Are you looking to escape on a cozy winter getaway straight out of a holiday rom-com?
SheDoesTheCity was invited to spend the weekend in Ottawa to experience the abundance of holiday magic our nation’s capital has to offer. To help guide our excursion, Ottawa Tourism crafted an itinerary packed full of cozy winter activities across the city, inspired by their recent short film Magic on Set.
Each year, Ottawa is the backdrop for countless holiday rom-coms, but the city never gets to be the star of the show. In Magic on Set, we follow Sarah (Melinda Shankar), an actress who discovers the joy of Ottawa during the festive season with the help of her charming guide, David (Chad Connell).
With all the spots Sarah and David visited to guide us, we bundled up and spent three days embracing the beauty of the winter season in Ottawa. With plenty of twinkling lights, gorgeous scenery, cozy museums, and festive treats, it truly was a magical experience.
We wanted to share our adventures with you and highlight all the best spots in the city for making your own rom-com moment with someone special! Read on for your romantic winter weekend itinerary in Ottawa:
Check in for a luxe stay at the historic Fairmont Château Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier instantly sets the tone for a magical and indulgent holiday adventure in Ottawa. Overlooking the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, this grand, castle-like hotel has more than 100 years of history in its walls. When we stepped inside, we were instantly delighted by the lobby’s impressive holiday decor, including a stunning array of Christmas trees, each decorated by a local business in support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Magic on Set opens at this very hotel, with Sarah struggling to find her “Christmas mojo” while filming a holiday rom-com. Visit the grand spiral staircase featured in the film, or impress your date with fun facts about the hotel’s rich history, including a famous portrait of Winston Churchill and various hauntings. If you’re looking for a festive twist on happy hour, treat your date to peppermint espresso martinis at Yuletide Lane, the festive pop-up bar at 1912, the Fairmont’s intimate speakeasy.
Soak in the festive vibes of the Ottawa Christmas Market
The Ottawa Christmas Market is the ultimate spot in the city for a cozy holiday-themed date. Share a warm drink at Blitzen’s Bar, take in the twinkling lights, and stroll through local vendors selling handmade treasures in charming wooden cabins. In Magic on Set, David’s cookie cabin is housed at the Christmas Market. Sarah and David also stop by for a spin around the rink on the charming Landsdowne Skating Court.
In our evening excursion to the market, we warmed up inside the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, where there were even more local vendors to explore. If this holiday extravaganza sounds up your alley, the Ottawa Christmas Market runs until December 31. Check out their schedule packed full of live holiday entertainment, craft workshops for both kids and adults, and more festive activities you won’t want to miss.
Get cozy for dinner and drinks at Riviera
Sarah and David never got to have their date at Riviera, but you can! This acclaimed restaurant bar is a local hot spot, and the perfect place for a romantic night out. Watch the chefs at work in an open kitchen behind the 25-metre-long brass bar, and soak in Riviera’s soaring ceilings and historic ambience—the restaurant is housed in a former bank building.
Riviera is known for their impressive menu of expertly crafted cocktails and delectable seasonal offerings. We suggest the lobster spaghetti, mushrooms on toast with shaved truffle, and the dry-aged striploin steak frites with bordelaise sauce. You and your date are sure to leave satisfied and fueled up for the rest of your Ottawa adventure.
Appreciate our country’s natural beauty at the Canadian Museum of Nature
In one of Magic on Set’s most touching scenes, Sarah and David share a vulnerable moment outside of the Canadian Museum of Nature, with the iconic glowing moon sculpture providing the ideal moody backdrop.
Stop by with a special someone during the daytime to learn about the birds, bugs, mammals, and aquatic life that call Canada home— an equally fun and educational date. Our spirits were instantly lifted by the Butterflies in Flight exhibition, where we had the chance to walk among dozens of live butterflies and appreciate their beauty and diversity up close. Or, if you’d like to embrace the winter vibes, head up to the Arctic Gallery, showcasing the unique plants, animals, and communities that reside in Canada’s north.
Warm up with a seasonal drink at Little Victories
There’s no better spot for a meet-cute than a charming local coffee shop! Sarah and David first met when David dropped off his cookies at Little Victories, and the rest is history.
Owned by a professional coffee roaster and a barista, this independent spot in the heart of the city is the ideal spot to start your morning together with a warm beverage, or to take a mid-afternoon coffee break with your date. Of course, we had to try their seasonal beverages—we highly recommend the peppermint hot chocolate, eggnog latte, or steamed cider to infuse a bit of merriment into your coffee date.
Shop, sip, and snack at Byward Market
Head out for a festive shopping date at Byward Market, a vibrant, bustling neighbourhood in the heart of Ottawa. Originally a hub for trade dating back to the 1820s, the district is now home to a year-round public market and over 600 businesses to explore.
Best of all, Byward Market transforms into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Take in a daily light show with your date, shop from local vendors, enjoy your favourite festive tunes performed by carolers, bundle up for a horse-drawn wagon ride, or take a little piece of the evergreen magic home with you at the tree and wreath market. In Magic on Set, Sarah and David plan their date in front of the glowing Ottawa sign—the perfect spot for a photo to commemorate your romantic getaway.
Our highlight of Byward Market was stopping to savour an iconic Canadian snack. The flagship BeaverTails location in Byward Market may offer some secret menu items, but we kept it classic with the Cinnamon & Sugar flavour—although the addition of a slice of lemon (the Killaloe Sunrise) will elevate the pastry to a whole other level with a citrusy twist.
Admire the art at the National Gallery of Canada
While the National Gallery of Canada isn’t a stop on Sarah and David’s magical adventure through Ottawa, it is the perfect place for a romantic stroll. We can envision it being their next date spot! We visited the gallery on a snowy Sunday morning, our last stop before bidding farewell to the city. The snow gently falling outside made for a dreamy backdrop as we warmed up with a peaceful wander around the gallery.
In addition to the year-round contemporary collection, we visited the gallery’s newest exhibit—Winter Count: Embracing the Cold, an exploration of all the contrasts and contradictions of winter. The gallery’s contemplative energy is ideal for sharing a quiet moment with your loved one. Take a break from the cold, sit down on a bench, and admire the art (or your date).
For more information and to plan your winter getaway in Ottawa, visit the Ottawa Tourism website.
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