EXPLORED

Weekend Escape: Ottawa In The Winter

February 25, 2017

2017 is a special year here in Canada: our sesquicentennial! What the heck is that?! It’s our one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary. Which basically means one BIG birthday bash all year long. To celebrate, I’ve decided to focus my upcoming travels on exploring more of this incredible country of ours. The city at the top of my list? One I visit frequently and love: Ottawa, Ontario! And having just returned from a beaut, long weekend of exploring I can happily check it off my #Canada150 bucket list. You see, there was no question as to whether or not I would be visiting the nation’s capital this year, just a matter of when. I thought long and hard and figured the best time for our road trip would be during the colder months when the city proudly shows the world how Canadians embrace and celebrate life in the great white north…

Rideau Canal, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Photo c/o Sik Photography.

My one piece of advice to those visiting the city for the first time is that balance is key: you’ll want to spend some time enjoying the winter wonderland outdoors, but should also squeeze in some indoor time to thaw. That is exactly how we divided our recent long weekend jaunt with Attractions Ontario so I thought I’d share our itinerary so you, too, could plan a visit and enjoy Ottawa in the winter…

Where To Stay In Ottawa

Located in the historical ByWard Market neighbourhood, Andaz Ottawa is definitely one of the most beautifully-designed hotels I’ve stayed at in Canada. The new luxury hotel is bright, modern and a true feast for the eyes. Everywhere I looked, I spotted something I loved: the art displayed in the rooms, the gorgeous bathrooms, the copper detail throughout the hotel… I could go on and on.

Ottawa In The Winter, Andaz Ottawa, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Beyond aesthetics, the service is exceptional and the food and bev program is on point: water/wine upon arrival, free snacks and drinks in the rooms, hot chocolate in the lobby and a fab resto (feast + revel — more on that below). When you visit, make sure to grab a drink at Copper Spirits & Sights during golden hour: as the city’s tallest rooftop bar, you’re bound to enjoy epic views like this…

Ottawa In The Winter, Andaz Ottawa, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, best view in Ottawa

What To Eat In Ottawa

Breakfast/Brunch

The Rowan – You’ll find this gastropub in The Glebe, a trendy and historic neighbourhood in Ottawa. The first thing I noticed when we walked in was the green accent wall and mural which combine to create a vibrant space that is perfect for a brunch with the friends or fam. The vibe is relaxed and the menu changes seasonally. Skip the Seasonal Vegetable Salad (not worth it in my opinion) and order The Rowan Burger topped with fried zucchini, cheddar, bacon and greens with a side of ginormous potatoes…

Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, The Rowan, restaurant

feast + revel – Andaz Ottawa’s signature restaurant is not only stunning, but the cuisine is definitely a draw in and of itself. Executive Chef Stephen La Salle features New Canadian cuisine on the ingredient-driven menu and emphasizes local, organic and sustainable products. For breaky/brunch order the blueberry flapjacks, avocado on country loaf and do NOT leave without trying the house-made bagels — you can thank me later.

Feast and Revel, restaurant, brunch, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Lunch

La Bottega Nicastro – Head here for the best selection of deli meats and cheeses in the city. Hands down. The fifth generation Italian grocer has been supplying gourmet goods to locals since 1972 and knows a thing or two about quality ingredients. Slip inside the ByWard Market location for a quick takeout deli sandwich at lunch. The line up is usually long, but they’re super quick and will whip up your customized sandwich before hanger kicks in.

Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, La Bottega Nicastro, ByWard Market

Play Food & Wine – I’ve had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant on several occasions and have been impressed by their quality dishes and incredible service each and every time. The small plates are innovative, well-balanced and perfect for sharing. Order the new Grilled Halloumi with hazelnut, rose honey, date, barberry, marash — it is worth going to the resto JUST for this dish alone…

Play Food & Wine, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, restaurant

Kettleman’s Bagel Co. – This bagel spot is an institution in Ottawa and pumps out 6,000 Montreal-style bagels every day. And get this: they NEVER close — yup, they’re open 24/7 for 365 days a year. I was mesmerized by the bakers who quickly rolled out dozens of bagels right in front of my eyes. Nose pressed to the glass window, I waited for my glorious freshly-made treat…

Kettleman's Bagel Co., best bagels in Ottawa, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, Glebe

Kettleman's Bagel Co., best bagels in Ottawa, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, Glebe

Dinner

The Riviera – As we sat at the chef’s table at this stunning resto, my eyes darted from the open concept kitchen to the bar to the dining room in sheer awe. I just couldn’t believe that the restaurant was functioning at this calibre after being open for only six months. The dynamic between the staff, the knowledgeable service and the finesse of each dish and cocktail proudly presented to happy customers was truly impressive. This, my friends, is what I call a gem — a restaurant I’m certain we’ll see popping up on all kinds of must-eat lists…

Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, Riviera, restaurant

Do yourself a favour and order the Black Cod which sits on top of a heavenly carrot puree and the Grilled Octopus served with blistered shishitos and romesco sauce — you will not regret it. The only room for improvement is in the dessert category: I’d skip them altogether and order more stellar starters (like the exceptional Venison Tartare or Mushrooms on Toast with shaved black truffle and egg). Book your table now, this is one resto you do not want to miss.

Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, Riviera, restaurant

Beckta Dining and Wine Bar – Located in the historic Grant House on Elgin St., this is where you’ll want to head for a fine dining experience in Ottawa. Romantic ambiance, attentive service and consistent, high-quality dishes are a few reasons the restaurant has gained notoriety over the years (they’ve received multiple CAA/AAA Four Diamond awards which are proudly displayed at the entrance). A true leader in the Ottawa culinary scene, Stephen Beckta has pulled a team together who delivers world-class hospitality. We opted for the three-course prix fixe menu at $71/person (the other choice was a five-course chef’s tasting menu at $98/person which we sadly didn’t have room for). The Juniper-Roasted Duck Magret was the standout dish. Served on a creamy bed of polenta and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds, the duck was perfectly-cooked and paired exceptionally well with the grilled red endive. For dessert, I recommend skipping the Chocolate Stout Cake and going straight for the Pineapple Carpaccio — such an innovative, fresh and special dish!

Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, Beckta dining and wine bar, restaurant

What To Do In Ottawa

Skate On The Rideau Canal – Grab a date, your friends or fam and spend some time gliding down the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. The winding, 7.8 km canal is the heart of the city (well, at least in my opinion) and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It truly brings so much joy to the people who have the fortune of skating along its path — we were lucky enough to be there for the last skate of the season this year! My fave memory is devouring BeaverTails and sitting fireside on the canal at sunset. Pure magic.

Rideau Canal, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Be Inspired At The National Gallery of Canada – I found myself mesmerized by this art museum before even stepping foot inside. As I walked closer to the front doors, I was immediately drawn to Maman, a bronze sculpture created by Louise Bourgeois. I couldn’t help but be moved by the piece as I stood underneath the 9.25-metre spider and her 26 marble eggs. Art imitating life for this soon-to-be-mom…

Ottawa In The Winter, The National Gallery of Canada, museum, Ottawa, spider

Once inside the museum, you can expect to see beautifully-curated galleries, interior gardens and award-winning architecture designed by Moshe Safdie…

Ottawa In The Winter, The National Gallery of Canada, museum, Ottawa, spider

My favourite exhibition was the Alex Janvier retrospective: it is thought-provoking, colourful and inspiring. Indigenous art at its best. On that note, the museum will host the largest exhibition of Canadian and Indigenous art starting June 2017. Mark your calendars!

