• By: Kat Walcott

Top Valentine’s Day Date Spots in Ottawa

Valentine’s Day is here and if you’re looking for a special spot in the city to bring your sweetheart, look no further! Here is a list of some fun and romantic hot spots in the National Capital where you can celebrate this special day with your loved one.

Corktown Footbridge

Major cities like Paris and Seoul are home to famous lock bridges, but did you know that we have one of our own right here in Ottawa? Corktown Footbridge, located just south of Laurier Avenue Bridge and linking Somerset East to Somerset West, is a pedestrian bridge that has become a popular spot for lovebirds. Couples write their names on padlocks and attach them to the side of the bridge to represent everlasting love. It’s a great place to take a stroll and to get some cute couple-y, Instagram shots!

Cacao 70

If you and your partner are chocolate lovers, this is the date spot for you! Cacao 70 is a chocolate-centred cafe with two Ottawa locations, the Byward Market and Lansdowne. The cafe features a mouth-watering menu of both sweet and savoury food such as sandwiches, crepes, fondue, high-quality drinking chocolate and their famous chocolate marshmallow pizza. Why settle for just a box of chocolates when you can bring your sweetheart to an entire chocolate-themed cafe?

Escape Manor

If you and your date are down for something a bit more thrilling and adventurous for Valentine’s Day, you’ll love this place. Escape Manor, with two Ottawa locations located on Queen Street and Wellington Street respectively, is an escape room facility. These “escape rooms” have become quite trendy over the last couple years. Essentially, you are locked in a room and have to figure out a series of puzzles, riddles and locate hidden objects which will allow you to unlock the room and escape. What’s better than being locked in a room with the one you love?

Cineplex Cinema Lansdowne and VIP

If you want to do a traditional movie date, but with a special twist, check out the recently-opened Cineplex at Lansdowne. This is one of Cineplex’s special “VIP” locations which feature reclining chairs, and a VIP menu of delicious food, desserts and alcohol to enjoy while you watch your movie of choice. It’s dinner and a movie all in one!

Rideau Canal

Last but not least, we can’t talk about romantic spots in the city without mentioning Ottawa’s pride and joy–the Rideau Canal Skateway. Take a romantic skate hand-in-hand with your lover down the world’s largest skating rink while enjoying a warm drink, a BeaverTail and taking in the picturesque beauty of the city. Winterlude is also going on right now, so there are tons of festivities going on at the Canal and surrounding areas to check out!