Ottawa Great Date Itinerary
So you're meeting a special someone and hoping to create a memorable date, but where to start when there's so much to do in the Ottawa/Gatineau area?
Why not kick off your day by sharing a melt-in-your-mouth, freshly baked croissant over frothy café au lait or steaming chocolat chaud at Benny's Bistro in the Byward Market (or take it to go from the Boulanger Francais, which fronts the Bistro) before strolling the Market's kiosks together, choosing fresh breads, cheeses, fruits and meats from local street vendors and specialty stores like La Bottega. Hog's Back Park provides an idyllic setting to take your market spoils for a romantic lunchtime picnic nestled under trees or with a view of the park's main attraction - the spectacular waterfalls.
If your date is the athletic type, the Westboro Village, with its concentration of outdoors and fitness specialty stores, including Ottawa's only Mountain Equipment Co-Op and lululemon athletica outlets, is a great place to pick up supplies before heading out to Gatineau Park, world renowned for its natural scenic beauty. Take a stroll down one of the many hiking trails, or perhaps stop at one of the area's five beaches.
For an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience sure to impress a sweetheart, make a reservation on the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train's sunset dinner train. Every summer Friday and Saturday evening the train departs from Hull and serves a four-or five-course gourmet meal in a period-appointed car as it winds through the scenic Quebec countryside towards Wakefield.
If the train isn't running, nearby Chelsea also plays host to the area's top spa, Le Nordik, a perfect place to stop for post-walk massages before heading back across the river to one of Ottawa's incredible restaurants for dinner. Whether it be at Beckta or E18ghteen, the Wellington Gastropub or Trio in Westboro, warm ambience, scrumptious food and wine lists to die for await.
End your evening with a night cap in a cozy corner of Arc The Hotel's bar, and perhaps, if all has gone well, head upstairs to one of their stylishly appointed rooms.
-- Cori Ferguson
