Guidebook for Ottawa

Ashley
Guidebook for Ottawa

Food Scene

Delicious gourmet plant-based food!
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Café My House
1015 Wellington St. W
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Delicious gourmet plant-based food!
Ottawa's local coffee chain - they roast their own coffee in Little Italy, and make all their food and snacks from scratch. There are many Bridgehead locations all around town, but this is the closest one to home :)
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Bridgehead
131 Beechwood Ave.
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Ottawa's local coffee chain - they roast their own coffee in Little Italy, and make all their food and snacks from scratch. There are many Bridgehead locations all around town, but this is the closest one to home :)
Breakfast everyday until 2pm :)
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Chesterfield's Gastro Diner
1433 Wellington St. W
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Breakfast everyday until 2pm :)
Closest Starbucks - less than 10 mins away!
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Starbucks
100 Elgin St
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Closest Starbucks - less than 10 mins away!
A cheerful and bright cafe with coffee, snacks, and beer and wine later in the day!
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Equator Coffee Westboro
412 Churchill Ave N
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A cheerful and bright cafe with coffee, snacks, and beer and wine later in the day!
Great restaurant with tasty breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and a huge selection of local beers!
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The Savoy Brasserie
334 Richmond Rd
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Great restaurant with tasty breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and a huge selection of local beers!
Vegetarian bakery, cafe, and pizza place all in one. Always playing great music. Probably our favourite place in town!
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Bread & Sons
195 Bank St
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Vegetarian bakery, cafe, and pizza place all in one. Always playing great music. Probably our favourite place in town!
An Ottawa institution - almost too busy to go for weekend brunch. Baked goods are so amazing, and they make great coffee, too!
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Art-Is-In Bakery
250 City Centre Ave
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An Ottawa institution - almost too busy to go for weekend brunch. Baked goods are so amazing, and they make great coffee, too!
Our favourite brunch spot with all-day breakfast!
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Jax
479 Bronson Ave
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Our favourite brunch spot with all-day breakfast!
Best bread in town!
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True Loaf Bread Company
573 Gladstone Ave
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Best bread in town!
Amazing vegetarian restaurant! Great breakfast and lunch options, and there's also a hot bar where you can fill a bowl with food for $5-10 :)
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Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm
819 Bank St
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Amazing vegetarian restaurant! Great breakfast and lunch options, and there's also a hot bar where you can fill a bowl with food for $5-10 :)
Tasty pay-by-weight vegetarian spot just down the street - great place to stop into if you're looking for a warm soup on a cold day.
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The Table Vegetarian Restaurant
1230 Wellington St. W
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Tasty pay-by-weight vegetarian spot just down the street - great place to stop into if you're looking for a warm soup on a cold day.
Cute little tea shop with the best and biggest selection of teas! Amazing in-shop baked treats, as well!
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teastore
53 York St
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Cute little tea shop with the best and biggest selection of teas! Amazing in-shop baked treats, as well!
AMAZING restaurant run by a Quebec celebrity chef, Marysol Foucault. Ever-changing menu, fresh and local ingredients. It's a tiny space, so expect to wait a bit for a table, but know that it's all worth it.
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Edgar
60 Rue Bégin
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AMAZING restaurant run by a Quebec celebrity chef, Marysol Foucault. Ever-changing menu, fresh and local ingredients. It's a tiny space, so expect to wait a bit for a table, but know that it's all worth it.
Tacos! You can sit inside, but we recommend ordering from the take-out window. Eggplant and the crispy fish tacos are personal faves. Open late!
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El Camino
380 Elgin St
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Tacos! You can sit inside, but we recommend ordering from the take-out window. Eggplant and the crispy fish tacos are personal faves. Open late!
Get the laksa!
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Datsun
380 Elgin St
