15 Super Romantic Date Ideas In Ottawa This Winter
Say what you will about winter, but it’s arguably the most romantic season of all, especially if you live in Canada’s capital. Seriously, every day here feels like you’re taking a step inside a magical snowglobe. With such a breathtaking backdrop, you’ll find no shortage of romantic Ottawa date ideas that will keep date night hot even in -30 temperatures.
Whether you’re gliding gracefully across an illuminated outdoor ice rink or sipping festive cocktails at your favourite bar, you’ll totally feel the romantic vibes all around you.
And if road trips with your favourite person are your idea of romance, don’t worry. There's a handful of incredible spots just outside of the city limits that you can visit as well.
With your S/O or your bestie by your side, exploring our winter wonderland of a city is sure to leave you with the best memories.
So be sure to bundle up this winter, because with numerous bucket-list-worthy date ideas you’re going to be out and about every day.
Now all that’s left to do is take a look at the list below, share it with your BFFs, and start planning your next epic romantic winter night out ASAP.
Tinseltown Christmas Emporium
Price: Prices vary by product
When: Open daily
Address: 1096 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're completely obsessed with Christmas then this year-round shop is totally perfect. You and your date can wander through the magical aisles and pick out ornaments for each other.
Art-is-in Bakery
Price: Pastries from $1.75 to $6.25
When: Open daily
Address: 250 City Centre Ave. Unit 112, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Show your date that you love them a latte with sweet treats and lattes from this adorable Ottawa bakery. The infamous kronuts will totally keep you coming back.
Winterlude
Price: Free
When: January 31 until February 17
Address: Ottawa & Gatineau, ON & QC
Why You Need To Go: Wandering through gorgeous ice sculptures and splitting a beavertail is basically the definition of romance in Ottawa.
Sens Rink of Dreams
Price: Free
When: Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. weather permitting
Address: 110 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: An evening skate illuminated with colourful lights is the perfect way to spend your winter date nights.
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Price: Free
When: Until January 7
Address: Parliament Hill, Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take in a magical free light and sound show, then tour through the enchanting lights in Confederation Park to round out the night.
Taffy Lane
Price: Free
When: Until January 1
Address: Taffy Lane, Orleans, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you can't get enough of holiday lights, then a walk down Taffy Lane is a must. This charming lane will make you feel like you're in a cheesy romantic Christmas movie.
Glow Gardens
Price: Starting at $19.99
When: Until January 4
Address: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can show your date that they're the light of your life at this spectacular indoor light garden. Festive boozy drinks and treats are available to take this date night to the next level.
Hogs Back Falls
Price: Free
Address: Rideau River, North of Mooneys Bay, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: When these waterfalls freeze over they make the most breathtaking backdrop for any winter date.
Magic of Lights
Price: $20-$30
When: Until January 4
Address: Wesley Clover Park, 401 Corkstown Rd., Nepean, ON
Why You Need To Go: Sometimes, just going for a drive together is the most romantic date of all. You can take it up a notch by driving through these totally mesmerizing lights.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Price: Free entry
When: Until December 22
Address: Casino Lac Leamy Plaza at Lansdowne, ON
Why You Need To Go: Christmas shopping together has never been this romantic. You can enjoy festive treats and beautiful decorations.
Miracle at Savoy
Price: Cocktails from $13-$15
When: Until December 31
Address: 334 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You and your date can enjoy a romantic cocktail date with all of the holiday vibes.
Tobogganing
Price: Free
Address: Various locations, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can feel like kids again as you race down any one of Ottawa's epic toboggan hills.
Ian's Christmas Adventure Park
Price: $0-$10
When: Until December 22
Address: 804 Richmond Rd., Beckwith, ON
Why You Need To Go: Road trips + Christmas tree farms = winter romance. There's so much more to enjoy than just trees at this spot, it's definitely worth the drive out of the city.
The Merry Dairy
Price: $9 pints
When: Open daily
Address: 102 Fairmont Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can have the sweetest date night every with the delicious holiday-flavoured ice cream at this charming Ottawa dairy.
Dreamland Cafe
Price: Prices vary
When: Open daily except Mondays
Address: 262 Preston St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's impastable to go wrong with a plate full of creamy delicious pasta for date night. This place is seriously dreamy.
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