Dating is moving towards wanting to try new experiences together. A good coffee date or happy hour can be lots of fun, but we’re here to help you pick out the perfect activity to impress your partner and have a little more fun this year.
Here are 15 things you can do for your next date night in Ottawa:
Of course, we couldn’t completely go without listing some awesome restaurants in Ottawa. To emphasize the “experience” component, we’ve covered the restaurants that offer tasting menus or chefs menus to help you explore (and hopefully expand) your culinary palette.
1. E18hteen
A contemporary fine-dining experience with traditional French with seasonal Canadian influences, it’s a true juxtaposition with the historical nature of the restaurant’s location (constructed in 1867).
You’ll want to try the 5 course tasting menu curated by Executive Chef David Godsoe.
2. The Unrefined Olive
This olive oil and balsamic tasting bar, sources from small producers all over the world. From Spain, Italy and Greece to Australia, South Africa, Chile and Argentina, you can have the best there is to offer.
You can even taste everything in the store, with over sixty different olive oils and balsamic, you get an informative guide and experience you’ll cherish.
3. The Soca Kitchen
Currently exclusive to the Beechwood location, the blind tapas tasting dinner is a very affordable date night option at $28/person.
This unique dining experience allows you to enjoy the chef’s favourite dishes, each served to you without knowing what’s in it (don’t be alarmed, they may be able to accommodate dietary restrictions – just ask!).
4. Beckta
Beckta’s fine dining rooms demonstrate a fine dining experience can be warm and approachable, and still feel like a luxurious experience. With exceptional hospitality, the five-course, interactive chef’s tasting menu makes for an unforgettable meal.
5. Carben Food + Drink
The name Carben is taken from the owners’ names (a husband and wife duo), which makes this option even more appropriate for your next date night.
They prioritize sustainably sourced ingredients to make great food in a welcoming environment, with excellent service. Although the wine pairings are an optional add-on to the tasting menu, it is as carefully thought out as every dish served.
If you and your partner like to get into some friendly-competition or don’t want to be glued to a seat all night, we have something for you!
6. Playback on Bank St.
Imagine playing lawn games, except you’re completely indoors.
At Playback, you can enjoy games like cornhole, bocce or shuffleboard without dealing with the summer bugs (we know they get bad in Ottawa). Inside the bar space, you’re surrounded with fairy lights and outdoor decor that makes it feel like you’re on a patio.
7. Partee Putt on Preston
Not your average mini-golf course, each hole has a funky, nostalgic theme, and is tons of fun!
This adult-friendly venue has a full selection of drinks and iconic staples from the Prescott (aka their upstairs neighbour) so you can also eat and drink during the fun. For our Game of Thrones fans, there is even an iron throne… Well an iron throne made of your iron clubs.
8. Level One Game Pub (formerly The Loft)
With 1,300+ board games and 1,000+ video games, plus food and drinks, you can honestly be here for hours!
This super fun spot is only $8 per person for stay and play, which means you can play as many games as you’d like and grab specialty coffee and great pub fare to keep you energized.
9. The Orange Monkey Bar & Billiards
A great option for late-night pool games with 14 tables so you won’t have to wait for a turn (yes, this can be a spontaneous date night decision).
The casual laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy time with your partner even if it’s your first time playing or making your return to the game.
10. VR Adventures Zone
Did you know that Ottawa is home to the largest Virtual Reality gaming park in Canada?! At 13,000+ square feet of Virtual Reality adventures, you can enjoy social, immersive and active entertainment tailored to your interests from adrenaline filled zombie fighting or relaxing encounters with whales, there’s something for everyone.
Just looking to share a new experience with your partner or simply indulge in their company, then we have a range of options to choose from!
11. Interzip Zip-Lining
Take a ride on the first inter-provincial zip line! Interzip takes you across the Ontario/Quebec border over the Ottawa River and views of Parliament.
It’s a fun ecotourism activity and once you’re finished and the adrenaline calms down you can treat yourself to a meal at one of their partner restaurants with a discount!
Our Seyer team actually did the Interzip Ziplining as a team activity, and we 10/10 recommend! Check out our experience here.
12. Mud Oven
This paint your own pottery studio is the cutest activity to design a personalized ceramic for your partner or show off your personality in a new statement piece for your home. It’s a fun, bonding experience to experiment with your painting skills (or lack thereof lol).
Plus it’s something that you’ll always get to remember when you see it at home.
13. Catch a Comedy Show
Sometimes date nights are during the week and it can be hard to find something special to do. Luckily if you’re looking for a good laugh, Absolute Comedy has shows running every night!
A stand-up show is an underrated, affordable date night activity you know you’ll love.
14. Ottawa Boat Cruise
We love an opportunity to be a tourist in our own city, it reminds us of how beautiful Ottawa really is.
On the Ottawa Boat Cruise, you’ll capture the city’s best angles during a relaxing trip along the Canal or the Ottawa River. It’s a romantic setting to indulge in stunning views and great company.
15. Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre
We promise that this is worth the drive!
Port Elmsley Drive-In has been serving the community since 1953 and showing movies under the stars for thousands of people to enjoy. With the newest films on rotation, why not ditch your couch to watch your next movie. You can also consider heading up a few hours early to explore Perth before your show.
Did any of these ideas give you inspiration for your next date night or a new way to celebrate a special occasion? We’d love to hear from you!
Be the first to comment