Ottawa In The Winter, The National Gallery of Canada, museum, Ottawa, spider

Reflect At The Notre-Dame Cathedral – Step inside the national historic site and take a few minutes to admire Ottawa’s oldest standing and largest church. Gothic arches, slender columns, terraced galleries and an equally-beautiful exterior…

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Church, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Winterlude – If you visit Ottawa in February, this festival is one you must experience. Taking place over three weekends along the Rideau Canal Skateway and sites across the capital, it’s winter fun for the whole family. You’ll find everything from ice sculptures lining the streets and outdoor concerts to a mega-zip line and super slides at Snowflake Kingdom. There’s even an Ice Dragon Boat Festival!! Yup, I was fortunate enough to experience the very first one (which also happened to be the first ice dragon boating event in North America)…

Ice Dragon Boat Festival, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Ice Dragon Boat Festival, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Learn Some Fun Facts At Canadian Museum of Nature – Just hearing the kids run around this museum with excitement was enough to put a smile on my face. Ok, it wasn’t just the kids… my hubby was beyond pumped for the Reptiles exhibit (his fave) while I was drawn to the larger displays: the 19-metre skeleton of a blue whale and the ginormous, inflatable jellyfish hanging from the ceiling. The museum has more than 10 million specimens in their collection so there is tons to see for the whole fam. Oh, and take a walk around the exterior of the building — she’s a beaut!

Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, museum

Explore ByWard Market – No trip to Ottawa is complete without a stroll through ByWard Market (it’s the city’s number one tourist attraction). Established in 1826, it is also one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets — you’ll find specialty food shops, cafés, indoor and outdoor stands and hundreds of businesses lining the roughly four block square…

ByWard Market, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, must-see

And while you’re there, make sure to devour the iconic BeaverTails. The hugely-popular, Canadian pastry was developed from a family recipe and first sold at a store in ByWard Market in 1980!

BeaverTails, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

BeaverTails, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Get A Better Understanding Of Our Nation’s History At Canadian Museum of History – Home to the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, this museum is our nation’s most-visited museum (they welcome over 1.2 million visitors each year) and also one of Canada’s oldest public institutions. It seems fitting to make this a must-see stop during our 150th celebrations. What better way to appreciate this beautiful country of ours than by increasing our appreciation for the people and events that have shaped our identity, right?!

Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, museum

Located in Gatineau, the museum also has a stellar view of the Parliament buildings. Oh, and there is free admission every Thursday 4 to 8 p.m!

Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario, museum

Hope this trip recap has inspired you guys to put Ottawa on your bucket list for Canada’s 150th this year. There is soooo much to see, do and eat in the city!! Our favourite time to visit is during the winter so we encourage you to get out there and embrace the great white north while you can…

Ottawa In The Winter, Winterlude, weekend getaway Ontario

Our accommodations, meals and activities were complimentary as part of a press trip to the city. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own. A huge thanks to Attractions Ontario and Ottawa Tourism for partnering with us. Make sure to visit their website to plan your trip and snag some awesome coupons!

28 Comments

  • Reply
    Sara - I do what I want to
    March 1, 2017 at 9:44 am

    Happy 150 birthday to Canada. I’ve loved reading about the best places to eat!! I never thought of Ottawa as a must see place but you’ve won the argument. Thanks for sharing

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 10:15 am

      I’m alllll about the food. And was def surprised at how quickly their culinary scene is moving forward. Hope you get a chance to visit and feast soon!!

  • Reply
    Tatum Skipper
    March 1, 2017 at 10:15 am

    I plan on doing a month long Canadian road trip this summer!! As much as I love summer time there is just something special about a place in the winter. Definitely plan on going to Ottawa because the National Gallery looks so cool! The architectural detail is on point!! As always, the food looks delicious. I have never really thought of Canada having killer food but looks like I’m wrong haha.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 10:22 am

      Where are you coming from Tatum?! And yeayyyyy to month long road trip. I was surprised at all the new restos popping up in Ottawa — Riviera is a def must. Fairouz, Datsun and Whalesbone were also on my list but I didn’t have enough time (or space) to eat there — next time! If you pop by Toronto, def connect via social/email. I’m an ambassador for the city and have TONS of food recs.

