Ottawa
YOW
There’s more to Ottawa than politics and paper-pushing. The capital city also has the lion’s share of the country’s national museums (seven out of nine), a wealth of heritage sites (including Rideau Canal, an iconic skateway in winter) and enviable proximity to woods, waterfalls and winding trails (Gatineau Park is but a 15-minute drive).
Eat & Drink
Perch
If you love fine-dining tasting menus but not the starchy attitudes, then Perch is a gift to you: dishes that set the bar high and vault even higher, from a chef who foregrounds sustainability and minimal-waste cooking. We start with thin-but-hearty slices of Danish rye and a deeply flavoured compost broth made from daily veg scraps. There’s Franc Moody disco funk on the sound system, and on our palates, equally fine and funky pairings like the savoury chawanmushi egg custard steamed with koji dashi and topped with aged quail breast, washed down with a tumblerful of Los Arango Reposado tequila, sweet vermouth and bitters. Listed as one of the Top 10 Canada’s Best New Restaurants of 2022.
Erling’s Variety
This laid-back restaurant is quietly tucked away in the historic Glebe village. Watch the open kitchen put together seasonal plates such as Brussels sprouts with bacon and Grana Padano, and apple-braised pork belly with spaetzle. Bring a friend; dishes are meant to be shared.
Flora Hall
Located in a restored century-old garage, this polished bar is a temple to creative craft beer, including sours, IPAs and fruity concoctions with notes of mango and pear. Order the Ploughman’s Platter – it’s always served with Flora’s Beer Bread, a sourdough-style loaf that’s made alongside the brews.
Atelier
Throughout the 12-course blind tasting menu, award-winning chef Marc Lepine upends convention. His approach to molecular gastronomy is playful – take, for instance, the edible helium balloons. Allow four hours for the full experience, and consider the wine pairings: Sommelier Bernard Joseph Lemoyne is a rising star.
Charlotte
Before you settle into a vintage couch in this Instagrammable, retro-chic lounge, visit the gorgeous bar, where you’ll find a serious approach to spirits and an exploratory wine list. Snacks are healthy and light, and primarily from Pure Kitchen, its vegetarian big sister downstairs.
Wilf & Ada’s
Consider this Diner 2.0. Located where Ada’s Diner once stood, this new iteration pays homage to the past – it’s still a great place for breakfast – while bringing a fresh approach to locally sourced ingredients. The Eggs in Purgatory, poached in spicy tomato sauce, are a signature.
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What to Do
Nordik Spa-Nature
About a 20-minute drive from Ottawa, this outdoor getaway in the Gatineau Hills started out as a simple Scandinavian-style day spa. Now, with the addition of an underground saltwater floating pool that aims to replicate the Dead Sea experience, and a Russian spa treatment that ends with birch branches, Nordik has become a place to explore global sauna culture.
The Modern Shop
This Canadian company’s well-stocked showroom reminds you that it’s not hard to inject beautiful design into the everyday. Beyond the array of modern furniture and lighting from around the world, you’ll find giftable accessories, such as irreverent Jonathan Adler teacups, portable clocks by Arne Jacobson and new takes on classic kids’ toys.
Nature Nocturne
Held inside the Canadian Museum of Nature’s castle-like heritage building, this monthly theme party for grown-ups makes you feel like you’re breaking the rules – and getting away with it. Dance floors and bars are found throughout the exhibitions, inviting guests to explore, drink in hand.
Vincent
This charming boutique is run by two creative sisters – Angie is the makeup artist, Amanda the photographer/painter – who apply their discerning taste to fashion. Much of the assortment is made of luxury foundational pieces from under-the-radar brands, like premium denim from AG Jeans and woven-in-Italy button-ups by Frank & Eileen.
Vintage Biplane Rides
Take an exhilarating flyby from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum to the ByWard Market and back on the circa-1939 Waco UPF-7. Originally a military training plane, it also has a history in aerobatics, and the turn over Parliament Hill shows off a bit of this flair. Rides are available seasonally (May through October).
Terra20
Natural products and meticulous sourcing are at the heart of this Ottawa-based company. In the fashion department, vegan Matt & Nat purses are a draw, while kids of all ages flock to the cute bento boxes and other zero-waste lunch accessories.
Mer Bleue
Ottawa is known for its Greenbelt – 200 square kilometres of protected, environmentally sensitive land inside city limits. A great place to appreciate the green space is Mer Bleue, a 7,000-year-old bog. The boardwalks make it universally accessible year-round; you can hike, cross-country ski or showshoe, depending on the season.
Ça va de soi
This minimalist boutique sells high-end knitwear produced by a Montreal-based family company that has been sourcing cotton, wool and cashmere for decades. The T-shirts, sweaters and dresses fit so well and feel so lovely, they’re destined to be wardrobe staples. Browse the men’s line, which includes cardigans and blazers in pristine Egyptian cotton and merino wool.
Diefenbunker
Located 30 minutes west of downtown Ottawa is this underground bunker turned museum dedicated to the Cold War, built into the side of a hill. (The name is a play on John Diefenbaker, Canada’s prime minister at the time.) The 1960s relic is now a one-of-a-kind setting for arts events, escape-room challenges and interactive zombie-themed experiences.
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