Are you looking for fun and creative ideas to celebrate the dad in your life this year? Whether he’s a golfer, beer afficionado, sports fan or outdoor enthusiast, Ottawa has options for every dad to enjoy. To help you plan, we’ve rounded up a few great ways to spend time together for Father’s Day (or any time you want to show him how much you care!)
Hit the links
Ottawa has no shortage of golf courses, both in the city and surrounding areas. Whether you want to stick close to home or venture somewhere new, there are options to suit every skill level and budget. Popular options include centrally located Pine View Golf Course and the 9-hole executive course at Amberwood Village Golf and Country Club in Stittsville.
No time for a round? Golf enthusiasts can also practice their swing at one of Ottawa’s driving ranges, such as the 19th Tee, Kevin Haime Golf Centre or Target Golf Centre.
Raise a glass
The Ottawa craft brewery scene is thriving, with a wide range of choices all around the city for beer-loving dads. Even better, you can combine beer with one of his other passions, like music (Brew Revolution) or pizza (Spark Beer).
Head to CRAFT Beer Market at Lansdowne for the Props to Pops all you can eat brunch buffet!
For the ultimate local craft beer experience, let Brew Donkey do the work with its half and full-day bus tours that take you to multiple local breweries. At each location, you’ll sample the beer while enjoying behind the scenes access and learning about the brewing process. Brew Donkey also offers specialty tours that include tickets for sporting events and local attractions.
The popular Orleans Craft Beer Festival also returns this year, featuring local breweries, food and live music in the city’s east end.
Catch a game
What better way to spend an afternoon or evening together than taking in the action of one of the city’s many sports teams? Ottawa has something for every fan, from Atlético Ottawa soccer, Ottawa Blackjacks basketball and OTTAWA Redblacks football at TD Place to the Ottawa Titans baseball team at the Ottawa Stadium, just east of downtown.
Take a hike (or a ride)
Connect with each other in the great outdoors on one of the Ottawa area’s many scenic hiking trails. From the rugged beauty of Gatineau Park to the Greenbelt’s 150+ kilometres of ecologically diverse trails, there are plentiful options for hikes in and around Ottawa. A little further afield, the Calabogie area in the Ottawa Valley offers a network of trails that wind through pristine forests and climb to spectacular lookout views.
If cycling is more his speed, Ottawa has more than 800 kilometres (497 miles) of multi-use pathways to explore. For an adrenaline rush, head off road for some exhilarating mountain biking. Gatineau Park is the area’s most popular destination for seasoned mountain bikers, with 90 kilometres (56 miles) of trails through hilly, rugged terrain.
Think outside the box
For the dad who has everything, don’t despair — Ottawa has you covered for unique experiences that are perfect for celebrating together. Here are a few of our favourite outside the box ideas for fun with the dad(s) in your life.
Take him to new heights with an aerial tour of the city courtesy of Select Aviation College or Ottawa Aviation Adventures, featuring a bird’s eye view of the local scenery and landmarks.
If he enjoys a good puzzle, escape rooms can be a lot of fun. As an alternative to the traditional escape room experience, Adventure City Games allows you to explore the city using your smartphone. You’ll travel on foot between iconic Ottawa locations, solving puzzles along the way using only the clues provided, your phone and your brain power.
Does he have the travel bug? Take him to Italy without leaving Ottawa! The annual Ottawa Italian Festival's Grand Finale Weekend (June 14-16, 2024) features mouth-watering food, live music and street performers, and many other activities to enjoy. Car lovers take note: the Ottawa chapter of the Ferrari Club of America holds its Ferrari Festival in conjunction with the Ottawa Italian Festival, featuring more than 50 Ferraris and other rare Italian and exotic sports cars.
Be sure to consult the Ottawa Tourism Event Calendar for many more fun things to do with your favourite dad(s) all year round!
