Ottawa may be the capital of Canada, but in winter it transforms into the capital of holiday rom-coms. Thanks to its architecture, film industry and affordability, Ottawa hosts dozens of holiday movies each summer — but the all-Ottawa cast and crew of Magic on Set bundled up to capture the magic of a true Canadian winter, real snow and all. If you haven’t seen the film yet, pause here and stream it first (spoilers ahead!).
This one-day itinerary lets you relive the movie’s most memorable moments while discovering the real-life history, charm and warmth of Ottawa in the holiday season. Whether you’re searching for your “Christmas mojo” like Sarah or just want a cozy day full of lights and treats, this itinerary is your ticket to magic.
Morning: start where the magic begins – Fairmont Château Laurier
Begin your day at the Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa’s grand castle-like hotel overlooking the Rideau Canal. Built in 1912, the Château has welcomed world leaders and stars including Nelson Mandela, Joni Mitchell, Carrie Fisher and Bryan Adams.
This is where Sarah gets a big note from the director and realizes her Christmas mojo is gone. Step into the lobby, admire the chandeliers and the Trees of Hope, each beautifully decorated by local businesses to support the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and make a dramatic descent down the stairs in a red gown (you are packing one, right?).
Melinda Shankar as Sarah, making her grand entrance down the Château Laurier steps in Magic on Set.
Late morning: coffee & meet-cute at Little Victories
Pop into Little Victories Coffee Roasters for a perfectly brewed latte or pour-over. This is where Sarah and David have their chaotic meet-cute — involving a tray of freshly baked cookies and a very apologetic Sarah.
Little Victories is right across from the Ottawa Visitor Centre and Sparks Street, and it’s a favourite spot for Members of Parliament to grab coffee between sessions. Order from the seasonal menu and sip slowly while you people-watch.
Jamie Fine as The Barista, describing the holiday menu at Little Victories Coffee in Magic on Set.
Afternoon: shop, snack and skate at the Ottawa Christmas Market
Head to Lansdowne for the Ottawa Christmas Market, which kicks off with the annual tree lighting on November 21 and runs until New Year’s Eve. This is the real-life location of David and Sam’s Cookie Cabin – though during the actual season, get your sugar fix with a one-of-a-kind stuffed cookie from STUFFED Cookies by Kat.
Browse the vendor cabins for gifts, grab a hot drink, and enjoy the magical backdrop of the Aberdeen Pavilion, one of the oldest surviving indoor ice hockey venues in the world. Built in 1898, it once hosted NHL hockey games and agricultural shows as part of the Central Canada Exhibition.
While you’re here, rent skates and glide around the Lansdowne Skating Court. Even if you’re a beginner, you can pull a Sarah and grab someone’s hand to stay upright — it’s practically a rom-com requirement.
Sarah (Shankar) and David (Chad Connell) strolling through the Ottawa Christmas Market in Magic on Set.
Dinner: get cozy at Riviera
Sarah and David never make it to their reservation at Riviera, but you absolutely should. This acclaimed restaurant, housed in a former bank, features soaring ceilings and a 25-metre-long brass bar. In 2025, Riviera was awarded Best Restaurant Bar in Canada, and it’s easy to see why — the seasonal menu and expertly crafted cocktails make it one of the city’s most romantic dining spots, perfect for an intimate date night.
Interior of Riviera, featured in Magic on Set.
Evening treat: BeaverTails & warm drinks
Grab an iconic BeaverTail at one of several locations across the city; including the Ottawa Christmas Market! Pair your treat with a seasonal hot chocolate, mulled cider or local craft beverage from one of the market vendors. If you have time, pop over to the flagship BeaverTails stand in the ByWard Market, where you might get to try a secret-menu savoury version.
The fried-dough pastry was first sold here in 1978 and has since become a Canadian classic. Go for the Killaloe Sunrise (cinnamon, sugar and lemon) or the chocolate hazelnut for something gooey and rich. Like Sarah, don’t be surprised when you start feeling the holiday spirit after the first bite!
Sarah (Shankar) and David (Connell) share a BeaverTail at the Ottawa Christmas Market in Magic on Set.
Night: heartfelt conversations at the Canadian Museum of Nature
Cap off your day at the Canadian Museum of Nature, where Sarah and David share one of the film’s most vulnerable moments. The museum’s glowing moon sculpture sets the perfect scene for heartfelt conversations.
During the day, explore indoor exhibits ranging from towering dinosaur skeletons to the tropical Butterflies in Flight, where you can warm up as butterflies drift gently around you. Don’t miss Qikiqtait ᕿᑭᖅᑕᐃᑦ , a powerful exhibition sharing the story of the Sanikiluarmiut (people of Sanikiluaq) and their stewardship of their homeland in the Belcher Islands.
Sarah (Shankar) and David (Connell) reveal their past heartbreaks at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Magic on Set.
Late night: explore the ByWard Market
After the museum, finish your evening back in the ByWard Market, a neighbourhood that’s been a hub for trade since the 1820s. A market building has stood here for almost 200 years, surviving fires, dismantlings and multiple rebuilds — the current building will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Inside, warm up with a snack or browse local vendors. Outside, buskers play live music year-round, and the Ottawa sign glows in festive colours. It’s a great spot for a nightcap, a stroll or a perfectly staged “we have magic” moment.
Sarah (Shankar) and David (Connell) admire the Ottawa letters - and each other - in the ByWard Market in Magic on Set.
Bonus: fall in love with Ottawa’s shawarma
Before calling it a night, grab a late-night shawarma, a rite of passage for anyone visiting Ottawa. The city has the most shawarma restaurants per capita in the world, so you really can’t go wrong — but if you need inspiration, check out this guide.
Fans of Magic on Set will love this nod to Sarah’s co-star (played by local news anchor Stefan Keyes), who memorably whips out mouth spray after a shawarma feast.
Left to right: Sarah (Shankar), The Director (Sarah McVie) and The Co-Star (Stefan Keyes) prepare for a scene in Magic on Set.
Make your own Ottawa magic
Ottawa is more than just a backdrop — it’s a character in every holiday movie filmed here. From cozy markets and glowing lights to heartfelt moments under the stars, this city has everything you need to make your own holiday magic. By the end of the day, you just might find your Christmas mojo too. Find more ideas for the holiday season in Ottawa.
