Going out for drinks and movie ticket prices add up, especially when you're trying to get to know somebody new.
Luckily lacing up your skates doesn’t cost a thing, and neither does taking the time to admire Ottawa’s art scene is 100 % free.
Whether you’re there to snap your next Instagram pic or take in the vibrant art scene, Ottawa has more than enough street art including murals, sculptures, and graffiti.
If you head to Downtown Rideau you can find art by iconic artists from Franco-Ontarian history along George Street. Head a little further Downtown and you’ll notice an exhibit of mural boxes wrapped in beautiful artwork and a stainless-steel violin at the southeast corner of the National Arts Centre (originally from Mexico!)
While you’re in the area, take the time to admire Ottawa’s art scene in the Glebe Neighbourhood and the Byward Market.
If you happen to be taking in the city during August, a local organization called House of PainT (HoP) has been showcasing the best in Canadian urban arts and culture with their yearly festival. Expect battles, workshops and shows highlighting graffiti, breakdancing, and spoken word from the Ottawa region and from across Canada.
So grab your date/partner/”not sure what are yet” person, and dance like no one’s watching. Or observe the art and save your dance skills for next time.
Just under an hour west of Ottawa you can take a self-guided tour on all things maple production, maple treats and most importantly - maple syrup. Yummmmmm.
You can walk along the Barney’s Grave Trail and the Nature Trail, both of which take around 40 minutes (or if it ends up being colder than expected the Children's trail is only 15 minutes long). A great date spot. Ample time for an awesome chat to see if sparks fly (and short enough that if they don’t, you’re not stuck with the person for hours in the wilderness).
If you plan it right (and enjoy the person’s company) you can catch live music or a campfire on the Heritage Maple Path and if you’re willing to pay a few dollars there are horse-drawn sleigh rides and maple taffy during the week.
The Rideau Canal isn’t just a great place to go skating, it’s also an Ottawa classic winter date spot. From January till late February (weather permitting) you and your date can skate hand in hand along the Rideau Canal. And indulge in hot chocolates and Beavertails (best part, am I right?).
Looking for a spring time date? Ignoring the fact that winter is coming ? We get it. Or maybe embracing the moment and planning a fall date? Luckily, the Rideau Canal is surrounded by parks and charming neighbourhoods, so if you happen to be planning a date in spring you can admire the the Canadian Tulip Festival, followed by blooming flowers in the summer and fall leaves in autumn.
But in the wintertime, take in the fresh snow and awesome skating.
Toboggans, sledding, tubing, … whatever you want to call it, Ottawa has you covered. It’s one of winter’s most fun and inexpensive sports, and luckily there are several hills in and around the Ottawa area. All you need are some warm clothes and something to slide on - Game. On.
The National Capital Commission suggests either Bruce Pit, Conroy Pit or Green's Creek to name a few.
This makes for a great date - simple, fun, and totally prone to laughter and personality. So stay safe. Get sliding. And bring on the levity.
Museums encourage laughter and conversation, and if you plan to go in the evening they give a more romantic rather than school field trip vibe - although we do love a good Miss. Frizzle - esque adventure (get on the Magic School Bus!). We digress. You don’t need a background in art history to strike up a conversation (plus it eliminates any pressure to find something interesting to talk about). And you can always make up fun stories about the art together!
Admission to the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Canada is free on Thursday nights from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Canadian Museum of Nature? Also free on Thursday evenings!
Not to mention. others such as the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum offer free admission between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. each day.
Stay toasty, Ottawa.
