8 Fun Things To Do In Ottawa This Weekend To Shake Up Your Routine

Attend a festival and eat a bucket of donuts! 🍩

Staff Writer

It's time to shake up your routine and try something new. To help you make plans, we gathered our top picks for things to do in Ottawa this weekend.

There's no time to be bored, as there are so many incredible festivals and newly opened cafes that you'll want to visit. Or you can always float at a secret swimming hole that is just a short drive from the city.

Try Delicious Desserts At Dao Bake & Sip Café

Price: 💸

Address: 1558 Merivale Rd., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Dao Bake & Sip Cafe is having its soft opening, and you'll be able to try all sorts of incredible desserts like Pablo Cheese Tarts.

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Watch Fireworks

Price: $12.69 per person

When: August 7-8, 11-15, & 18-21

Address: 1223 Alexandra Bridge, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Tickets for the Casino Lac-Leamy Sound Of Light are sold out, so if you want to watch the firework show, you can head to the Tavern On The Hill's viewing party.

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Enjoy Festibiere de Gatineau

Price: $19.50 per person (includes one beer)

When: August 4-7 & 11-14

Address: 60 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau, QC

Why You Need To Go: Beer-lovers, this is the event for you. In addition to the massive lineup of beers that you can try, you can also ride the Ferris wheel, relax on a sandy beach, go pedal boating, and listen to live music.

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Cool Off At A Swimming Hole

Price: $20 per person

Address: 1780 Rte. 105, Chelsea, QC

Why You Need To Go: Get ready to spend the afternoon swimming, as Morrison's Quarry is now open.

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Treat Yourself To A Bucket Of Donuts

Price: $25 per person (includes unlimited rides)

When: August 3-8

Address: 100 Charlie Rogers Pl., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: This weekend, the Kanata Fun Fair is happening at the Kanata Recreation Complex, and you'll be able to try all the rides and delicious treats.

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Say Hello To Adorable Farm Animals

Price: $8.97 per person

Address: 670 Cedarview Rd., Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: While at The Log Farm, you can see animals and explore a walking trail through a forest.

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Rent A Paddle Board Or Kayak

Price: $18+ (SUP paddle board), $21+ (single kayak)

Address: 160 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC

Why You Need To Go: For a fun adventure, you can rent a boat or paddleboard from Escape Tours & Rentals in Jacques-Cartier Park and paddle down the Ottawa River.

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Have A Boozy Beverage At A New Waterfront Patio

Price: 💸

Address: Patterson Creek, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can dine overlooking the water at the newly opened Moulin In The Park. Here, they will be selling bites from tons of local vendors, including Le Moulin de Provence KD, Happy Goat, Stella Luna Gelato, and YOW Popcorn.

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Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Stephanie White was an Ottawa-based Associate Editor for Narcity Canada. She has been writing mouthwatering food and wanderlust-inspiring articles for Canadians since 2012. She has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Ottawa University. When she isn't writing, you can find her travelling the globe and trying new restaurants. Stephanie has previously been published on Insider, Flight Network, Apartment Therapy, Faces Magazine, Daily Hive, Dished and The Spruce.

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