Vineyard hopping
Did you know Ottawa is home to a handful of local wineries? A day could be easily spent vineyard hopping from one outdoor tasting patio to the next, sampling some of the finest pinot noirs and chardonnays Ottawa’s rural communities have to offer! Whether you’re both wine aficionados or just looking to sample some local vino, a day spent in the countryside with a bottle of wine and charcuterie board is a day well spent. Local wineries to add to your hit list include Jabulani Vineyard & Winery, Domaine Perrault Winery, Vignoble Clos du Vully, and KIN Vineyards.
Flight for two
Take your next date to new heights with a romantic ride for two on in an open cockpit biplane! For the most unique view of the city, Ottawa Aviation Adventures (formerly Ottawa Biplane Adventures) will deliver with a sky-high look at downtown Ottawa, the Ottawa River and even Parliament Hill. All you have to do is sit back, relax and have your camera ready.
Make it a spa day
Treat your date to a day dedicated to relaxation. Just a short drive north of Ottawa in Chelsea, Que. you'll find the Nordik Spa-Nature, a Scandinavian-inspired oasis. It’s the largest spa of its kind in North America, making it the perfect place to get absolutely pampered with plush robes, saunas, massage treatments and finished off with a cocktail in the infinite pool. Or turn your date day into a spa-cation and stay within the city and indulge in luxurious treatments like a clay body wrap or hot stone massage at Holtz Spa.
Head to the water
Feel the sun on your face and wind in your hair as you hit the open water and plan your next date on one of Ottawa’s picture-perfect waterways. Choose a relaxing ride on a fully electric boat through the city with Rideau Canal Cruises or get up close water-side views of Parliament Hill and a waterfall on the mighty Ottawa River with World Famous Paul’s Boat Line. Prefer to paddle your way along the Rideau Canal? Rent a tandem kayak, canoe or your own standup paddleboards at the Dows Lake Pavilion Marina and explore the waterways just the two of you.
Stroll around the Farmers’ Market
The Farmers’ Market is the perfect place for a daytime date as you stroll hand-in-hand through the outdoor stalls in search of the freshest in-season produce or sweetest homemade treat. Get inspired by the fruits and vegetables and plan your next home cooked meal together or buy your loved one a bouquet of flowers or a new plant to bring home. Whatever you choose, you’ll get to support local farmers, vendors and businesses! The ByWard and Parkdale markets are now open daily, the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne is open every Sunday and in Westboro every Saturday, and the Carp Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday.
Pack a picnic
Planning a picnic for your special someone but don’t know where to start? Let someone else take care of the prepping for you! Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, just southeast in Ottawa’s countryside, has a socially distanced Picnic on the Farm every Saturday just for this occasion. Their picnic includes a homemade lunch made of farm fresh fare with an add-on option of local craft beer, cider or wine! Be sure to pre-book your time slot. Another hassle-free option is an urban picnic at your favourite park or green space with your favourite local take out. Bring your blanket, find a spot looking out over Parliament Hill or the Rideau Canal and take full advantage of a beautiful day.
