This trip was a total fairy tale: Snowy landscapes that looked out of a movie. Relaxation at the spa, adventure with some Dogg sledding, incredible food, museums, emblematic buildings, walking through a cold city–which sometimes was fun and other times not that fun, especially when it was way too windy. Taking the highway and seeing the road surrounded by pines covered in snow, lakes, lovely cabins.
Hotel Location: Downtown Ottawa. After visiting the city I would recommend either Downtown close to the Chateau Laurier, or the Chateau Laurier itself–depending on the time of the year is not as expensive as it looks, or Byward Market.
I originally wanted to stay in The Barefoot Hostel but didn't find availability. The perfect balance between location and price:
Once you arrive at the airport get Canadian dollars, there is an ATM there, the currency exchange stall at the airport surprisingly doesn't exchange American dollars for US dollars, thing we found absurd. There are some activities like dog sledding that are only cash, and they only accept Canadian Dollars. If you are driving from the US ask in the border where to get Canadian dollars.
From the airport to Downton:
Metro
35 min
Take the metro in 97 Hurdman
Transfer in Hurdman A
Walk to Hurdman East station, take the metro there towards 1 Tunney’s pasture stop at Parliament
Or Uber
Airport is 15 min away from downtown.
Public transportation
Once you are in Downtown Ottawa, everything is close by, they have a good metro line and public buses. Uber is affordable. Renting a car is affordable as well to go outside the city. Driving to Quebec to do some activities is fun and even if is just crossing the bridge, if you go deeper a car will be necessary.
Winter in Ottawa-what to wear: thick socks, snow pants, snow jacket, hat, gloves, a lot of layers.
Activities:
Rideau Canal
During the winter –usually January through march– The Rideau Canal becomes the largest Ice skating rink in the world: ABOUT 7 KM. When the ice skating rink is not frozen enough you can use the sidewalk and bridges that will provide you with a beautiful snowy landscape of the town. If you use the ice skating rink when it's open to public, check exactly where you are entering and exciting, since there are only designated access points to get in and get out. I used the sidewalk to walk from Downtown to Glebe.
The Glebe
After having lunch in Gia Cantina, we walked through this awesome, artsy neighborhood which main street it's called Bank Street. Creative graffiti stands out on the walls, shops, bars, markets, restaurants and bookstores.
Christmas Market in Lansdowne
Walking on Bank Street for a few blocks we got to Lansdowne Park where the christmas market is located. We got some spiky hot chocolate –with baileys on it– at one of the stalls located right by the entrance. They have restrooms, bars, little shops, and an disco ice-skating rink with fun music and lights. Check the website to be aware of hours of operation and especial days, and activities.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
The Chateau Laurier is an emblematic, popular hotel in Ottawa. If you are not staying in the chateau you are still allowed to enjoy the restaurant, the bar, and the architecture of the lobby. I walked to the chateau in the morning and got the breakfast buffet. The views of the Parlament from the Chateau are awesome.
Notre Dame Basilic:
Tickets are not needed to have access. One of the many things I liked about this city was the fact that there were no lines for anything and almost everything is walking distance. Tickets in advance weren't needed to enter buildings, museums, do activities. The Basilic is gorgeous, the ceiling has thousands of golden stars, and the entire architecture has so much detail, is impressive.
Dog Sledding
This is extremely fun. One of my bucket-list things to do. There are two or three places near Ottawa to do dog sledding. First, is good to make clear there is not animal cruelty involved in this activity. Huskies are naturally energetic and need to release that energy. They pull very hard especially the first ride of the day or after a few hours of no activity. This place is in Quebec, 1 hour and 15 min away from Downtown Ottawa. That said, a rental car is necessary to get this far up in the mountains. Once you get there, the landscape is so magnificent. The activity cost is $50 before taxes for the 2 km ride plus hot drink and snack. Check the website for prices and availability.
Another option is Timberland Tours: http://timberlandtours.ca/index_en.html
Dog sledding with them is $150 Canadian dollars per person (check website for updated prices). I picked Escapade Huskimo because it was the closest one from Downtown Ottawa. If you are located closer to Timberlands tours that might be more convenient.
Nordik Spa
This Spa is located in Quebec, 16 min drive from Downtown Ottawa.
