Local Guide for an Unforgettable Summer Weekend in Ottawa
- natashazinkie
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 12
Exploring Ottawa as a local is surprisingly refreshing, especially if the usual tourist stops (👀 Parliament Hill) aren’t your thing. Ottawa offers that perfect balance of city culture and natural beauty, with patios, beaches, trails, and coffee shops worth planning your weekend around.
This guide is exactly how I would spend my ideal summer weekend in the city. Think water, walks, delicious food (not crowded tours or political lectures). Whether you are visiting for the first time or a local looking for inspiration, here's how to make the most of your Ottawa weekend — the local way.
Day 1: Downtown Core
☕Morning: Coffee first, always
Kick off your weekend at Little Victories Coffee Roasters. This Ottawa-born gem has two locations downtown (Elgin street | Queen Street), both are sleek and modern. The Elgin street location offers much more seating indoors as well as outdoor seating.
Must-try
Coffee: their signature espresso, I always go for a classic Cappuccino. The beans are equally delicious at home too if you want to buy a bag.
Snack: I always go for the lemon poppyseed cookie or brownie (I seriously can’t stop thinking of this brownie).
In my opinion, they are single handedly elevating the coffee culture in Ottawa.
🚶♀️ Late Morning: Ottawa Locks + Canal Walk
From Little Victories, take a short stroll to the Ottawa Locks, where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River. This spot is a peaceful downtown escape, and the views (Château Laurier, Parliament, the canal system) are hard to beat.
Local tip: Grab a bench or sit on the grass and watch the lockmasters at work (May–Oct). Or enjoy the walking path along the Ottawa River if you are feeling active.
🍻Afternoon: Patio Season in Full Swing
Head to Tavern on the Hill, a favourite of mine for sunny afternoons. Nestled in Major’s Hill Park, this massive open-air patio offers stunning views of Parliament and the river.
Grab a snack and a drink — because why not?
Casual order-at-the-window setup with lots of varied seating.
Great people-watching, chill atmosphere, and no long waits.
Any local will tell you — Ottawa summers are fleeting so enjoy patio season while you can
Afterward, if you want to see the quintessential ByWard Market now's your chance. It’s lively, yes, but it's a quick stroll away for those seeking shops, artists, and local snacks.
🍽️ Evening: Skip the Market Crowd, Dine Like a Local
I'll be honest, I tend to avoid the ByWard Market in the evening. These days, I prefer dining on Sparks Street and Elgin Street for better food and a better vibe!
Sparks Street | Pedestrian friendly corridor with great patios in the summer
Rabbit Hole: Great cocktails + modern plates
Riviera: Date night energy with cool vibes and good food (In an old bank and very much worth the splurge!)
Bier Markt: Classic pub fare and crisp beer
Elgin Street | Vibrant like the ByWard but with a nicer feel + better food
Citizen: Relaxed yet upscale, with amazing seasonal dishes
Datsun or El Camino: Ramen vs tacos but both have a lively crowd
Whalesbone: Seafood and splurge-worthy meals
Harmons: Top tier steakhouse well worth the price tag with some of the best service in town (Fun Fact: they are partnered with Whalesbone so their seafood is a hit as well)
🥂 Nightcap: Don’t miss Stolen Goods — one of Ottawa’s coolest cocktail bars with moody lighting and serious mixology. Make a reservation, seating is limited, and it fills up fast!
Day 2: Exploring Nature and Leaving Downtown
🍳Morning: Breakfast that won't disappoint
Here are three breakfast gems just outside the downtown core:
Jax (Bronson): Cozy bistro, local ingredients, eggs done right
Oat Couture (Glebe): Gourmet oatmeal (sounds random I know). But they are delicious with great lattes, and stupidly cute decor
The Sconewitch (Elgin): Fresh scones in every flavour + takeaway sandwiches
📣 If your accommodation includes breakfast, no fear, all ^ offer delicious lunch options too.