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Get the laksa!
Award-winning gelato just down the street, and it's 40% off on Sundays from 9-10pm ;)
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Stella Luna Gelato Cafe Hintonburg
1130 Wellington St. W
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Award-winning gelato just down the street, and it's 40% off on Sundays from 9-10pm ;)
Tiny cafe located in a ritzy neighbourhood. Great coffees and teas, and rich desserts!
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Union Street Kitchen Café
42 Crichton St
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Tiny cafe located in a ritzy neighbourhood. Great coffees and teas, and rich desserts!
Homemade ice cream!
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The Merry Dairy
102 Fairmont Ave
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Homemade ice cream!
Italian grocery store with a restaurant, sandwich counter, and espresso bar in the back! Great for groceries, but even better for sandwiches which they're famous for :)
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La Bottega Nicastro, ByWard Market
64 George St
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Italian grocery store with a restaurant, sandwich counter, and espresso bar in the back! Great for groceries, but even better for sandwiches which they're famous for :)
Tucked away in a courtyard of the Byward Market, this cafe is an Ottawa classic. They have a nice patio in the summer time - perfect for people watching :)
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Planet Coffee, ByWard Market, Ottawa
24a York St
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Tucked away in a courtyard of the Byward Market, this cafe is an Ottawa classic. They have a nice patio in the summer time - perfect for people watching :)
Best burritos in town! Friendliest staff!
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Corazon De Maiz
55 Byward Market Square
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Best burritos in town! Friendliest staff!
Cafe and used bookstore all in one! Run by two young guys we know - very hip, can be busy, and fun to hang out at. They have events at night, too!
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Black Squirrel Books
1073 Bank St
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Cafe and used bookstore all in one! Run by two young guys we know - very hip, can be busy, and fun to hang out at. They have events at night, too!
Hip coffee shop. Also open late for drinks!
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The Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs
1013 Wellington St. W
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Hip coffee shop. Also open late for drinks!
The best doughnuts! They're all good, but try: Sugar Munkki, Raspberry Cassis, and London Fog.
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SuzyQ Doughnuts
1015 Wellington St. W
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The best doughnuts! They're all good, but try: Sugar Munkki, Raspberry Cassis, and London Fog.
Open 24/7 and their poutine is vegetarian!
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Elgin Street Diner
374 Elgin St
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Open 24/7 and their poutine is vegetarian!
Tiny little Korean place - great for lunch! Also has a food cart on Bank St in the summer, and can be found at some farmer's markets in the summer, too!
Bap by Raon Kitchen, Laurier
Tiny little Korean place - great for lunch! Also has a food cart on Bank St in the summer, and can be found at some farmer's markets in the summer, too!
Really tasty breakfast place if you're downtown and want a big plate of food :)
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Eggspectation
171 Bank St
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Really tasty breakfast place if you're downtown and want a big plate of food :)
Vegetarian comfort food, but not your typical hippie vegetarian restaurant! Try their mushroom-walnut burger, you won't regret it. They have fancy drinks, smoothies, juices, and local beers. Breakfast is super well priced (avocado toast for $5!) and we recommend the breakfast burrito! There is also a location in Westboro.
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Pure Kitchen Elgin
340 Elgin St
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Vegetarian comfort food, but not your typical hippie vegetarian restaurant! Try their mushroom-walnut burger, you won't regret it. They have fancy drinks, smoothies, juices, and local beers. Breakfast is super well priced (avocado toast for $5!) and we recommend the breakfast burrito! There is also a location in Westboro.
Vegetarian comfort food, but not your typical hippie vegetarian restaurant! Try their mushroom-walnut burger, you won't regret it. They have fancy drinks, smoothies, juices, and local beers. Breakfast is super well priced (avocado toast for $5!) and we recommend the breakfast burrito! There is also a location on Elgin.
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Pure Kitchen Westboro
357 Richmond Rd
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Vegetarian comfort food, but not your typical hippie vegetarian restaurant! Try their mushroom-walnut burger, you won't regret it. They have fancy drinks, smoothies, juices, and local beers. Breakfast is super well priced (avocado toast for $5!) and we recommend the breakfast burrito! There is also a location on Elgin.
