The ultimate fall girls’ getaway in Ottawa

Updated on October 30, 2026

Autumn gives an Ottawa weekend away with friends a natural rhythm: crisp mornings made for coffee, afternoons among changing leaves and evenings that call for good food and cocktails.

This three-day itinerary brings together cozy cafés, national museums, scenic fall colours, spa experiences, local restaurants, brunch spots and walkable shopping neighbourhoods for an easy weekend escape in Canada’s capital.

Quick itinerary: an Ottawa fall girls’ weekend

Day 1: Coffee, museums, afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner in Ottawa

Day 2: Spa experiences, fall hiking trails and Ottawa restaurants

Day 3: Brunch, local boutiques, farmers’ markets and shopping in Ottawa neighbourhoods

Best fall girls’ trip ideas in Ottawa

Start your Ottawa weekend getaway with coffee, culture and museums.

Indulge in afternoon tea, cocktails and local dining in the ByWard Market and downtown Ottawa.

Relax at Ottawa-area spas, including Nordic-style wellness experiences near the city.

See fall colours along Ottawa hiking trails, Gatineau Park, the Ottawa River Pathway and the National Capital Greenbelt.

Enjoy brunch, local boutiques, farmers’ markets and shopping in Ottawa neighbourhoods.

Treat yourself to seasonal fall sweets, including classic BeaverTails and other Ottawa fall treats.

A café table with a latte, matcha and magazines.

Photo: Glebe Business Improvement Area

Day 1: Coffee, culture and museums in Ottawa

MORNING

Get coffee with the girls

Explore one of Ottawa's independent coffee roasters, with locations across the city including these convenient downtown locations:

Equator Coffee: Try something off their seasonal menu at the National Arts Centre and do some downtown sightseeing!

Happy Goat Coffee Company: Fuel up on Elgin Street before perusing unique Ottawa souvenir shops.

Little Victories: People watch from their patio, just across from the National War Memorial, and steps away from Parliament Hill.

AFTERNOON

Museums and gallery hopping

National Gallery of Canada: Home to the world's largest collection of Canadian art.

Canadian Museum of History: Cross the Ottawa River for Canadian stories and striking architecture. One of the collection highlights is an extensive indoor display of totem poles.

Canadian Museum of Nature: Housed in a striking castle-like building, this museum features Arctic wildlife, dazzling minerals and interactive exhibits.

Ottawa Art Gallery: Admission is free, making it easy to drop in to see exhibitions centred on artists and culture from the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

EVENING

Afternoon tea, cocktails and great food

Shift from sightseeing to sharing a meal, afternoon tea or cocktails before continuing your getaway.

Zoe’s at Fairmont Chateau Laurier: Make afternoon tea the occasion, with English scones, sandwiches, sweets and LOT 35 teas served inside the landmark hotel.

Split Tree Cocktail Workshop: Turn drinks into an activity with a cocktail – or mocktail – workshop where you can learn how to craft your own.

Apothecary Lounge: Head underground in the ByWard Market to a Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar. The Mortician stands out for its smoky presentation.

Charlotte: If your group would rather settle in somewhere casual, this Elgin Street wine and cocktail lounge takes its cues from a comfortable living room.

Photo: Stephanie Bureau

Day 2: Pampering, hiking and dining

Day two trades downtown exploring for a slower morning at the spa followed by an afternoon outdoors.

MORNING

Unwind and relax at the spa

Kōena Spa: A tranquil spa experience featuring Nordic baths, massages and wellness treatments.

Holtz Spa: Convenient if you’re staying downtown, this ByWard Market spa offers massages, facials and other treatments.

Au Naturel Spa: At Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata, the full-service spa offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and body treatments.

AFTERNOON

Take in fall colours in Ottawa’s great outdoors

Once you’ve changed out of the robe, spend a few hours outside. Ottawa and the surrounding region give you several ways to see autumn colour, from a relaxed riverside walk to a more challenging hike.

Ottawa River Pathway: Follow the river for views that include Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and the Canadian War Museum. It’s an easy option to fit into a city-centred weekend, whether you explore on foot or by bike.

