In the winter months, dating can get boring. Another snowy restaurant date, or a hot chocolate and stroll in the park can only go so far! If you want to wow your partner, or hold a first date that won’t soon be forgotten, here’s a list of ideas for winter dates in Ottawa that are sure to make a lasting impression. 

Take a Trip to Nordik Spa

Ready to relax? Nordik Spa, just over the bridge on the Quebec side, is just a short 30 minute drive from downtown. In the winter, this amazing oasis features plenty of hot tubs and cold plunges, a gorgeous waterfall, and even winterized hammocks for relaxing outdoors! Stop by plenty of outdoor and indoor firepits, enjoy some time in the saunas, and feast on plenty of luxurious appetizer platters and cocktails. https://chelsea.lenordik.com/en/ 

Take a skate through the forest at the River Oak Trail

This amazing skating trail is open all winter, and offers a more outdoorsy feel than the typical Rideau Canal skating date! Take your date on an adventure through the forest, and stop at the end to enjoy outdoor firepits. This place is so scenic, it is often rented for weddings! Make sure if you’re coming at night, you bring your own headlights, as the trail isn’t lit.  https://www.riveroak.ca/ 

Celebrate the Holiday Season

Ottawa has a great selection of holiday festivities! Before Christmas, enjoy the Christmas Market at Lansdowne for a european-style outdoor market with plenty to eat, drink, and do. A few bars in the downtown area convert into Christmas-themed drink spots for the season – make sure to stop by Sippin Santa for a tiki-style holiday adventure, the Elf’s Pub at the Chateau Laurier, or head to Savoy Brasserie to celebrate the Miracle at Savoy! All of these great bars will offer christmas themed drinks and snacks, as well as tons of holiday decor. 

Finally, after the holiday season, Winterlude will be taking place all across the city. Check out art installations, live performances, light shows, and more from February 3 until February 20!

• https://www.instagram.com/sippinsantaottawa/?hl=en
• https://www.narcity.com/ottawa/ottawa-has-a-new-christmas-bar-with-a-ceiling-of-ornaments-boozy-drinks-like-elf-s-nog 
• https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/winterlude
• https://savoybrasserie.com/events/

Parc Omega

Is your date an animal lover? Just 45 minutes from downtown, in Montebello, Quebec, is Parc Omega. Parc Omega features a drive-through experience where you can see plenty of amazing animals, and even interact with some! There are plenty of places to stop and get out of your car to meet some of the animals or stop for food and drinks. If you’re looking to take things up a notch, you can stay in cabins at Parc Omega, some of which have an amazing view of the wolf habitats!

https://www.parcomega.ca/en/ 

Whatever you do, Ottawa is a city filled with activities all year. Stay tuned for plenty of festivals, indoor exhibitions, and more throughout the winter season. Winter definitely doesn’t slow this city down!