18 Things You Gotta Do This Spring In Ottawa
Goodbye winter!

Ah, spring. Finally a time where we trade our winter boots for rain boots, our winter jackets for rain jackets, and where we're all generally happier as people. I don't know about you, but I think spring is underrated. Yes, there may be a ton of rain but compared to snow, we can handle it. We've all heard the term April showers brings May flowers, and that in itself is something to look forward to!
Now that we don't need winter jackets to just walk down the street, it's time to spend some more time outdoors and explore Ottawa! We become hermits in the winter, and now it's our time to shine. If you feel like you've missed out on 3 months of fun because of how cold it's been here, same. But that changes as soon as it turns spring on March 20th.
Drink some delicious sangria at The Grand Pizzeria + Bar
What better way to prepare for summer than with sangria? You may not be able to sit out on the patio until May, but that's okay. Inside of The Grand will make you feel like you're in Italy, and so will their pizza. Their sangria is to die for and you can get the white or red wine version.
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Be crafty and make a hanging terrarium for your home
What screams spring more than succulents? On March 23rd at the Canadian Golf and Country Club, you and your BFFs can make adorable hanging terrariums for only $35. These will look perfect in your home, and it's also a great transition piece from winter to spring decor. You can buy tickets here.
Do a yoga class on Parliament Hill
This is a staple in Ottawa. Starting in May until August, every Wednesday from 12 pm to 1 pm you can get your zen on with the most beautiful view. The starting date has not been announced yet, but keep on eye out because this needs to be on your bucket list!
Take a walk through Ottawa's own Central Park, Fletcher Wildlife Garden
This wildlife garden is absolutely beautiful in the spring and summer. If you're super into nature, you'll fall in love here. This is totally a hidden gem in Ottawa.
Get into the spirit with an ice cream cone from Sweet Jesus
In winter, people judge you for venturing out for ice cream. In the spring, it's definitely more acceptable! Sweet Jesus is located in the ByWard Market and is a must try for all the ice cream lovers out there. As soon as March 20th hits, you'll be able to eat ice cream with no guilt. And no winter jacket.
Have a cheat day at PoutineFest 2018
Indulge in Canada's most popular dish at PoutineFest 2018. From April 19th to April 22nd, you'll be able to try the best poutine in Ottawa and you'll have over 100 choices! It's free admission, and located at City Hall. This is one food festival you do not want to miss.
Get fresh produce at Ottawa Farmers' Market
Ottawa Farmers' Market is open all year round, but in the winter it's located indoors at Lansdowne Park. This is a great place to stock up on all of your fresh produce, and to live that organic life. It's open every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm!
Make your Instagram more colourful by taking pictures at these great spots
During the winter, it seems like all of our Instagram's are white and grey. But that changes as soon as spring starts. Flowers, ice cream, hiking, everything is more colourful! These spots are great for spring and summer Insta pics.
Go for a cute date at Louis' Restaurant & Pizzeria
Although you can do this all year round, who doesn't love pizza?! You're probably working on your #summerbod but need a cheat day. There is no better place to do that than at Louis' Restaurant. They treat you like family and have been around for so long!
Stay and don't freeze in one of these Four Season Tents in Gatineau Park
Now that winter is over and everything seems more realistic, staying in one of these Four Season Tents in Gatineau Park doesn't seem like a nightmare anymore. They hold up to 4 people, and if you can't wait for summer to start camping, this is the perfect way to do it in the spring!
See Jason Momoa at Comiccon
From Game of Thrones to the streets of Ottawa, Jason Momoa will make his way to the capital for Comiccon from May 11th to May 13th. Other guests will also be in attendance, so you need to get your tickets ASAP!
Drink a margarita as big as your head at Pancho Villa
If you can't wait for summer to drink on a patio, Pancho Villa has your back. From margs, to sangria, to daiquiris to pina coladas and so much more, you'll be able to pretend its summer very easily. Get your BFFs together and have a girls night, and it definitely won't take you long to feel it!
Travel to Greece and Italy all in one day at Mati Ottawa
This new stunning restaurant is a mix between Greek and Italian food, and it's absolutely to die for. If you haven't tried out this new restaurant, you need to ASAP. They describe themselves as a charcoal and crudo restaurant, which are the styles of cooking in Greece and Italy. And also, can we talk about the decor?!
Fall in love with Ottawa all over again at the Canadian Tulip Festival
If you've never been to Ottawa's tulip festival, what are you doing? The Canadian Tulip Festival is the largest tulip festival in the world and this year marks the 66th year. All along Dow's Lake is a 1k view of straight tulips but they're also scattered all through Downtown Ottawa. Starting on May 11th, you'll be able to experience these beautiful tulips yourself.
Hike to the top of Eagles Nest Lookout to see the stunning views
#Views, amirite? If you're sick of hiking through Gatineau, make a trip to Calabogie Peaks Resort where there is a 4 mile hike to the top. If you're afraid of heights, this will definitely combat that.
Hit up the food trucks, as it's officially food truck season!
Last year, The Blended Berry opened up at the beginning of April! Most open up throughout April or May and we cannot wait. Food trucks are so delicious, and we have a bunch here in Ottawa. If you're looking for a quick and unique lunch spot, hit one of these spots up!
Take advantage of spring and celebrate with bottomless mimosas
Did someone say bottomless? Yes. Here in Ottawa, that's a big deal! You can get delicious brunch and bottomless mimosas at The Vanitea Room, and they're to die for. They have a ton of different kinds as well, and you can celebrate surviving winter!
Sit outside for once and take in the views at Tavern on the Hill
Tavern on the Hill is lowkey the best place in Ottawa. With a view like that, hotdogs that delicious and a great drink menu, you can't go wrong! This spot will most likely open in May, which is a little bit of a wait but the wait is so worth it.