As the weather starts to cool and the leaves turn from deep green to an array of yellows, oranges and reds, it’s the perfect time to take a couples vacation to Canada’s capital. Explore romantic fall activities to make memories and connect in the Ottawa region.
Romantic autumn getaway ideas in Ottawa:
- Enjoy the great outdoors at Gatineau Park or Parc Omega
- Visit one of Ottawa’s seven national museums
- Unwind at one of Ottawa’s Nordic spas
- Spend the day at a pumpkin patch or apple orchard
- Take a cooking class with C’est Bon Ottawa
DAY 1: Sweet treats, autumn colours and outdoor adventures
MORNING
Start the day with a seasonal, sweet treat or caffeine fix before you head out to experience the fall colours in Ottawa's great outdoors.
- Classic: Try a Killaloe Sunrise (cinnamon sugar and lemon) BeaverTail from the original stand in Ottawa's ByWard Market.
- Coffee: Get a fall-inspired drink at one of Ottawa’s many local coffee shops - the seasonal menus at Ottawa Bike Café and Equator Coffee are always scrumptious.
- Treats: Check out more of Ottawa’s best fall treats.
Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, it’s time to take a hike. The trails in Ottawa are filled with stunning views of multicolour fall leaves that’ll leave you both speechless.
- Classic: Head to the lush multicolour forests of Gatineau Park where you can enjoy a chill hike around Pink Lake (1 hr), or challenge yourselves to climb King Mountain (1 hr) or explore Luskville Falls (2.5 hrs).
- Hidden Gem: Enjoy a long hike with a mix of boardwalks and forest paths around the Mer Bleue Bog, a conservation area with ample birdwatching and over 20km of trails!
- Adventurous: A little over 1 hour's drive from Ottawa, Eagle's Nest Lookout is a moderate hike which offers a spectacular view atop a rocky cliff over a forest as far as the eye can see.
Explore more hiking in the Ottawa region.
AFTERNOON & EVENING
Get wild at Parc Omega — a Canadian safari less than an hour from Ottawa. Drive through 12 kilometres and see deer, elk, bison, caribou and more! Grab a bag of carrots at the entrance and be amazed as the animals come right up to your car. Parc Omega makes for an incredible date experience with adorable Canadian wildlife and stunning nature views. Check out the new OmegaBon restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal while observing arctic foxes and black bears frolicking from your table.
DAY 2: Culture, cuisine and relaxation
MORNING
Start the day off by treating your partner to a delicious brunch in Ottawa.
- Classic: Check out Chesterfield's Gastro Diner in Hintonburg, a favourite among locals for delicious breakfast staples and cozy ambiance.
- Fancy: Savour modern authentic French cuisine at the sophisticated Cocotte Bistro located in the Metcalfe Hotel.
- Unique: Delve into Mediterranean flavours at Mazarine, with amazing toasts, mouthwatering shakshuka and tiramisu pancakes.
AFTERNOON
After you've fueled up, head on a romantic museum date! Ottawa is lucky to have seven of Canada’s nine national museums, where you and your partner will learn about Canadian culture, nature, history and innovation.
Canadian Museum of History: Travel through thousands of years of Canadian history and culture at Canada’s most visited museum.
Museum of Nature: Explore a castle-like museum filled with fascinating exhibits ranging from precious stones to dinosaurs! Ideal for the fun-loving couple.
Canada Science and Technology Museum: This highly interactive museum showcases Canada's scientific achivements with iconic exhibits such as the Crazy Kitchen and awe-inspiring locomotives. Perfect for the kids-at-heart.
National Gallery of Canada: Admire works by Indigenous, Canadian and international artists in one of the country’s premier art museums.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Learn about Canada’s aviation history and get up close to historic aircraft and spacecraft.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: Explore a working farm in the heart of the city and learn about Canada’s agricultural heritage. See barnyard animals up close!
Canadian War Museum: Discover powerful stories and artifacts that trace Canada’s military history.
The capital city also boasts 11 local museums! These museums highlight Ottawa's culture and history.
EVENING
After you’ve had your fill of delicious morning eats and museums, head over to one of Ottawa’s Nordic spas. Enjoy the invigorating Nordic cycle with your S.O., heating up in a sauna and cooling off in a cold plunge.
- Classic: Nordik Spa Village Chelsea is a sprawling, indoor-outdoor spa with hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, and a full range of spa services.
- Budget-friendly: Enjoy the immersive and affordable Kōena Spa an indoor-outdoor spa resort with multiple dining options and discounted rates after 5pm on the thermal experience.
- Hidden Gem: This indoor thermal cycle spa in Hintonburg offers a quiet, relaxing experience for you and your partner with excellent spa services.
Finish the day at one of Ottawa’s many romantic restaurants.
- Fine dining: Riviera, an upscale restaurant offering a blend of modern European and Canadian flavours.
- Locals love: Italian fare at Cantina Gia, a stunning and intimate restaurant.
- Amazing food & views: Feast + Revel, found inside the trendy Andaz Hotel, has a gorgeous view of the ByWard Market and showcases a menu full of New Canadian cuisine.
DAY 3: Festive fall fun for two
On the last day of your trip, make memories with your sweetheart and try something new.
- Learn a new skill: Take a couples' cooking class at C’est Bon Ottawa and learn about local food artisans.
- Engage in a friendly competition: Challenge each other to a round of axe throwing at Bad Axe Throwing or BATL Axe Throwing!
- Go on a spooky tour: Take a lantern-lit stroll through some of most Ottawa’s haunted spots with The Haunted Walk including stops at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and Bytown Museum.
Take advantage of the fun fall activities available this time of year and go on a all-day date!
- Wholesome: Head to a pumpkin patch and apple orchard with your partner for a fun date full of nostalgia.
- Spooky thrills: At Saunders Farm, not only can you find your perfect pumpkin, you can hop on a hayride, get lost in a corn maze and on the weekends, get spooked at their annual can’t-miss FrightFest!
- Playful: From the end of September until the end of October, Proulx Maple & Berry Farm is transformed into a Halloween playground, perfect for a date.
Wrap up your trip with a visit to one of Ottawa’s many incredible craft breweries. With seasonal ales on tap, you can both get into the fall spirit at the Big Rig Brewery, Mill St. Brew Pub, Beyond the Pale Brewing Company and more. Pumpkin and ginger flavoured beer is the perfect way to end your couples fall getaway to Ottawa.
