A sunny Winter day in Ottawa can feel like you’re walking through a postcard. If you’re looking to seize the day with your significant other and explore what Ottawa has to offer, here are six date ideas to make the most of this Winter.
1. Winterlude is back!
The Ottawa/Gatineau winterfest aka Winterlude is back for the first time since 2020 and will be running on weekends from February 3rd to 20th. With over 200 activities featuring ice sculptures, a super slide, ski and snowboard lessons, the winter fun is limitless.
For the full breakdown of the calendar, check it out here!
2. Take advantage of free entry to museums
Museum dates are super underrated, especially when you can explore for free. Here is a list of museums and when you can pencil them into your next date night:
Free daily entry:
- The Ontario Art Gallery (for 25 and under),
- Bank of Canada Museum.
Free daily entry between 4:00-5:00 pm:
- Canadian Aviation and Space Museum,
- Canadian Science and Technology Museum,
- Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.
For Thursday night dates:
- Canadian Museum of History (free 5:00-7:00 pm)
- Canadian Museum of War (free 5:00-7:00 pm)
- National Gallery of Canada (free 5:00-8:00 pm)
- Canadian Museum of Nature (free 5:00-8:00 pm)
3. Relax Nordik, Kōena Spa, or Uppliva Spa
Less than 20 minutes away from downtown Ottawa, Nordik Spa is an oasis for relaxation and wellness that focuses on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques. With a variety of 10 pools, 9 saunas (the citrus sauna is a personal favourite), the calming music and beautiful scenery makes it such a treat.
You can also escape to Kōena Spa just down the Ottawa river, where you can alternate between the heat of the saunas, the coolness of the waterfall and their Himalayan salt room. Not to mention, after you wrap up your day of relaxation, you can enjoy a delicious meal at KaTO, a Japanese fusion restaurant located in the lobby of the DoubleTree Hotel.
While we haven’t experienced Koēna Spa ourselves, we’ve only heard good things!
If you’re looking to stay in the Ottawa area, you can enjoy an afternoon at Uppliva Spa in Hintonburg. They provide the Nordic steam-sauna circuit in an urban and more intimate setting, allowing you take a break from your busy day to fully indulge in the relaxing experience.
4. Go on a distillery tour at VODKOW in Almonte
Less than an hour away from Ottawa is the home to “the future of cream liqueurs”.
You might’ve seen VODKOW stands before at TD Place or the Lansdowne Christmas market, but did you know that for only $10 you can go on a full tour of the distillery and taste all of their available products? This is the perfect experience for people that have gone to breweries and wine tasting tours and want to try something new.
5. Skate the largest skating rink in the world or River Oak Skating Trail
When the Canal is open, the 7.8km rink makes for a fun, active adventure and the perfect time to grab a warm hot chocolate and beavertail. Check out when the Canal is open here!
If you’re a skating enthusiast, you’ll want to check out the River Oak Skating Trail in Metcalfe where you can skate on a beautiful path that goes through a 4 acre forest, up hills, and around twists and turns. Get your tickets here.
6. Ottawa is getting a brand new indoor roller rink
Opening in February 2023, 4 Wheelies is bringing back the golden era of roller skating. As a locally owned business, they want to give some Ottawa folks a dose of nostalgia and introduce the activity to a new generation. Skate with your friends with the roller skates you might’ve seen from the 70s and 80s to keep the experience as authentic as possible. We’ve been waiting for something like this to come to Ottawa!
We’d love to hear if you try any of these out – tag us in your Instagram Stories @seyergroup!
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