11 Best Date Ideas in Ottawa for Couples in 2024
Are you and your significant other on the hunt for the perfect date idea in Ottawa? Packed with an exciting variety of outdoor and indoor activities, Ottawa is a perfect setting for the ultimate date.
Ottawa offers plenty of date options, no matter the season or time of day. From action-packed outdoor adventures to relaxing afternoons in the park, there are date ideas in Ottawa for every couple, no matter if it’s your first date or you’ve been married for 20 years.
So, if you’re enjoying the splendor of Southeast Ontario and are wondering “Where can I take a date in Ottawa?” the following list is the perfect jumping off point.
Whether you’re looking to splurge on a delicious and romantic dinner or enjoy a budget-friendly afternoon exploring the city, read on and find the date idea in Ottawa that works for you!
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- Fun Date Ideas in Ottawa for Couples
- Unique Date Ideas in Ottawa
- Romantic Date Ideas in Ottawa
- Free & Cheap Date Ideas in Ottawa
Fun Date Ideas in Ottawa for Couples
1. Take a Cooking Class
Need an indoor date idea in Ottawa that’s both exciting and delicious? Cooking classes in Ottawa are a unique, hands-on alternative to going out for dinner.
A gourmet chef instructor will help you and your partner create a five-star meal from scratch, allowing couples to enjoy each other’s company while creating a culinary masterpiece.
Easygoing, engaging and entertaining, these interactive cooking classes are perfect if you’re thinking of first date ideas. Plus, the classes are offered in a wide range of cuisines and culinary preferences, so there’s something for everyone!
2. Spend a Night Playing Games at Playback
For a date idea in Ottawa perfect for competitive couples, head on over to Playback, a unique bar that features a ton of indoor lawn games like cornhole, shuffleboard and bocce.
In addition to their plethora of activities, Playback also has a ton of delicious beers on tap and a menu of tasty bar food. This spot is a great choice if you’re thinking of double date ideas, especially if you want to challenge another couple to a game of beer pong.
3. Attend a Professional Ice Hockey Game
For a fun date idea in Ottawa during the fall, get tickets to see the Ottawa Senators play. Whether you’re a hockey fan or not, NHL games are full of energy and you’re bound to have a good time cheering on the home squad.
The “Sens” fans are passionate — to say the least —- so get ready for an exciting and raucous environment if you go with this date idea in Ottawa.
Unique Date Ideas in Ottawa
4. Go on a Virtual Reality Adventure
Dates can be stressful in any reality, but spending some time in the VR world is a great date idea in Ottawa during the winter if you need a unique way to break the ice, while avoiding the cold outdoor air.
VR Adventures Zone is one of the largest VR gaming parks in Canada, and they have plenty of activities that you can try, like VR escape rooms, free roam VR games and experiential VR attractions. This is also a great “V” option if you need any alphabet date ideas.
5. Experience a Nighttime Snowshoeing Tour
For a memorable date idea in Ottawa during winter, go on a nocturnal snowshoeing tour under the stars! Whether you’re an experienced snowshoer or have never done it before, this date idea in Ottawa is an incredible way to experience the natural beauty of Canada.
Offered by the Friends of Gatineau Park, this unique nighttime stroll should be at the top of your list of winter date ideas.
6. Embark on a Ghost Tour
According to The Harvard Business Review, consuming horror content with a date can help spark a feeling of romance. So if you want a date idea in Ottawa that will really ignite some romantic flames, go on a ghost tour of the city!
The Haunted Walk is one of the most popular options in town, and they offer a variety of different themed tours, making this an excellent date idea in Ottawa for couples who prefer their date nights with a side of spookiness.
Romantic Date Ideas in Ottawa
7. Visit the National Gallery of Canada
One of the best date ideas for teens or adults who want to add a splash of culture to their relationship, a trip to the National Gallery of Canada is one of the most classic and romantic indoor date ideas in Ottawa.
Featuring a spectacular assortment of exhibits and galleries, the National Gallery is full of surprises, and immersing yourself in the inspired space is a winning recipe for a memorable date.
8. Dine at Beckta
On the hunt for some splurge-worthy anniversary date ideas? Dining at Beckta is the pinnacle of date ideas in Ottawa for couples who want to experience a truly exquisite dining experience.
Featuring New Canadian cuisine served in an upscale dining environment, Beckta is a staple of the Ottawa fine dining scene, so make sure to book your reservation ahead of time. If you do manage to secure a spot, you’ll be treated to the ultimate romantic culinary adventure.
9. Tour Ottawa’s Vineyards
Ottawa is known for its robust wine scene, so if you need a date idea in Ottawa that’s equal parts romantic and delicious, spend a day exploring and tasting your way through some of the vineyards in the area.
KIN Vineyards is a popular option, where you can sip chardonnay while taking in a breathtaking sunset amongst the vines. What could be more romantic than that?
Free & Cheap Date Ideas in Ottawa
10. Explore Rideau Falls
Seeking some exciting active date ideas? Spending the day exploring Ottawa’s Rideau Falls Park, which offers incredible views of the titular waterfalls, is a fun date idea in Ottawa for the fall, if you want to experience some incredible leaves in addition to the powerfall falls.
Depending on when you visit, there are a variety of exhibits and food stands that rotate throughout the year. But if you’re looking for cheap date ideas in Ottawa, it’s hard to beat the simple, amazing views of Rideau Falls.
11. Check Out the Central Experimental Farm
For a unique date idea in Ottawa, take a trip over to The Central Experimental Farm, a scenic farm that hosts a variety of engaging attractions throughout the year.
The farm is an active research center, but there are still plenty of things to do for non-scientists, such as visiting the arboretum and the tropical greenhouse. The Experimental Farm is especially festive in the autumn, if you’re looking for cozy fall date ideas.
There are countless date ideas in Ottawa to try out, and the city offers plenty of opportunities to taste or explore your way to the ultimate romantic rendezvous.
If you and your partner are looking for a date idea in Ottawa that’s guaranteed to create some lasting memories, hopefully this list can serve as an effective starting point.
For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