Gatineau Park: Forest, lakes and lookouts make the park a natural choice during fall colour season. Match the hike to your group: the Pioneers and Sugar Bush trails provide shorter, easier options, while Pink Lake, Champlain and King Mountain offer a moderate challenge.

National Capital Greenbelt: With forests, wetlands and more than 150 kilometres of trails, the Greenbelt offers plenty of possibilities for a quieter nature break around Ottawa.

EVENING

Explore Ottawa’s culinary scene

After a day of exploring, take girl's dinner to the next level at one of Ottawa's best spots. Ottawa's culinary scene has everything from delicious vegan and vegetarian options to must-try international cuisine, making it easy to find something everyone will enjoy.

Alora: Modern comfort food with bold, seasonal flavours and shareable plates in the heart of the ByWard Market.

Pure Kitchen: A useful choice for groups with different dietary preferences, serving made-from-scratch vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes alongside juices, smoothies, cocktails, local beer and wine. The cauliflower wings are a popular pick to consider.

Thali: Regional Indian flavours and shareable dishes make this an easy group-dinner option. Try the original thali if you want to sample several preparations on one plate.

Save room for dessert! Ottawa has some of the best fall treats to indulge your sweet tooth.

Brunch at Art-is-In bakery in Hintonburg

Day 3: Brunch and shopping

Keep the final day relaxed: meet over brunch, then spend the afternoon browsing charming neighbourhoods, local boutiques and popular shopping destinations around the city.

MORNING

Best spots for a girls brunch

Feast + Revel: A stylish ByWard Market brunch spot serving classic favourites, from berry-topped oats and house-made granola to eggs Benedict and omelettes.

The Manx: This cozy Elgin Street pub known for homemade brunch favourites like classic egg breakfasts, vegan tofu scramble and longtime favourite huevos rancheros.

Explore the best Ottawa brunch spots for more yummy dining options.

AFTERNOON

Discover local shops

Explore shops in key neighbourhoods or go based on your group’s interests!

The Glebe: A charming, walkable neighbourhood lined with local boutiques and specialty shops, plus the Ottawa Farmers Market and 613flea

Rideau and the ByWard Market: a historic and bustling market with independent shops eateries, plus the nearby CF Rideau Centre with 170+ retailers

Kanata: Venture to the west end of Ottawa for the Tanger Outlets - A favourite among bargain hunters, with outlet stores offering discounts on a wide range of top brands.

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Ottawa is the ideal destination for your next girls' getaway. When it’s time to head home, one thing is for certain – you'll all be looking forward to the next one!

FAQ: Fall girls’ getaways in Ottawa

Is Ottawa a good destination for a girls’ weekend?

Yes. Museums, spas, restaurants and shopping can be combined with walkable neighbourhoods and time outdoors, making it possible to build a weekend around several interests.

What are the best things to do on a fall girls’ getaway in Ottawa?

The best things to do include visiting Ottawa cafés, exploring national museums, booking a spa experience, seeing fall colours, dining at local restaurants, going for brunch and shopping in neighbourhoods such as The Glebe, Westboro and the ByWard Market area.

Where can you see fall colours in Ottawa?

Popular places to see fall colours in Ottawa include the Ottawa River Pathway, Major’s Hill Park, the National Capital Greenbelt, Gatineau Park and scenic routes along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River.

What are the best spas near Ottawa for a girls’ trip?

Popular spa options for a girls’ trip near Ottawa include Kōena Spa, Holtz Spa in the ByWard Market and Au Naturel Spa at Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata.

How many days do you need for an Ottawa girls’ getaway?

Three days is ideal for an Ottawa girls’ getaway because it gives you time for cafés, museums, spa experiences, fall colours, restaurants, brunch and shopping without feeling rushed.

Plan your fall getaway to Ottawa

Bring your favourite people together and make Ottawa your next fall weekend away, with plenty of room between the museums, colourful trails, spa time and dinner reservations to simply enjoy being together.

The ultimate fall girls’ getaway in Ottawa

Quick itinerary: an Ottawa fall girls’ weekend

Best fall girls’ trip ideas in Ottawa