There are hundreds of these Vietnamese places on Somerset Street West, but this purple one is our go-to! We like the vermicelli dishes. Open super late!
Pho Bo Ga 2 Snack Bar
857 Somerset St W
There are hundreds of these Vietnamese places on Somerset Street West, but this purple one is our go-to! We like the vermicelli dishes. Open super late!
Local coffee roaster
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Mainstay Coffee Company
1111a Wellington St. W
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Local coffee roaster
Our neighbourhood's local cat cafe! Meow!
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Feline Cafe
1076 Wellington St. W
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Our neighbourhood's local cat cafe! Meow!
Busy breakfast place with an English rock & roll kind of theme!
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Baker Street Cafe
385 Richmond Rd
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Busy breakfast place with an English rock & roll kind of theme!
Classic Canadian fried dough treat! We like the simple version, with cinnamon, sugar, and a wedge of lemon :)
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BeaverTails Byward Market
69 George St
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Classic Canadian fried dough treat! We like the simple version, with cinnamon, sugar, and a wedge of lemon :)
Ottawa's local coffee chain - this is where the magic happens: Bridgehead's roastery and bakery in Little Italy! They host a free tour of their whole operation the first Saturday morning of every month - it's fun, informative, and you get loads of free samples!
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Bridgehead Roastery and Coffeehouse
130 Anderson St
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Ottawa's local coffee chain - this is where the magic happens: Bridgehead's roastery and bakery in Little Italy! They host a free tour of their whole operation the first Saturday morning of every month - it's fun, informative, and you get loads of free samples!
Open 24/7, and in the heart of the Byward Market!
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Zak's Diner
14 Byward Market Square
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Open 24/7, and in the heart of the Byward Market!
Artisan cured meats made into delicious sandwiches, and right around the corner.
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Meat Press
45 Armstrong St
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Artisan cured meats made into delicious sandwiches, and right around the corner.
Fancy Starbucks in the Byward Market. Serving up the regular Starbucks fare, but also has interesting alcoholic-cofffee beverages.
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Starbucks
100 Elgin St
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Fancy Starbucks in the Byward Market. Serving up the regular Starbucks fare, but also has interesting alcoholic-cofffee beverages.
Hand crafted Hong-Kong style ice creams, and other treats made with local ingredients
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Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen
477 Bank St
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Hand crafted Hong-Kong style ice creams, and other treats made with local ingredients
Very popular breakfast spot!
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Wilf & Ada's
510 Bank St
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Very popular breakfast spot!
The best fish & chips in town, along with other seafood dishes. Classic East Coast feel. They have 2 other locations, too!
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The Whalesbone Bank Street
430 Bank St
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The best fish & chips in town, along with other seafood dishes. Classic East Coast feel. They have 2 other locations, too!
Classy and incredibly delicious. We've seen famous hockey players here! Dinner is on the expensive side, but they have really unique menu items and a great wine list. We like going for lunch - it's slightly less expensive and totally worth it.
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Fauna
425 Bank St
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Classy and incredibly delicious. We've seen famous hockey players here! Dinner is on the expensive side, but they have really unique menu items and a great wine list. We like going for lunch - it's slightly less expensive and totally worth it.
Pretty and new cafe in the Glebe! Get the "magic" coffee ;)
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Little Victories Coffee
801 Bank St
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Pretty and new cafe in the Glebe! Get the "magic" coffee ;)
Bakery/cafe/restaurant all in one! They make their own food, baked goods are delicious, and if you get drip coffee you get free refills! Check out the art gallery upstairs!
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Thyme & Again
1255 Wellington St. W
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Bakery/cafe/restaurant all in one! They make their own food, baked goods are delicious, and if you get drip coffee you get free refills! Check out the art gallery upstairs!

