Planning a weekend getaway to Ottawa might not have been at the top of your todo list, but this year, supporting local and keeping those dollars in Canada is the vibe. We’re kicking off this very helpful series, with a roadtrip to the nation’s capital, the 613 original – Ottawa. Our ultimate guide covers everything you need to know for a perfect weekend in Canada’s capital city. Day 1, we made it a museum heavy trip with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum, balanced with dining at the highly recommended Ember restaurant before closing the night with cocktails around the corner at Bar Ocelli. Then on Day 2 it’s an easy hangover day of strolling around downtown to eat tacos, lie on grass, eat ice cream, sit on steps, and then vent over political art at the end. We’ve included everything you need to make the trip an easy one and help you experience the best of Ottawa’s culture, history, and nightlife without too much trouble.
So let’s pack up and roll out before summer is over.
Arrival Day! Check in and Relax
Hotel Recommendation: Lord Elgin – lordelginhotel.ca
It is historic, downtown and has rates that include parking. Which is rare in Ottawa! Parking in the city can run $25-$45 per day, so we set out to find a location that was conveniently located, with parking that has in and out privileges. Believe us, when we tell you, Lord Elgin is the only game in town.
Lord Elgin is also in one of the most walkable and tourist friendly locations in Ottawa.
Day 2: Museum Day
Morning:
8:45 AM – Departure from Hotel
- Start your day early to make the most of your time in Ottawa. The hotel is abut 15 minutes away from Dukes by car, or about 20 minutes away by public transit. If you transit to eat, you should drive or grab an Uber to the museum because it’s 6X longer to transit to the Canadian Aviation and Space museum.
Note about transit in Ottawa: Yes, Ottawa does have a public transit system, however, it can be confusing. A recent overhaul changed many routes and increased the need for transfers between buses and the O-Train. Delays and cancellations—especially during peak hours—are also common. As of 2025, a single adult fare is $4.00, but day passes offer better value for multiple trips.
9:00 AM – Breakfast at DUKE’S
40 Adelaide St – dukesottawa.com – tel (343)-550-4938
- Dukes is a kitschy, 80’s diner inspired breakfast spot that is the perfect way to kick off the day if you can nab a seat. Golden hashbrowns, sourdough pancake stacks, and tasty breakfast sandwiches are the star of the show. One word of advice, if you’re getting a side, don’t get avocado – trust us, you want to get the fries. Reservations recommended, even for breakfast because it’s so good!
10:30AM – Depart for the Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation Parkway – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) – ingenium.ca/aviation/en/
- Over 130 aircrafts on display that document Canada’s history in the skies. As anticipated many of the artifacts are retired WWII vessels – including the world’s most complete and original Lancaster bomber. However, highlights include the original Canadarm, the opportunity to climb in a decommissioned Snowbird jet or a chance to book a flight for 2 in an actual Waco UPF-7 is an open-cockpit biplane circa 1939s (for an additional fee).
Tip: Best spot for a photo is staring up towards the sky in the RCAF Hall of Tribute.
Afternoon:
1:30 PM – Grab a sandwich at Roberto’s Corner
1034 Pleasant Park Rd – 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Closes early on weekends) – robertoscorner.ca
- So hear us out… Yes, this is just a counter in a gas station, but Roberto’s Corner is a spot that makes the best Italian sandwiches and arancini in the city. So go to the gas station, find the hidden spot inside the convenience store that Roberto’s is located. Grab a few sandwiches and then make your way to the picnic area at the museum to have a chill sit down.
Rumour has it that there isn’t a single bad sandwich on the menu. Arancini is a must.
2:00 PM – Canada Science and Technology Museum
1867 St Laurent Blvd – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – ingenium.ca/scitech/en/
- The Canada Science and Technology Museum is a display heavy, techno-philes dream come true and a perfect for a weekend adventure. It’s all about the evolution You can walk through a crooked room that’ll mess with your balance, climb aboard vintage trains, and even get hands-on with DIY experiences that dot the museum.
- We loved the Sound by Design exhibit that tracked the evolution of audio technology through time. Plus, there’s a room called the Quiet Cube that was an eerie experience that lets your hear what your voice sounds like when there’s no echo.
- It’s super interactive, super Instagrammable, and just a short ride from downtown.
Tip: Advanced ticketing is recommended. The museum offers free admission daily between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Warning there are a lot of kids here, even though the exhibits are more for adults who want to see the evolution of technology.
Evening:
5:00 PM – Return to Hotel
- Take a short break to relax and freshen up before dinner.
8:30 PM – Dinner at Ember
92 Clarence St – 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat until 1:00 AM) – emberottawa.com
- Ember is fire – literally. This ByWard Market hotspot is all about live-fire cooking, and the results are charred perfection. Banquettes surround the bar like seats around a campfire; the lighting’s low, the energy’s high, and the fire is very, very real. Chef Kyle Wilson’s menu is a masterclass in constructing longing. We are still talking about wood-fired beef cheek pizza, the smoky eggplant dip and the whole roasted branzino. We ended up ordering another round just to stay longer! Martini lovers will love the Dirty Dill and the After Eight Espresso Martini.Check out our restaurant profile page on Ember Here
Tip: Make a reservation through their website or OpenTable to ensure you get a table
11:00 PM – Cocktails at Bar Ocelli
17 William St – 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM – barocelli.com
- Around the corner from Ember in ByWard Market, Bar Ocelli is the kind of place you stumble into on a whim and end up staying all night. It’s moody, intimate, and effortlessly cool – think velvet seating, low lighting, and cocktails that taste like they were designed by alchemists. Smoky mezcal creations and clarified milk punches are heavily coded with “where have you been all my life?” energy. Unique ingredients, stunning presentation, and vibey atmosphere that’s a little apothecaric. It’s the perfect night cap!
Check out our bar profile page on Bar Ocelli Here
Tip: Arrive early to get a good spot, as it can get busy in the evenings
Day 3: No stress. Spa or Walkabout.
Today is a day you may just want to relax. So let’s explore downtown with a classic low stress walking tour – tacos, ice cream, scones, naps on grass, zone out at the locks, take some pics, and see some weird things – we’ve been there, we’ll probably be there again, so let’s go explore together.
Check out the Downtown Ottawa Walking Tour by Clicking Here
Day 3: The Ultimate Ottawa Walking Tour
Click here for the route, the Google Map and the will to explore.
Day 4: Head Home
That’s it for the weekender in Ottawa! Stay tuned for the next weekender itinerary, to help make the most of summer without leaving the province!
*header Photo by Chris TDL
Marie Nicola
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