiting Ottawa offers a great insight into the history and culture of Canada. From the impressive Parliament Hill to the vibrant ByWard Market, there is plenty to explore in this capital city. You can also enjoy scenic boat rides, visit national museums, and take part in various festivals and events throughout the year.

4 Days of Budget Bliss: Ottawa Adventure Guide

On a limited budget, a trip to Ottawa, Canada can still be enjoyable by visiting free attractions such as Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Canadian War Museum. For affordable meals, the ByWard Market offers a variety of street food and local restaurants. Staying in a hostel or budget hotel in downtown Ottawa can also save on accommodation costs.

Escape for a Long Weekend: Romantic Ottawa Getaway

A romantic trip to Ottawa, Canada offers the perfect blend of culture and natural beauty. From strolling through charming streets lined with boutique shops and cozy cafes, to admiring the jaw-dropping views of the Parliament Hill, there's no shortage of things to do. Take a leisurely stroll along the Rideau Canal, catch a show at the National Arts Centre, or savor a romantic dinner at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants for a truly unforgettable experience.