Sightseeing

You can see this from your bedroom! There are free tours of the Parliament buildings available year round - you can get tickets by going to the info centre at 90 Wellington St (across from Parliament). But go early to be able to select the time that works for you!
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Þinghóll
Wellington Street
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You can see this from your bedroom! There are free tours of the Parliament buildings available year round - you can get tickets by going to the info centre at 90 Wellington St (across from Parliament). But go early to be able to select the time that works for you!
Visit the residence of Canada's Governor General! Beautiful grounds to picnic on and play frisbee; nice gardens to walk through. You can also check out the changing of the guards here - a classic Canadian sight! There are also usually free tours available :)
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Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Dr
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Visit the residence of Canada's Governor General! Beautiful grounds to picnic on and play frisbee; nice gardens to walk through. You can also check out the changing of the guards here - a classic Canadian sight! There are also usually free tours available :)
Byward Market has something happening every time of day - lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants in the day, and it's got all sorts of bars to check out at night!
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ByWard Market
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Byward Market has something happening every time of day - lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants in the day, and it's got all sorts of bars to check out at night!
Walk or skate along our famous Canal!
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Rideau Canal National Historic Site
1 Second Avenue
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Walk or skate along our famous Canal!
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Þjóðarherminjasafn
Wellington Street
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Fairmont Château Laurier
1 Rideau St
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Arts & Culture

Amazing collections and exhibitions. We've been to art galleries all around the world, and this is top notch! Free on Thursday nights from 5-8pm.
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Þjóðlistasafn Kanada
380 Sussex Dr
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Amazing collections and exhibitions. We've been to art galleries all around the world, and this is top notch! Free on Thursday nights from 5-8pm.
Our National Arts Centre was recently renovated, and it is stunning! Catch any kind of show: orchestra, jazz, contemporary, Broadway shows! Lots of selection :)
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National Arts Centre
1 Elgin St
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Our National Arts Centre was recently renovated, and it is stunning! Catch any kind of show: orchestra, jazz, contemporary, Broadway shows! Lots of selection :)
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Kanadísk stríðsmúseum
1 Vimy Pl
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Ottawa Listasafn
50 Mackenzie King Bridge
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City Hall Art Gallery
110 Laurier Ave W
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One of Canada's most visited museums! Has a spectacular view of Ottawa.
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Kanadískt sögufræðimúseum
100 Rue Laurier
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One of Canada's most visited museums! Has a spectacular view of Ottawa.

Essentials

Only open from spring to November from 6am to 6pm, but just down the street and great for grabbing some fresh, local fruits and veggies.
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Parkdale Park
366 Parkdale Ave
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Only open from spring to November from 6am to 6pm, but just down the street and great for grabbing some fresh, local fruits and veggies.
Our favourite grocery store!
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Farm Boy
1495 Richmond Rd
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Our favourite grocery store!
Zero-waste grocery store just down the street, so bring a shopping bag with you! Surprisingly well priced, and you can pick up just as much as you need of anything for your stay :)
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NU Grocery
1130 Wellington St. W
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Zero-waste grocery store just down the street, so bring a shopping bag with you! Surprisingly well priced, and you can pick up just as much as you need of anything for your stay :)
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Whole Foods Market
951 Bank St
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Ottawa's hippie grocery store! You can get hard-to-find specialty items here. There's a juice bar in the back, and they also have a hot soup bar that we like grabbing a snack at.
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Herb & Spice Food Shop
375 Bank St
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Ottawa's hippie grocery store! You can get hard-to-find specialty items here. There's a juice bar in the back, and they also have a hot soup bar that we like grabbing a snack at.