      • Reply
        Tatum Skipper
        March 7, 2017 at 5:56 pm

        I will be coming from Atlanta so we will totally stay in touch! I will be coming to Toronto towards the end I think so we should meet up!! 🙂 xoxo

        • Reply
          Solmaz
          March 9, 2017 at 8:39 am

          Yesss!! I’d love that 🙂

  • Reply
    Maggie
    March 1, 2017 at 10:30 am

    So much snow! I live in an area with no snow, so I love seeing snow pictures. The skating on the canal looks like so much fun. And the bagels look so good!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 10:34 am

      Yes, lots of snow here! Especially in Ottawa. The canal is absolutely magical — skating on it is an experience I think everyone should have on their bucket list.

  • Reply
    penelopi
    March 1, 2017 at 10:35 am

    oh thats a great article!! I was not aware of Ottawa as I never been to Canada. Thanks for the tips! I really love your snowy pictures!! 🙂

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 2:35 pm

      Hope you can visit us over here in Canada one day 🙂

  • Reply
    Stephanie Turci
    March 1, 2017 at 11:00 am

    I’ve only ever been to Montreal in Canada, but this looks gorgeous. The Alex Janvier retrospective looked so interesting, and that building is incredible!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      It really is one of the most interesting art exhibitions I’ve been to this year. We have some incredible art here in Canada — glad they are showcasing it and looking forward to the larger exhibition this spring/summer.

  • Reply
    Monica
    March 1, 2017 at 11:31 am

    Very detailed and informative. Canadian museum of nature – very interesting. Bagel picture is mouthwatering I can understand how you’re fresh Bagel would have tasted.

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      oohh that bagel.. just thinking about it makes me drool 🙂

  • Reply
    Alyssa Ramos
    March 1, 2017 at 11:54 am

    Wow Ottowa is like winter-wonderland #goals! I can’t believe how cool that winding ice skating rink is! So awesome that it’s a UNESCO site too! I’m coming to visit!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Come and lets have a skate! It’s truly one of my fave winter experiences. And you can stop along the way on the canal for treats and campfires. Magic, pure magic.

  • Reply
    Shelkey
    March 1, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    Wow! Ottawa in the winter looks incredible! I love the hotel review & food pics. Looks like you had a great time

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 1, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      Oh we did!! Glad hubby could join. And Andaz Ottawa is a gem of a hotel.

  • Reply
    Kyntra Strickland
    March 1, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    I love Canada, hope to see Ottawa one day. Winterlude looks so fun!! Lovely pictures and information, thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 2, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      I hope you make it to Ottawa soon Kyntra! Such a beaut place.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    March 1, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    Glad you had such an amazing time in Ottawa! I loved my time there, too! I hadn’t really spent any time in Ottawa before a couple of weekends ago, and I know I want to go back already. Glad hubby could join you on this one 🙂

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 2, 2017 at 1:45 pm

      Thanks Lauren! Hopefully we can coordinate and have a double date trip on day lol. Glad you guys enjoyed your visit too — Ottawa is amaze in the winter.

  • Reply
    Meghan
    March 2, 2017 at 9:57 pm

    The architecture in Ottawa looks so unique and beautiful, especially in that winter setting! The ice skating looks like tons of fun too!

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 3, 2017 at 9:14 am

      So much fun!! And yes, the architecture is lovely. I like walking around the parliament buildings at sunrise and sunset — they are magical.

  • Reply
    Mandy
    March 16, 2017 at 10:32 am

    It would be awesome for you to do a video or post on how you dress to stay warm when touring Canada in the winter! The one thing keeping me from exploring is being cold! I’m a complete cold baby lol…. what’s your layering secrets?

    • Reply
      Solmaz
      March 16, 2017 at 7:04 pm

      Ahh great idea! I’ll do that soon. My best piece of advice is to grab one of these jackets (if you live in a cold climate country)

      • Reply
        Mandy
        March 23, 2017 at 9:07 pm

        YES! I bought one this year! I read that post and loved it! I’m just not confident in my layering skills… I need warm legs lol…

        • Reply
          Solmaz
          March 24, 2017 at 12:14 pm

          Nice!! Snow pants are a must for me — they keep me soooo warm. And occasionally I’ll wear 2 layers of leggings underneath, but usually one does the trick!

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