For those of you coming in for the weekend, you may consider a day trip to Montreal on Saturday June 10 (or even stay a night since the wedding reception isn't until Sunday evening). If you are driving, it is only a 2 hour drive, alternatively, there is a quick 90 min train ride into downtown Montreal from Ottawa. Don't forget to try the poutine!
You cannot leave Ottawa without trying a shawarma sandwich or plate from the legendary Shawarma Palace. Great place to go for a late night snack (open until 2am Friday and Saturday and 1am on Sunday).
For those of you who may want to get in a round of golf, head out to the West side of Ottawa. The Brookstreet Hotel has a golf course and also a spa and outdoor pool. I would recommend making reservations.
Ottawa is full of amazing outdoor activities, and as you all know, Andrew and Shenela are avid hikers. Here is a list of a few hikes within the Ottawa/Gatineau Area King Mountain (Gatineau Park) Hemlock Bluff Trail Sarsaparilla Trail Eagles Nest Lookout Booth's Rock Trail https://www.narcity.com/ottawa/12-breathtaking-hikes-in-and-around-ottawa-you-need-to-do-this-summer https://www.explore-mag.com/10-of-the-Best-Hiking-Trails-Near-Ottawa
Ottawa is full of amazing museums - a few of Shenela's favourite include; the Museum of Civilization, the Nature Museum (largest collection of Dinosaur bones in Canada), the Museum of Science and Technology.
Spend an afternoon strolling through picturesque Ottawa, where you can find the Parliament of Canada, the Canada Supreme Court and Rideau Hall. Check out the Byward Market, the Glebe and Sparks Street for some amazing patios and restaurant selections.
Here Are a Few Great Brunch Spots in Ottawa: Wilf & Ada’s (small little place downtown, they don’t take reservations. Expect to wait) EVOO (Greek place in little Italy) Flapjacks Pancake Shop (Located in little Italy - don’t forget to order some pure Canadian maple syrup) Metropolitan Brasserie (located downtown with a nice patio) Copper Spirits and Sights* (may no longer be serving brunch, but take a look - best view in Ottawa)
You can’t come to Canada without trying a BeaverTail - no, we aren’t savages, this is a delicious fried pastry with toppings of your choice. Shenela’s favorite is the Killaloe sunrise (sugar, cinnamon and a splash of fresh lemon). Head into the Byward market to find the famous hut. Fun fact: BeaverTails are often what politicians use for friendly sports bets between our southern American neighbours.
For those of you wanting to get a bit of retail therapy in, we have the Tanger Outlets in Kanata (15-20 min drive from downtown Ottawa) or if you want to stay within the downtown core, the Rideau Center is great mall right in the heart of downtown.
Ottawa Chef Briana Kim won the 2023 Canadian Culinary Championship and is the owner of Alice Restaurant - a highly inventive and technically formidable plant-based dishes.