As wonderful as enjoying dinner or catching the latest movie in the Marvel universe may be, there are plenty of unique places to visit for a first date.
Planning on grabbing coffee? Why not try a roastery tour instead? Have a creative side? Show it off at the Art Haven.
Or if you don't want to worry about planning your first date at all, Wandure will plan it for you. Actually. Find a match, and we'll book a surprise date based on your shared interests.
Cafés are a popular choice for first dates. Who doesn’t love sitting down for coffee and pastries? Bridgehead Roastery doesn’t just offer the option to sit down and chat, but they also allow the sweet smell of coffee wash over you during their roastery tour.
It takes place the first Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m where “green coffee” is transformed from, “the basic stuff of life found in these seeds - sugars, proteins and fruit acids” into, “...sweet, silky coffees with beautiful aromas of caramel, roasted nuts, vanilla, fruits, berries and flowers.”
So if you’re both coffee aficionados, this is a fun date idea to get the caffeine spike you need, and some key coffee roasting info.
BATL, the Backyard Axe Throwing League, has a mission “to show people the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community” . Lovely sentiment isn’t it? But BATL isn’t just for parties and team building exercises. They also offer the option to book a session or do a casual walk-in class. No advanced reservation necessary! Just keep in mind that space is limited, so it may be a good call to phone ahead!
Art Haven is just that - a haven! Choose your pottery, pick your colours, order a bubble tea or glass of wine, and paint the night away. There’s no need to reserve your seat and there are more than 200 unique pieces including plates, mugs and seasonal items. They even offer canvases for people who want to let their creativity flow.
If you already have an artistic talent great! And if not? Well may be your glass of wine will help bring forth a little inspiration.
If the Art Haven doesn’t do enough to bring out your inner child, may be Funhaven will. It’s open every day of the week and after 8 opens up exclusively to those ages 16 and up.
Play at the arcade, take turns taking shots at each other at the Laser Tag arena or enjoy freshly baked pizza at their restaurant.
Set aside your inner skeptic and have your future read at The Crystal Dawn. Whether or not you take Tarot cards seriously, getting a reading done can be a great way to get to know someone. You may even discover a side of them they didn’t know they had.
Why not dabble - if nothing else you’ll have a great time and get to see the other person’s sense of humour.
You’ve definitely skated across the Rideau Canal, and eaten an epic Beavertail during Ottawa's chilly months, but during the rest of the year (aka: when it’s not frozen over) you can also take a cruise from Dow’s lake to the Ottawa River. It’s North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel and the only one of its kind.
Visitors can discover the region (which is especially beautiful in the fall), its history and culture while cruising the river.
One of the best ways to get to know a city is through food and local markets, and luckily Ottawa has a diverse dining scene. You can find wine and food tours, get to know the Byward market or even take a bike ride through the city while trying our “hidden gems and must-see eateries”.
