Guidebook for Ottawa
Essentials
This grocery store is a little pricey, but can't be beat for convenience.
119 locals recommend
Hartman's Your Independent Grocer
296 Bank StThis grocery store is a little pricey, but can't be beat for convenience.
Always has the essentials for food and any pharmacy items you may need.
108 locals recommend
Shoppers Drug Mart
174 Bank StAlways has the essentials for food and any pharmacy items you may need.
The closest place to find all things organic. They have a good bulk section and ready prepped food. Their health & beauty shop is across the street.
29 locals recommend
Herb & Spice Food Shop
375 Bank StThe closest place to find all things organic. They have a good bulk section and ready prepped food. Their health & beauty shop is across the street.
Arts & Culture
A great way to spend an afternoon wandering around this old building. Free on Thursdays from 5-8.
468 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod StA great way to spend an afternoon wandering around this old building. Free on Thursdays from 5-8.
Arts Court
2 Daly AveLots of plays, bands and underground events.
Food Scene
Panago Pizza
4285 Strandherd DrMy go-to place for pizza delivery.
Local Lansdowne
826 Exhibition WayGreat fish tacos.
One of the best bakeries in Ottawa. There is a cafe for breakfasts and light lunches.
131 locals recommend
Art-Is-In Bakery
250 City Centre AveOne of the best bakeries in Ottawa. There is a cafe for breakfasts and light lunches.
Shawarma is Ottawa's favourite late night food with chicken or beef wrapped in a pita and smothered in a strong garlic sauce. Open lunch until late.
14 locals recommend
Shawarma King
395 Bank StShawarma is Ottawa's favourite late night food with chicken or beef wrapped in a pita and smothered in a strong garlic sauce. Open lunch until late.
Yangtze Restaurant
700 Somerset St WGreat location for weekend dim sum.
Bramasole Diner
428 Bank StA good, inexpensive breakfast just down the street.
A good mix of modern restaurants and entertainment. Home to our football and soccer teams.
196 locals recommend
Lansdowne Park
Marché WayA good mix of modern restaurants and entertainment. Home to our football and soccer teams.
Drinks & Nightlife
Ottawa's only bias-free bar. Karaoke, board games, drag, or just an afternoon chat.
Swizzles Bar and Grill
246 B Queen StOttawa's only bias-free bar. Karaoke, board games, drag, or just an afternoon chat.
The Cross On Elgin
360 Elgin StGreat rooftop patio.
The Lieutenant's Pump
361 Elgin StGood food, relaxed, good for groups.
Barrymore's Music Hall
323 Bank StGood venue for live music.
Go on Sunday afternoons to see Lucky Ron put on one of his iconic shows.
27 locals recommend
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff)
42 York StGo on Sunday afternoons to see Lucky Ron put on one of his iconic shows.
Getting Around
Ottawa Central Station - Greyhound Bus Terminal
265 Catherine StreetSlater / Bank station
Closest Transitway stop for all buses headed east.
Slater / Bank station
Closest Transitway stop for all buses heading West.
Ottawa station
200 Tremblay RdOttawa's main ViaRail station.
Entertainment & Activities
Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne VIP
325 Marché WayEscape Manor - Downtown
292-A Queen StVery well done escape rooms.
Parks & Nature
Walk up to the Dominion Arboretum or rent a boat and paddle along the canal. Especially something to see during Tulipfest.
191 locals recommend
Dows Lake
1001 Queen Elizabeth DrivewayWalk up to the Dominion Arboretum or rent a boat and paddle along the canal. Especially something to see during Tulipfest.
Walk through the region's national park. Beautiful trails, lakes, and some beaches too.
522 locals recommend
Gatineau Park
33 Chem. Scott Walk through the region's national park. Beautiful trails, lakes, and some beaches too.
The world's longest natural skating rink. Great for a stroll any time of the year.
259 locals recommend
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
1 Second AvenueThe world's longest natural skating rink. Great for a stroll any time of the year.