Parks & Nature

Although marked differently on the map, there is access to the Ottawa River Pathway just outside our home - you can walk all the way along the river to get downtown :) Great for a peaceful walk or bike ride, and you can cross-country ski or snowshoe on it in the winter!
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Ottawa River Pathway
Ottawa River Pathway
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Although marked differently on the map, there is access to the Ottawa River Pathway just outside our home - you can walk all the way along the river to get downtown :) Great for a peaceful walk or bike ride, and you can cross-country ski or snowshoe on it in the winter!
Beautiful greenspace, great for picnics
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Arboretum
Arboretum
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Beautiful greenspace, great for picnics
Interesting little area along the Ottawa River Pathway with rock sculptures in the water!
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Remic Rapids Park
Kichi Zībī Mīkan
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Interesting little area along the Ottawa River Pathway with rock sculptures in the water!
Beautiful swimming hole in a wildlife sanctuary. Closes at 2pm. Great for cooling off on hot summer days!
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The Pond
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Beautiful swimming hole in a wildlife sanctuary. Closes at 2pm. Great for cooling off on hot summer days!
A nice park across the bridge into Quebec! Great views of Ottawa, and there are often events held at this park :)
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Jacques Cartier Park
285 Rue Laurier
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A nice park across the bridge into Quebec! Great views of Ottawa, and there are often events held at this park :)
Pretty park in Centretown. In the summertime, they play movies in the park at night!
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Dundonald Park
516 Somerset St W
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Pretty park in Centretown. In the summertime, they play movies in the park at night!
Our neighbourhood beach - great for cooling off in the summertime!
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Westboro Beach Cafe
745 Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
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Our neighbourhood beach - great for cooling off in the summertime!

Drinks & Nightlife

Great beer, pub-like atmosphere, and you can buy some to bring home!
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Tooth and Nail Brewing Company
3 Irving Ave
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Great beer, pub-like atmosphere, and you can buy some to bring home!
Sample Ottawa's best beers, and purchase some to bring home! Must try: Pink Fuzz and Aromatherapy. Our favourite brewery :) It's actually located at 250 City Centre Ave, Ottawa, ON next to Art-Is-In Bakery
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Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
250 City Centre Ave
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Sample Ottawa's best beers, and purchase some to bring home! Must try: Pink Fuzz and Aromatherapy. Our favourite brewery :) It's actually located at 250 City Centre Ave, Ottawa, ON next to Art-Is-In Bakery
Great place for beers and fun music, they have games to play, tasty food, and a good place to catch sporting events.
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Local Lansdowne
826 Exhibition Way
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Great place for beers and fun music, they have games to play, tasty food, and a good place to catch sporting events.
Great cafe during the day that turns into a music venue at night. We love checking out their Jazz Nite, a free-cover live jazz show the last Wednesday of every month starting around 7pm. Small but great beer selection!
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Bar Robo
170 Queen Street
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Great cafe during the day that turns into a music venue at night. We love checking out their Jazz Nite, a free-cover live jazz show the last Wednesday of every month starting around 7pm. Small but great beer selection!
Ottawa's classic "going out" spot. Great place to dance and listen to live music.
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Heart and Crown
67 Clarence St.
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Ottawa's classic "going out" spot. Great place to dance and listen to live music.
Small and stylish neighbourhood bar
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10Fourteen
1014 Wellington St. W
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Small and stylish neighbourhood bar
Popular bar for food and drinks
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The Hintonburg Public House
1020 Wellington St. W
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Popular bar for food and drinks
One of Ottawa's newest breweries!
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Flora Hall Brewing
37 Flora St
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One of Ottawa's newest breweries!
Located in an old historic mill right on the Ottawa River, this place is a good spot to grab a pint of beer (try the Portage - it's made of water from the Ottawa River!) and some food.
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Mill St. Brew Pub
555 Wellington St
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Located in an old historic mill right on the Ottawa River, this place is a good spot to grab a pint of beer (try the Portage - it's made of water from the Ottawa River!) and some food.

Shopping

Local, vegan soap shop!
SAABOON
595 Gladstone Ave
Local, vegan soap shop!
Local soap shop
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Purple Urchin
1094 Bank St
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Local soap shop
Downtown Ottawa's big shopping centre - also connected to the transit system, so it's easy to get to and from places from there.
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Rideau Centre
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Downtown Ottawa's big shopping centre - also connected to the transit system, so it's easy to get to and from places from there.
Very well-curated clothing shop focussed on Canadian and women designers!
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Victoire
1282 Wellington St. W
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Very well-curated clothing shop focussed on Canadian and women designers!