With the Sens Mile in place, Ottawa fans are getting ready for the 2025 NHL playoffs, set to begin on April 19th, 2025. 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 when you’re not at the Canadian Tire Centre catching an afternoon game.
Morning: Coffee & brunch
Start the day off right with some locally brewed coffee! Ottawa boasts numerous coffee shops and cafes to give you the caffeine fix you’ll need to cheer on your favourite team.
Check out Beandigen Café in Lansdowne Park, Happy Goat Coffee Company, with multiple locations around the city or Little Victories on both the lively Elgin Street and bustling Bank Street. You can learn more about other amazing local Ottawa coffee shops here.
Fuel up for the big game day with a hearty brunch. Cocotte Bistro offers French cuisine operating out of the Metcalfe Hotel downtown. The Belmont, located in Old Ottawa South, serves up Chef Phil’s favourites while Gezellig in the energetic Westboro neighbourhood has a curated menu of brunch staples with a “2 for $28” deal.
Afternoon: 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. To learn more about fares, bus routes and schedules, click here. You can also pre-schedule an Uber or Lyft to the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. Plan ahead to avoid traffic!
Evening: Dinner in the city
Crush your hunger after the game — Ottawa has a variety of restaurants no matter what you’re in the mood for!
Treat yourself to a dinner at one of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants of 2024 including Riviera on the pedestrian-only Sparks Street, Atelier in the Little Italy neighbourhood and Arlo Wine & Restaurant on Somerset West.
Have little ones? Check out this list of family-friendly restaurants in the city. Or if the game didn’t go how you had hoped, treat yourself to some of Ottawa’s best comfort foods. No visit to Ottawa, a.k.a. “The Shawarma Capital of the World” is complete without trying this Middle Eastern classic.
Late night: Live music, cocktails & more
Keep the game day excitement going! Ottawa comes alive at night with a variety of pubs, cocktail lounges, pool bars and more.
If you’re still hungry after dinner, you can grab a late-night bite at these restaurants, including Elgin Street Diner, which is open 24/7, 365! Find live music in the ByWard Market at The Laff and Heart & Crown.
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 evening game to attend as well? Here’s the evening game day itinerary.
