For our family and friends from out of town, we want you to enjoy the city as locals. These are our absolute favourite spots that we visit regularly. Some are in Ottawa, some are in Québec.

Activities & Things to Do

  • Nordik Spa (Spa)

    An incredible spa in the Gatineau Hills.

    Directions

  • Chelsea, Québec (Town)

    Beautiful town, restaurants and activities.

    Directions

  • Gatineau Park (NCC Park)

    Hiking, birdwatching and nature.

    Directions

  • Museum of Nature (Museum)

    Museum in the heart of downtown.

    Directions

  • Canadian Museum of History (Museum)

    Massive museum, very child friendly.

    Directions

  • Mayfair Theatre

    Oldest in Ottawa. Best spot for movies.

    Directions

  • Lansdowne/TD Place

    Live sports, restaurants, you name it.

    Directions

  • Rue Principale, Aylmer (Area)

    Lovely town right by the water.

    Directions

  • Lac Meech, Quebec (Beach)

    Massive lake, great for paddleboarding.

    Directions

  • Wakefield, Québec (Town)

    Cute Québec town in the Gatineau Hills.

    Directions

  • Koena Spa (Spa)

    Great spa, cheaper option to Nordik.

    Directions

  • Canadian War Museum (Museum)

    Very rich and immersive museum.

    Directions

  • Aventure Outaouais (Company)

    Amazing (guided) way to see the region.

    Directions

  • Science/Technology Museum (Museum)

    Very interesting museum, great for the kiddos.

    Directions

Restaurants & Food

  • Bobino Bagel (Bagels)

    The best bagel spot, quite possibly, ever.

    Directions

  • La Cigale (Ice Cream)

    There is no going back, you have been warned.

    Directions

  • La Pataterie Hulloise (Québécois Food)

    Poutine that will rock your world.

    Directions

  • Heartbreakers (Pizza)

    The best pizza in Ottawa, hands down.

    Directions

  • Torta Boyz (Mexican Food)

    Delicious Mexican tortas, great cocktails.

    Directions

  • The Green Door (Vegetarian/Vegan Food)

    Vegetarian and vegan buffet, an Ottawa staple.

    Directions

  • El Taco de Oro (Mexican Food)

    The best tacos in town right beside the Market.

    Directions

  • The Koven (Dive Restaurant)

    Cheapest menu, metal music blasts the entire time.

    Directions

  • Union 613 (Restaurant)

    All kinds of food, find the speakeasy.

    Directions

  • Gonfu Bao (Restaurant)

    We’ll take 30 buns, please.

    Click Here

  • Khao Thai (Thai Food)

    Our favourite Thai spot tucked in the Byward Market.

    Directions

Drinks, Breweries & Pubs

  • Chelsea & Co Microbrasserie (Brewery)

    Delicious, local beers and food.

    Directions

  • Brigid's Well (Pub)

    Hidden under a church. Arguably the best pub.

    Directions

  • Tooth and Nail (Brewery)

    First place we went the day we moved to Ottawa.

    Directions

  • Flora Hall (Brewery)

    Brewery in an old firehall, heart of the city.

    Directions

  • The Manx Pub (Pub)

    Quaint basement British pub.

    Directions

  • The Rabbit Hole (Cocktails)

    Custom cocktails in a downtown speakeasy.

    Directions

  • Chez Lucien (Québécois Tavern)

    It doesn’t get more Canadiana than this.

    Directions

Coffee & Treats

  • Café Cloud Forest (Café)

    Cute and quaint Hull coffee shop.

    Directions

  • Little Victories (Café)

    Our favourite coffee shop in town.

    Directions

  • Arlington Five (Café)

    Amazing coffee, get their breakfast sammy.

    Directions

  • Brown Bag Coffee Roasters (Coffee)

    Where we buy all our beans from. So good!

    Directions

  • Ten Toes (Café)

    Great coffee. We used to live across the road!

    Directions

  • Ideal Coffee (Café)

    Delicious coffee and treats in the Market.

    Directions

  • Levain Boulangerie (Bakery)

    Our neighbourhood bakery.

    Directions