The Ottawa Art Gallery is located right in the heart of downtown and features a combined selection of permanent and rotating collections and exhibits. With a heavy focus on the Ottawa-area, visitors are able to appreciate the works of many local artists in the area with each visit. Admission into the gallery is always free but advanced booking is required. Their current hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The capital city is once again presenting hundreds of holiday lights displays in multiple locations downtown every night from 5:30 pm to 1:00 am. Access is completely free and locations include Confederation Park (and nearby streets), Parliament Hill, Sussex Drive, and into Gatineau. Be sure to give extra attention to the brand new sensory exhibit on Parliament Hill! Looking for a spot with more photo ops? Check out Lights at Lansdowne in the Glebe and stroll through their display of holiday-themed light structures!

A classic, but a must-do. The number one thing that makes Ottawa’s chilly temperatures worth it is definitely the collection of outdoor skating opportunities that it brings! Each winter, Ottawa’s historic 8km ice-rink opens along the Rideau Canal stretching from Dow’s Lake all the way to beautiful Parliament Hill. As well as this, outdoor rinks are also open at City Hill and Lansdowne. Admittance to all of these skating locations are totally free and the hours are very flexible!

Stay and play all day for just $7.00 at this downtown games lounge and restaurant! Level One Game Pub features a collection of 1200 board games, 1000 video games, and awesome pub snacks. They even have ‘Game Gurus’ to guide you through if you happen to have any questions! This two-floor spot is very spacious and has totally been re-vamped in order to accommodate current safety measures. This is a really fantastic, and cost-effective spot for all ages to visit at any time of the day.

Wine lovers, unite! This boutique-style establishment masterfully specializes in all things wine. From tastings to curations, their relaxed and affordably luxurious space offers it all. Special attention is given to their atmosphere to create the ultimate tasting experience by neutralizing the air, using scent-free products, and implementing special covid-cautious serving practices. This spot is perfect for wine-lovers, special occasions, and date nights.

ByWard Market is loaded with countless boutique shops, specialty stores, and more. Support local and treat yourself or grab a gift for a special someone on a ByWard Market shopping spree!

• Check out the award-winning BBxCollection for the most trendy, and Instagram-worthy apparel.
• Grab some high quality, fresh, and local goods at La Bottega Nicastro or Wedel Touch of Europe.
• Shop fabulous apparel, accessories, or trinkets for all ages at Tickled Pink
• Pick up some bling from the beautifully curated collection at Stunning!
• Spoil your four-legged friend at Cricket & Company.

Ramen is calling! Sansotei Ramen is a Japanese-inspired restaurant that specializes in authentic local bites and sake. Their high-quality ingredients, imported products, and passion for the art of cooking are just a few of the many things that sets them apart from other ramen restaurants in the city. Their menu is inexpensive and simple in all of the best ways. This is a great spot to grab a bite for lunch or enjoy a cozy, and more low-key style dinner.

This Mediterranean-inspired spot has quickly become the leading brunch restaurant in the city. From mimosas to avocado toast and everything in between, they’ve got it all! Mazarine’s usage of local ingredients coupled with their bright and cheerful atmosphere truly makes this a great spot to start your day. Unlike other brunch spots in the city, they also offer awesome menu options such as mimosa kits for two, brunch platters, and more. This is an excellent to grab a late breakfast or enjoy a nice tea or coffee session.

This family-owned cafe, bistro, and bakery is a jack-of-all-trades for all of your early morning needs. Set in the hustle and bustle of downtown, this beautiful Parisian spot serves some of the best in-house baked goods and Ottawa brands. Whether dining in or grabbing on-the-go, Le Moulin de Provence KD is a great spot to grab some breakfast or a mid-day snack!

This eclectic, local watering hole is home to an amazingly extensive menu, late-afternoon brunch, and some of the best daily specials in Ottawa! It’s best to come hungry to Atomic Rooster because not only do the options seem endless (they have 18 different appetizers alone), but the portions are also very generous. From crab cakes, to chicken and waffles, and everything in between, they’ve truly got it all! This really is a great and solid go-to spot for any meal of the day.

It’s tapa time! Offering authentic Mediterranean small bites and wine, Aroma Meze is uniquely one of very few restaurants of its kind in the capital. ‘Meze’ is their focus, which refers to the serving of a variety of small dishes and appetizers to be snacked on and enjoyed over drinks. Their authentic and tastefully curated menu will easily transport you to the sights and sounds of dining in the Mediterranean. This spot is perfect for a date night, late-night snacking, or a mid-day meal. With their portions being in true tapa style, it is very easy to make your meal as large or as small as you wish!

If you’re looking for classic pub food, a wide selection of beer, and a cozy atmosphere, then Sir John A Pub is the place for you. Located in Centretown on Elgin, this Ottawa-staple serves up some of the best comfort food in the city. Their menu is very extensive and even includes over fifty different types of draught beer! On top of that, they have also converted their lively patio into a cozy winter-ready area equipped with heaters…just don’t forget to BYOB (bring your own blanket!). This spot is perfect for casual and cozy bites for any meal of the day.

This highly-regarded Ottawa staple offers a unique Canadian flair to a variety of our favorite Italian dishes. Set in a converted house, North & Navy boasts a beautifully chic, comfortable, and almost opulent atmosphere. From their perfectly curated selection of wines to their use of fresh and seasonal ingredients, they provide a monumental dining experience from every angle. This is a great spot for foodies, celebratory drinks, or a finer dining experience.

Fine dining starts here. Set in a beautifully restored heritage home, this legendary Elgin Street gem has been changing the Ottawa food scene for years. They specialize in a wide range of innovative, seasonal dishes available in a la carte, five-course, and chef’s tasting dining options. Their evident passion for all things food coupled with their nearly unmatched level of hospitality makes for a dining experience you won’t soon forget. This is a perfect spot for chef’s alike, a celebratory meal, or a treat yourself-style evening.

You can’t get more downtown than at the ARC! This intimate, boutique-style hotel is located right in the heart of Ottawa’s beautiful hustle and bustle. Its chic and modern ambiance makes for the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sights and sounds of our nation’s capital. Treat yourself to one of their many room upgrades and take advantage of their additional bedding, living areas, and more!

Amenities & Features: Steps from the Parliament LRT station, Sparks Street, and Parliament Hill, pet-friendly, fitness center, underground parking (at a fee), competitive vacation package deals, and more.

You can enjoy a bit of a quieter downtown stay at the Delta. This luxurious and modern Ottawa staple is located just steps from some of the cities best historical attractions.

Amenities & Features: Steps from the Lyon LRT station, Parliament Hill, and historical government buildings, indoor saltwater pool, fitness centre, and many different room categories to choose from all the way to multi-room suites.

Arguably one of the most conveniently situated hotels in the city, The Westin Ottawa is just steps from Parliament Hill, the opulent Fairmont Chateau Laurier, ByWard Market, and the Rideau Canal.

Amenities & Features: Indoor saltwater pool, direct indoor access to the Rideau Centre and Rideau LRT station, many rooms with a direct view of Parliament Hill, underground parking (at a fee).