Winter accounts for 11 out of 12 months a year in Ottawa, or at least that’s how it feels sometimes. So, if you’ve found yourself with a case of the winter blues, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Between floating spas and tropical cafes, there are so many things to do in Ottawa to escape the cold this season. Of course, there are plenty of magical outdoor activities during this time of year that are totally bucket list-worthy, but no one wants to spend too much time out in the cold. And as we all know, Ottawa gets seriously freezing. We’re talking frostbite in 10 minutes of cold. Yikes! Bearing that in mind, we’ve rounded up 11 super fun indoor activities and places where you can stay warm and snug this season. Whether you live for winter whether or consider it a cruel joke, there’s no denying that these indoor escapes are truly incredible. And there’s a little something for everyone, too. From delectable hot chocolate and cuddling with cats to serious workouts and games, you’ll never be bored in the capital again. Altitude Gym Price: Starting at $16.50 When: Open daily, hours vary Address: 501 Palladium Dr., Kanata, ON Why You Need To Go: Nothing will warm you up faster than climbing giant rock walls. Don't forget to check out the augmented climbing wall while you're there. View this post on Instagram • • • Photo creds to Shaun Hunter A post shared by Emma (@e.m.maa) on Jun 21, 2018 at 4:05pm PDT Website ISO Spa Float Tank Therapy Price: Starting at $39 per float When: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday until 4 p.m. Address: 464 Bank St., Unit #5, Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: Escaping the cold and being the most relaxed version of yourself kind of go hand-in-hand right? View this post on Instagram I can't wait to look at all of the footage shot over the last few days for #HiddenGemsOfOttawa. Thanks to @isospa for showing us the magic of isolation float pods tonight and I can't wait to try it for myself! . #HiddenGemsOfOttawa is a show about hidden gems by neighbourhood uncovered by @bytown.bites, with its pilot episode brought to you by @downtownbank. . #whatsyourhiddengem . #femalefilmmaker #womeninfilm #isolationpod #deprivationtank #spa #spasofottawa #downtownottawa #igersottawa #sonyalphasclub #sonyalpha #loveottawa #ottawa #centretown #webtv #tv #travel #behindthescenes A post shared by Momo Lambkin (@momolambkin) on Aug 12, 2019 at 8:21pm PDT Website Tropical Greenhouse Price: Free admission When: Sunday to Friday Address: Maple Drive, Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: You can pretend you're in a different county inside this tropical greenhouse oasis. View this post on Instagram Swipe for a surprise - part 2 A post shared by Gaby Pancu 🇮🇩🇷🇴 (@gaby.pancu) on Dec 24, 2019 at 3:01pm PST Website The Den Price: Prices vary When: Tuesday to Sunday Address: 455 Churchill Ave. N., Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: Shopping warms the soul, right? At this little hidden gem, you can score affordable designer clothes and accessories. View this post on Instagram We’ve added new items to our S A L E so be sure to check it out in store and online! Flo approves 👌🏻 See you today 11-6! A post shared by The Den (@shop.theden) on Jul 25, 2019 at 5:32am PDT Website Funhaven Price: Starting at $10 When: Open daily, hours vary Address: 1050 Baxter Rd., Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: You can stay cozy and relive your childhood at this epic Ottawa arcade. View this post on Instagram Sometimes all a girl needs are some loving friends, and a dance dance revolution machine. 😂❤️ . Had an amazing time celebrating @xaviersawyers birthday last weekend. 🥳🎈💝 A post shared by Paula Noun (@paula.noun) on Sep 22, 2019 at 8:29pm PDT Website Canada Science and Technology Museum Price: $17 When: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: You'll be amazed and will probably learn a few new things when you visit this incredible Ottawa museum. View this post on Instagram ✨💜 A post shared by Veronica Boesch (@veronicaboesch) on Nov 8, 2019 at 11:08am PST Website Feline Cafe Price: Prices vary When: Tuesday to Sunday Address: 1076 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: Caffeine and cats? You know we're there! Who knows, you may even find your fur-ever buddy. View this post on Instagram My happy place - a dairy-free café filled with cats, wearing a cat sweater getting some cat attention 🐱 . . . Sweater: @pusheen @thepusheenshop . . . #catsofinstagram #ottawa #myottawa #ottawalife #feline #cafe #adoptdontshop #instalove #fitness #christmas #holidays #december #winter #happy #smile #catlove #pursuepretty #igersottawa #ottawastyle #coffee #pretty #instalove #pusheen #instamood #happiness #treats #instacute #girlswholift #whatiwore #photooftheday A post shared by Kathleen 🇨🇦 (@kathleen.estan) on Dec 21, 2019 at 2:26pm PST Website Escape Manor Price: $24 When: Tuesday to Sunday Address: 982 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: If you love solving puzzles, then an escape room is the perfect way to beat those winter blues. You could even try The Recruit, which has proven nearly impossible to beat. View this post on Instagram When I am in Canada 🇨🇦 I get treated really really well! 😅😅 A post shared by Raakel MacLeod (@raakelmacleod) on Dec 29, 2018 at 9:23pm PST Website Aquatopia Conservatory Price: Free admission When: Open to the public Tuesday to Saturday Address: 2710 March Rd., Carp, ON Why You Need To Go: This water garden conservatory is a magical oasis that will have you saying, "winter who?" There's even a sweet cafe inside. View this post on Instagram my sternocleidomastoid muscle is POPPIN A post shared by dani☼ (@danielledoan) on Jul 9, 2017 at 4:07pm PDT Website Flying Squirrel Price: Starting at $20 When: Open daily, hours vary Address: 1901 Cyrville Rd., Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: You can soar into the sky on these giant trampolines. You'll forget more about the freezing weather with every bounce. View this post on Instagram Here’s to a great start to the new year. 2019 will be my bitch. By being on new meds, spending time with my best friend, loving my cat, dabbling into makeup, and dying my hair, I will make this year the year I prevail. I love you Maddie. I hope you enjoyed your 17th ❤️❤️ A post shared by According To Work, I’m Romelle (@_http.steele_) on Jan 5, 2019 at 3:30pm PST Website Quelque Chose Pâtisserie Price: Macarons from $6 When: Hours vary by location Address: Various locations, Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: Nothing warms you up quite like a cup of hot chocolate and some classic French macarons. View this post on Instagram Just your everyday Tea Party; talking about boys and stuff...☕️ A post shared by Grace Yuel (@graceyuel) on Nov 18, 2019 at 2:30pm PST Website There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram.