Fun fact: I’ve been to each of these more times than I care to admit... and I still crave them weekly
🏖️ Late Morning–Afternoon: Westboro Beach Reset
After your brunch, head west to Westboro Beach. It’s my Local favourite, now freshly renovated (grand reopening in June 2025).
Chill in the sun, enjoy the Ottawa River view, or join a volleyball game
New amenities: washrooms, changerooms, canteen available now + full-service restaurant (coming September 2025!)
💡Pro tip: Best drop-off/parking via Lanark Avenue
Not Into Beach Days? Alternate Options:
Walk or bike along the Ottawa River Pathway (scenic, shady, and flat)
Stop at Remic Rapids Bistro (a riverside café with drinks, sandwiches, and views)
Explore the indie shops and cafes in Westboro Village and Wellington West
Catch the Westboro Farmers' Market here Saturdays (9am - 3pm)
Evening: Destination Dining Outside the Core
Explore a new neighbourhood for dinner:
🍝Little Italy (2.5km west) | Vibrant neighbourhood packed with top notch ambiance
Dreamland Café: My all-time favourite. Fresh pasta and a dreamy ambiance that never misses 👏
La Roma: Modern twists on classic Italian cuisine
Joe’s Italian Kitchen: Easy delicious Italian hits (try their pinsa)
EVOO Greek Kitchen: Mediterranean vibes that are immaculate
🌮 The Glebe (2km south) | Charming neighbourhood with a laid-back atmosphere
Banditos: Tacos, margs and a huge patio
CRAFT Beer Market: Big menu and great beer
Feleenas: colourful, relaxed Mexican classics on a sunny patio
🐟 Westboro (4km west) | Trendy quieter neighbourhood that's a haven for good food
Fratelli: Cozy and classy Italian
Lexington: Modern BBQ with flair
Supply & Demand: ⭐ One of Ottawa’s best. Oysters, handmade pasta, standout service
Day 3: Canals and Bagels
Morning: Journey Along the Rideau Canal.
Walk, bike, or run the Rideau Canal pathway — the city’s most scenic trail. Start downtown at the Locks and head toward Lansdowne Park (3km) or go the distance to Dow’s Lake (5km).
Paths are wide and well-maintained
Great for photos, birdwatching, or morning movement
🥯 Breakfast at Lansdowne
Don’t worry I didn’t forget about breakfast. Popping into Lansdowne Park was always part of the plan! Stop at Kettlemans Bagel Co. for fresh wood oven Montreal-style bagels (open 24/7)
Grab a seat in the park or take your breakfast to the lakefront
🛶 Afternoon: Activities that Energize you
Chill Option: If you feel like you've wandered enough — That’s OK Lansdowne has lots to do! Check out:
Explore the indie shops and cafes in Lansdowne Park
Catch the Ottawa Farmers' Market here Sundays (9am - 3pm)
Peep the TD Place Stadium schedule for events
Grab a drink and a snack at CRAFT Beer Market or Local Public Eatery
Adventurous Option: Feeling Ambitious? Good because I recommend you keep venturing to Dow's Lake. Don’t worry, worst case, you can always take Ottawa's LRT back downtown!
Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Dow’s Lake Pavilion
Prefer dry land? Lounge at Umbrella Bar with a cocktail and a view or walk around the Dominion Arboretum for a peaceful afternoon picnic.
Dow's Lake is where I love to go to reset and soak in the last of the weekend
🧳 Final Thoughts: My Ottawa, Your Way
This isn’t just a list, it’s my real-life weekend go-to activities. Whether you're planning a staycation or your first visit to the capital, I hope this gives you the inspiration to explore Ottawa in a new way.
The beauty of this city? You can slow down, mix and match your days, and still feel like you’ve done something. Because summer here is all about the water (at least for me) and just maybe, a second coffee. 😉
All the best and Happy travels,
Roaming with Zinkie
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