This was one of my favorite experiences as well, they have around more than 10 different saunas: quiete sauna, dry sauna, aromatic sauna, wet sauna, etc. The hots springs right in the middle of the snow are the best part, and the fact that there is a food tent right by it and they allow you to enjoy your drinks inside the pool. There are two different hot springs, and lots of different pools with different water temperatures. They offer massages, and different experiences.
Climbing
When you are driving back from the spa, if you have enough time, there is this altitud gym in Quebec as well, where you can learn how to climb, or practice your skill.
Jacques Cartier Park
This park is on the Quebec side, although it's open during winter, summer is the best time to take advantage of it. Summer activities include cycling, and even boat cruises. Also it provides you with the best view of the Parliament Hill. it's walkable distance from Downtown.
National Gallery of Canada
This museum is great. From classic to modern art, they have a huge exhibition. I would say that doing the whole thing could take up to 3 hours. We spent 1 hour and 30 min, and left without seeing the entire second floor, and quickly finishing the first one. There is a gift shop and a cafe.
Parliament Hill
To be redundant, this is the hill where the Parliament is located. This majestic building offers guided timed tours that can be booked through the website. They also offer tours to visit Library of Parliament
Major’s Hill Park
This is the park by the Parliament, during winter there is a coat of snow on the trees that makes it charming. during summer flowers and beautiful gardens embellish the park and make it extra-attractive.
Byward Market
This is a comercial area that has coffee shops, bookstores, malls, bars, restaurants, Beaver Tails. Some of the restaurants and bars mentioned on this post are located in this area : Andaz, Saigon, The Apothecary, The Aulder Dubliner, etc. This is the area we want to be to hangout on a Friday/ Saturday night.
Nightlife:
The Aulder Dubliner
Irish pub in Byward Market opened from 11 am to 2 am
The Apothecary
Cool bar with signature cocktails and a dark atmosphere also in Byward Market. It opens at 5 pm.
https://www.apothecarylounge.ca
Andaz If you re looking for a panoramic view of the city, Coppers and spirits is the rooftop bar of the Andaz Hotel and provides you of a beautiful picture of the city landscape.
Eating:
A walk through this beautiful neighborhood called Glebe, and a stop to eat at Gia Cantina is the ideal afternoon. The servings are extremely generous, reason why I recommend to go with an empty stomach for lunch. Prices are good too, doble win!
The Vanitea Room
If you need a bottomless brunch spot, this is the ideal situation. The food offered is high in carbs which is good for day drinking –they also have saladas–, the environment is nice, the decoration is beautiful.
Le Poison Bleu
Dedication. Thats the word that defines this restaurant. This is a sea-food place, and even though the menu is not long, the few dishes that are offered are the result of a very hard work and creativity. Fish is perfectly cooked –which is hard to achieve–not dry but not too fishy, the texture is just perfect. The sides and sauces that accompanied the fish were brilliantly selected.
I suggest to make reservations as this spot gets all booked pretty fast.
Saigon
This Vietnamese cuisine spot in Byward Market offers authentic dishes, in a very chill atmosphere. The chicken was super spicy but I did my best to eat it because it was delicious. Worth it!
Beavier Tails
Beaver tails is a typical thing to try in Canada. it's open until 10 pm, and even at that time Canadians were lining up to get the tails twenty degrees under zero and everything. It's basically a fried dough, kinda salty with sweet toppings. Exquisite!!
Coconut Lagoon Thali
This restaurant blew my mind. The combination of flavors and spices, the colors and smells. This is a culinary experience I have never experience before. The reason why we ended up here was casualty. This spot looks completely ordinary from the outside, just a simple-casual place to eat right at the corner. Once you start ordering and the dishes arrive, the narrative changes. The drinks are a perfect balance of sweetness. The crab was a little bit spicy for me, but still amazing. The shrimp with the sauce was incredible. And then the main course: Thali. That dish is beyond. The serving is enough for two, although there is people who could fit one of this each, for us skipping the appetizers and waited for the main course would have been the move because it's a lot of food. The chef has a book with all the recipes.
Quelque pâtisserie
The Short Club Steak House
If you are looking for a traditional steakhouse, this is your place. It is very fancy, and I have to say it is not very affordable, but the steak is good and they have a long menu. I ordered fish, and it was spectacular.This is in Downtown Ottawa.
Luxe Blossoms Flower Cafe
This is a cute cafe in the Byward Market area, the menu is pretty basic, and the few things they offer are pretty good. After a week of eating a lot, my body was screaming for help so I ordered a salad. They have the best pastries: mouthwatering croissants and cakes!
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