There’s nothing better than a winter getaway to enjoy the cold season a little more! To help you plan your next stay, here’s our favorite places to visit for a weekend in Ottawa, a perfect destination if you’re looking for a nice road trip with lots of activities nearby!
1. Metcalfe Hotel
There are plenty of reasons to plan a getaway to Metcalfe Hotel, a gorgeous, renovated historic hotel in the heart of Ottawa. Some of those are Gray Collection’s signature warmth and sophistication, and a short 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, making it a great option for a cozy winter getaway.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
As soon as you set foot there, you can only be amazed by the luminous decor, thanks to the atrium, decorated with hanging plants overlooking the lounge area. It’s also impossible not to fall for the sumptuous library and want to spend hours reading under the sunshine rays.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
This elegance and comfort are also reflected in the spacious and flawlessly designed rooms at Metcalfe Hotel. Featuring large, plush beds, contemporary bathrooms, Nespresso machines and cosy bathrobes, you’ll have everything you need for a perfectly relaxing stay. We also loved the attention to detail and the little touches that make all the difference, from the bath products available to the macaroons that awaited us upon arrival. At Metcalfe, you’ll be treated like a king.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
And all this is without mentioning the direct access to Cocotte Bistro and the central location of the hotel which makes it easy to visit the city on foot, including several of the places you’ll find in the list below.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Cocotte Bistro
Nestled in the heart of Metcalfe Hotel, Cocotte Bistro will quickly become your new favourite restaurant in downtown Ottawa. A perfect spot for lovers of French cuisine, Cocotte revisits classics with a twist and with local ingredients from across Canada. In addition to the chic and distinguished main bistro, you’ll find two other areas where you can enjoy your meal: the beautiful library area and the bar.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
During our visit, we had the chance to sample several plates from their evening menu and here are some of our favorites. For the first course, we went with the freshness of the smoked salmon tartare with Provencal herbs and lavender and the delicious green beans and almond salad.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
For the main course, we highly recommend the plate of Prince Edward Island mussels and fries with a glass of Niagara Pinot Gris to accompany it all. If you prefer red meat, we recommend the braised veal cheek with oyster mushrooms and Brussels sprouts, a delicious dish that melts in your mouth.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
To end the evening in style, we were tempted by two divine desserts: the pistachio crème brûlée and the lemon and passion fruit tart. These two options complement each other wonderfully with the sweetness of the crème brûlée and the acidity of the lemon tart. Also not to be missed is the Ottawa-Brest, Cocotte Bistro’s version of the French classic, the Paris-Brest.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
We loved our dinner experience so much that we also ended our Ottawa getaway by trying their brunch menu! We opted for the decadent lemon French toast with vanilla and cinnamon butter, accompanied by a large bowl of fresh fruit. If, like us, you love to make a sweet and savoury mix for brunch, we recommend you accompany your French toast with the tasty duck confit pancakes with a runny egg! A real delight!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Rideau Canal
Ottawa’s quintessential winter activity, a visit to the nation’s capital wouldn’t be complete without skating on the Rideau Canal. Considered the world’s largest natural skating rink, you’ll find multiple access points along the 7.8 km long skateway.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
The skating season usually starts around mid-January and ends in early March, but the official opening depends on weather conditions. We therefore recommend that you visit the National Capital Commission website to check the ice conditions. When the rink is open, you can access it 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and it is completely free.
4. Ottawa’s most beautiful parks
With a stay in Canada’s capital, you’ll be surrounded by many historic monuments, and winter is a great time to explore them from a different perspective. Just a few minutes’ walk from Metcalfe Hotel, you’ll find two parks: Confederation Park and, our favourite, the stunning Major’s Hill Park, which offers great views of the city. Then, head near Parliament Hill to continue your winter stroll through Canada’s history.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
5. ByWard Market
A foodie destination in the heart of Ottawa, ByWard Market is a neighbourhood that includes restaurants, specialty stores, and local craft and clothing boutiques. After a little shopping, we recommend taking a stroll to discover the murals and street art that line Byward Market’s surroundings. Finally, to start the evening off right, stop at the Apothecary Cocktail Lounge, then next door at Starling to try their modern market cuisine.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
6. Ottawa’s best museums
For culture lovers, Ottawa is a city of choice with no shortage of amazing museums. For creative types, Ottawa Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Canada are must-see stops, while the Canadian Museum of History will take you on a journey through time.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Rideau Hall
Visiting Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, is definitely an activity to add on your itinerary on your next getaway to Ottawa. Located just minutes from Parliament Hill, this historic estate fascinates with its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll learn more about our country’s past while exploring breathtakingly decorated rooms that have witnessed royal and diplomatic visits. Admission is free, but you must reserve a time slot in advance.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
8. Ottawa’s best coffee shops
The Canadian capital will also charm coffee lovers with its charming spots, including Drip House, our favorite one. Aside from the superb decor, the relaxed atmosphere and their delicious lattes, it’s spacious and therefore allows you to enjoy a good cozy moment.
Here are other excellent coffee shops to keep in mind for your next stay in Ottawa:
And if you prefer tea, stop by Vanitea Room for an elegant brunch or a memorable afternoon tea in their pretty decor.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. Fairmont Château Laurier
Towering over downtown Ottawa, Fairmont Château Laurier is an architectural icon with timeless charm. This historic hotel, opened in 1912, seduces with its French château look and refined elegance. It features the gourmet restaurant Zoe’s, a sublime indoor pool and a chic atmosphere worthy of the grandest palaces. A place of passage for celebrities and dignitaries, Fairmont Château Laurier offers a luxurious experience in the heart of the capital, just a few steps from Rideau Canal.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. RiverOak
Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, RiverOak’s outdoor skating rink is a winter wonderland. You can explore a fairytale-like forest on over 3 km of icy trails. In addition to skating, you can snowshoe, play hockey and warm up by the fire with a delicious hot chocolate. A little corner pf paradise for outdoor enthusiasts!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Mer Bleue Bog
To admire the boreal landscape, don’t forget to stop at Mer Bleue Bog. Spread over more than 20 km of trails, this ecological reserve is home to amazing flora and fauna and can be explored in part via a raised wooden footbridge. During winter, you can enjoy peaceful walks, on foot or on snowshoes, in the heart of a rare and preserved ecosystem!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Bonus places
If time permits or if you plan to spend more time in Ottawa, there are several other interesting activities available in the surrounding area. For hiking enthusiasts, Gatineau Park is the ideal playground while Nordik Spa Nature in Chelsea is the perfect spot to rest and relax in an enchanting setting. And if you want to continue your stroll through history, don’t hesitate to stop by Meech Lake or Carbide Willson Ruins.
We hope these recommendations will help you plan a wonderful stay in Ottawa and explore our favorite places in the Canadian capital!
Have a great winter getaway!
*This article was written following a press trip with Destination Ontario. It’s based on our own experience and authentic opinions.
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