The 2025 IRONMAN Canada-Ottawa weekend isn’t just about the race — it’s an opportunity to experience the city at its most energized. From nourishing eats and scenic tours to adrenaline rushes and post-race indulgence, here are seven ways to balance racing, cheering and celebrating all in one unforgettable long weekend.
Fuel up with purpose at Ottawa’s healthiest hotspots
Nutrition is everything on race weekend, and Ottawa’s restaurant scene delivers clean, flavourful fuel for peak performance. Get the freshest ingredients at globally-inspired street food spots, or discover some plant-based goodness. The Green Door is a long-standing local favourite, with a seasonal vegetarian and vegan buffet, priced by weight. These Ottawa restaurants making healthy eating exquisite prove that nutrient-dense dining can be just as satisfying as a post-race medal.
Preview the course and the capital on a city tour
Get your bearings and a bit of mental visualization with a relaxed city tour that showcases Ottawa’s biggest icons. Many also double as backdrops for the race. Gray Line offers hop-on, hop-off bus tours perfect for previewing course landmarks without straining your legs. For a fun twist, Lady Dive’s amphibious tour cruises past Parliament Hill before plunging into the Ottawa River. Whether you’re racing or cheering, it’s a great way to soak in the scenery before the big day.
Cool the burn with a spa day
You’ve trained for months. Now give your muscles the treatment they deserve. Just across the river, Nordik Spa-Village Chelsea delivers one of North America’s largest thermal experiences, where you can cycle between hot, cold and rest zones surrounded by forest. For something more treatment-focused, Holtz Spa in downtown Ottawa offers premium services that promote harmony of the body, mind and spirit. Explore Ottawa’s spa and wellness scene for even more ways to unwind and reset after the race.
Crave-worthy eats that go beyond recovery mode
Once the race is behind you, it’s time to feast like a finisher. Craving smoky, slow-cooked indulgence? Explore the best spots to eat BBQ for saucy ribs, stacked brisket sandwiches and flame-kissed satisfaction. For a balance between indulgence and conscientious eating, Odd Burger serves up next-level vegan fast food, right next to the equally irresistible For God Shakes – Ottawa’s own milkshake bar. Both are just a short walk from the Rideau Canal and Lansdowne. Whether you’re plant-based or protein-powered, your taste buds will thank you.
Raise a glass or a mocktail to your victory
You trained. You raced. You crushed it. Now celebrate the way you deserve. Toast your success at one of Ottawa’s best bars and nightclubs, or opt for something more intimate and elevated like Jackson at Night. This tucked-away gem offers top-tier cocktails and shareable plates near the St. Germain Hotel and Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel. Going alcohol-free? You’re in good company. Discover mocktails and alcohol-free drinks in Ottawa that deliver all the fun with none of the hangover.
Channel that post-race high into a new kind of thrill
Not ready to hit the brakes yet? Ottawa is packed with outdoor experiences that keep the adrenaline going. Soar across the Ottawa River on Interzip, the world’s first interprovincial zipline, or take on class III and IV rapids with a whitewater rafting adventure just outside the city. If you’re chasing that IRONMAN-level intensity, these awesome adrenaline-inducing activities in Ottawa will keep your heart rate up in the best way.
Catch a sunset or star-filled sky that feels like a finish-line moment
After the crowds have cleared and the medals are hung, take a quiet moment to soak it all in. Ottawa sunsets deliver the kind of natural drama that pairs perfectly with a sense of accomplishment. From Major’s Hill Park to Remic Rapids, you’ll find golden hour views worth lingering over. Want to stretch the evening into something more cosmic? Here are the top places to go stargazing in the Ottawa area that offer a peaceful and unforgettable close to race weekend.
