Our Weekend Guide To Ottawa

Ottawa is so much more than just a government town – the host city for the 2017 JUNO Awards has a burgeoning music, dining and shopping scene that offers a...

We’re sharing just a few of our must do’s for the perfect weekend in Ottawa.

Eat a Kettleman’s Bagel 

Kettleman’s crafts world famous Montreal-style bagels in a wood burning oven right in front of your eyes – making up to 6,000 bagels every day. In addition to 14 different types of bagels they also make delicious deli sandwiches and other varieties of baked goods. There’s literally never a bad time to stop by, Kettleman’s is open 365 days a year!

Visit the Ottawa Art Gallery 

The Ottawa Art Gallery is a result of years of lobbying by local artists for a space that would represent the contemporary movement within in the Ottawa Art scene. Today it is considered by many to be to be the Ottawa’s premier contemporary art gallery. You can check out their programming calendar here.

Wet your whistle at The Brig Pub 

The Brig Pub is located by the Byward market and is a cozy watering hole serving up elevated pub fare with great tunes and friendly service. Be sure to snag a seat by the working fireplace if you can during the winter months or on the beautiful terrace during the spring or summer.

Shop The Byward Market 

The Byward Market is one of the oldest commercial hubs in Canada. The first market was erected on George St. in 1827 and now this open-air, year-round market serves as a locavore food-lovers paradise. Here you can find plenty of locally-farmed products and artisanal wares with 260 stands, as well as over 600 businesses.

Sip a Bridgehead Coffee

In Ottawa this indie coffee chain reigns supreme – it’s more common to see these coffee cups around certain parts than Starbucks. Their focus is serving up on-premise roasted fair-trade coffees and teas. Pop in for a caffeine fix throughout the day and pick up some freshly roasted beans to take home with you as a souvenir.

Catch a flick at The Mayfair

This theatre is one of the oldest surviving independent movie houses in Canada, famous for never having been owned by, or affiliated with, any of the major cinema chains. The Mayfair primarily runs screenings of indie flicks and cult classics and on occasion they have a live orchestra play the score to silent films such as Nosferatu. If you’re in the need of some down time during your visit be sure to catch a film at this grand old dame.

Enjoy some Seafood at Whalesbone on Elgin 

The Whalesbone boasts a casual vibe with friendly staff, great ambience and some of the best sustainably sourced seafood in town. This cozy gem even has their own meat aging room and award-winning oyster shucking champs on staff. They also have a brown bag option if you’re looking for lunch on the-go.

Stroll or Skate The Rideau Canal 

The Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa’s most picturesque scenes and Ontario’s only UNESCO world heritage sites. Visitors can experience the charm of the canal by indulging in a Beaver Tail and strolling or skating the largest naturally-frozen skating rink in the world during the winter months. The Rideau Canal is a hotbed of activity and tourism any time of year.

Brunch at Copper Spirits and Sights for those that aren’t afraid of heights

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This rooftop lounge of the Hyatt Hotel offers craft beer, cocktails and small plates served up with the best views in Ottawa. The last Sunday of every month they offer their beats + bubbles brunch.

As you can see there’s so much more to our Nation’s capital than meets the eye. You may need to call in sick on Monday to fit it all in!

Posted on March 14 2017, By: Steam Whistle

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