Here's Our Ottawa Guide If You Love Art & Design

We decided to escape from Montreal a few weekends ago to a sweet getaway to Ottawa, our first time just after the pandemic ended (yay – jackpot!).

I wanted to plan an artsy-design-foodie itinerary for the kiddos, and if you haven’t explored Ottawa before this way, bookmark this post where I’ll show you what to do, where to stay and what to eat in 48 hours.

Pack your summer bags, let’s explore together!

STAY

We were SO lucky to discover and stay at the new ReStays located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, a boutique condo-hotel with fully equipped suites and 24/7 concierge service (Hello, stylish hotel life), exceptional services (Movie theatre, indoor parking, game room, gym and a spectacular balcony) making our adventure even more special.

If you’re a family (or a big group) the two-bedroom heritage loft is PERFECT and the one we stayed at. Stunning 15 ft ceilings facing Sparks Street, a full kitchen, two private bedrooms AND bathrooms, Nespresso machine and everything you need, this room will impress you (for real it will).

Want to explore it yourself, right? Book 2 nights and the 3rd night is free! Check all the details over here.

Explore the Art scene

I have always loved bringing my little ones to museums, discovering new exhibitions, teaching them about history, art, and so many magical things. Now that both are a bit older (pinch me, they are still my babies, okay?) they ask me to go to museums from time to time and they loved exploring Ottawa’s museums SO much!

Here are our top favourites you can’t miss:

– Canada Science and Technology Museum (our number one favourite so far)

– Canadian War Museum

– Canada Aviation and Space Museum

– Ottawa Art Gallery

– National Gallery of Canada

– Canadian Children’s Museum

– Canadian Museum of Nature

EAT & DRINK

My FAVE activity and you know it! When it comes to restaurants, cute spots, coffee shops and shopping, Maca enters the chat (and she’s the happiest, HA!). Loved trying a few new spots for us and wander around the city, starting with:

– ByWard Market, the most magical area of Ottawa for us!

– Little Victories Coffee Roasters

– Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar

– The King Eddy

– Zak’s Diner

– Moulin de Provence

– Rabbit Hole (for pizza!)

Connect with nature

We escaped to one of Ottawa’s best secrets (thanks to our ReStays friends reco) The Experimental Farm Ornamental Garden, where you can find the most beautiful peonies garden with magical paths that you’ll adore during the summer season.

As a new runner (hello, Am I writing this?) I also loved jogging close to the parliament and the Rideau Canal, the heart of Canada’s capital and one of the most scenic picnic areas wherever you stop.