Ottawa Senators fans are preparing for the 2025 NHL playoffs starting on April 19. For the most up-to-date playoffs information, head to the official National Hockey League website. Here’s what to do in Canada’s capital city before you head to the Canadian Tire Centre for an evening game.
Morning:
Get your caffeine fix and find your new favourite coffee shop! Ottawa is dotted with numerous cafes perfect for a grab-and-go or sit-down experience. Check out Bridgehead in Little Italy, which doubles as an industrial café! Or head to Equator Coffee Roasters, located inside the National Arts Centre.
Brunch in style at one of Ottawa’s many must-try spots. Both Wilf & Ada’s and Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner offer an unbeatable brunch you won’t want to miss out on. However, you can’t make reservations and there’s often a line. So, if you’re looking for a solid bet, book your spot at Soca Kitchen, where you’ll find a Spanish and Latino fusion of flavours. Or check out The Third in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood.
Afternoon: Outdoor activities, museums & more
Take some time during the day to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Ottawa! With hundreds of kilometres of trails, Canada’s capital city is a cyclist’s haven. Slow things down with a trek through the forest or head to one of Ottawa’s gardens to take in the spring blooms.
Reset for spring at one of Ottawa’s spas with a rejuvenating experience. Just 10-minutes from downtown Ottawa is Nordik Spa Village Chelsea, North America’s largest spa. Or check out Koena Spa, another thermal escape close to downtown Ottawa!.
Seeking a more stimulating experience? Ottawa is home to not one but seven of Canada’s nine national museums, as well as 11 other museums.
Enjoy a pre-game lunch at one of Ottawa’s six restaurants that made the “100 Best Restaurants in Canada” list in 2024. North & Navy serves up Northern Italian cuisine in a converted home-turned-restaurant. And Supply & Demand is known for its decadent small plates and raw bar menu. Or keep things more casual and grab pizza from one of the many local hotspots.
Evening: Getting to and from the big game
There are plenty of ways to get to and from the big game — no matter where in Ottawa you’re staying. Avoid paying for parking by taking OC Transpo. You can also pre-schedule an Uber or Lyft to the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. Plan ahead to avoid traffic!
Late night:
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a big win or drown your sorrows over a loss, Ottawa’s nightlife scene has the perfect late-night outing for you.
Head to the historic ByWard Market neighbourhood, where you’ll find a number of pubs, clubs and bars to choose from. Find your preferred cocktail, or a new creation, at one of these cocktail spots. Click here for a list of Ottawa’s best bars and nightclubs.
To get more inspiration on what to do while in Ottawa for the 2025 NHL playoffs, check out the Top 10 things to do in Ottawa. Have an afternoon game to attend as well? Here’s the afternoon game day itinerary.
