10 cheap Ottawa date ideas that aren't just dinner and a movie
Fall in love at any of these romantic (and cheap!) date spots. 😍😍
Soaking up the sights at Gatineau Park. Right: Romance blossoms near the Long Sault Parkway.
So you're finally taking that special someone in your life out on a date in Ottawa. But what's that? You have absolutely no clue where to take them? Well, lucky for you, there are plenty of places for a cheap Ottawa date that go beyond just dinner and a movie.
In fact, Ottawa can be a pretty romantic place under the right conditions — and of course, assuming you know where to go.
Don't get me wrong; dinner at a nice restaurant followed by a movie is a reliable and classic date concept. After all, Ottawa has plenty of romantic restaurants to choose from if you want to go that route. Still, maybe it's time to wander off the beaten path.
However, with most people feeling the squeeze of inflation and the rising cost of living lately, you may not exactly be flushed with cash. Fortunately, there are loads of affordable things to do in Ottawa that won't poke a hole in your pocket.
Here are a few ideas to keep in mind for your next date, in case pizza and the latest Fast & Furious movie just won't cut it.
Watch the sunset at the Rideau Falls
Price: Free
Address: 50 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: What do you get when the humble Rideau River meets the mighty Ottawa River? Well, you get the breathtaking Rideau Falls. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with that special person in your life — just make sure to check exactly what time sundown happens while planning your date! If things are going well and you want to keep the night going over a few drinks, the Tavern on the Falls is right there and has a huge patio overlooking the water.
Accessibility: Rideau Falls Park has wheelchair-accessible pathways.
Get tipsy at the arcade together
Price: Free entry; game credit packs starting at $15
Address: 1050 Baxter Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Funhaven is not only an arcade but also an indoor amusement park. You and your date can challenge each other to all kinds of arcade games, laser tag, roller coasters, bumper cars, virtual reality games, escape rooms and, best of all, they have a bar!
Keep in mind that if you go on Sunday, Wednesday or Thursday, it closes at 9 p.m., and on Monday or Tuesday, 10 p.m. The good news is it is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays!
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Take a picturesque drive along the Long Sault Parkway
Price: Free
Address: Long Sault Parkway, South Stormont, ON
Why You Need To Go: Take a day trip through one of the most scenic drives in Eastern Ontario. The magnificent Long Sault Parkway is about an hour's drive from Ottawa, just west of Cornwall. The 10-kilometre parkway takes you across a series of 11 islands along the St. Lawrence River, so you can get to know each other while meandering this winding road along the water.
Accessibility: If you plan on exploring out of your car, Long Sault does have some wheelchair-accessible spots.
Check out a drag show in an intimate basement bar
Price: Free admission, drink prices vary
When: Every Thursday night from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Address: 246 Queen St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Swizzles is Ottawa's basement gay bar, hosting a drag show every Thursday night. Swizzle's chill basement vibe and incredibly affordable prices, with drinks as cheap as $5.50, make it the ultimate spot in Ottawa for a drag date.
Accessibility: Swizzles is a basement bar and therefore not wheelchair accessible.
Have a romantic picnic on Maple Island
Price: Free
Address: Maple Island, Union St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Want to take your date out for a quiet, chill and intimate picnic? Grab some snacks and a nice comfy blanket and head over to Maple Island! This little piece of heaven sits in the Rideau River, sandwiched between Lower Town and New Edinburgh. It's connected on each side by the beautiful historic Minto Bridges, which make for a great photo op. When you're done with your picnic, a romantic walk through the quaint neighbourhood of New Edinburgh is a must.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible via the Minto Bridges.
Spend the day at the Experimental Farm
Price: Free entry to the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens; $14.50 per adult to visit the farm animals at the Agriculture and Food Museum.
Address: 960 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Feel like going out to the countryside but don't want to go very far? Ottawa's Experimental Farm is easily accessible via OC Transpo and has all the features of rural life right in the city. Check out the farm animals, have a picnic among rolling fields, peruse the Arboretum or take a stroll through the Ornamental Gardens. Suffice it to say there's plenty to do, which makes it a perfect spot for a full-day date.
Accessibility: Mostly wheelchair accessible.
Have a beach day together at Britannia Beach
Price: Free
Address: 2805 Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Surrounded by trees and a quaint little beachside village, Britannia Beach is the ultimate spot for a beach date. Grab the 51 at Tunney's Pasture and it'll drop you off only a beach ball's throw away from the sandy shore. While you're there, make sure to take some time to walk around Britannia Village — it has a real cottage-country feel!
Browse through a farmers market
Price: Free
When: Every Sunday until October 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Aberdeen Square, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a chill, relaxing and mellow Sunday morning date, the Landsdowne Farmers' Market is the place for you and your better half. Check out 85+ local vendors specializing in fresh produce, meat, handmade crafts, ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, hard cider and much more!
Accessibility: Aberdeen Square is wheelchair accessible.
Challenge your date to destroy you at mini golf
Price: $17.50 per adult
Address: 2 Colonnade Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Mini Golf Gardens is the ideal spot for a rom-com-style mini golf date under the sun. For $17.50 per person, you get access to not one but two 18-hole mini golf courses. It's a great bang for your buck and the perfect way to spend a romantic day or evening.
Accessibility: Mini Golf Gardens is wheelchair accessible.
Take a hike in Gatineau Park
Price: Free entry, but parking fees apply in select lots
Address: 33 Chem. Scott, Gatineau, QC
Why You Need To Go: You can really soak up the sights across the Ottawa River at Gatineau Park. Get a view of the magnificent Meech Lake, or hike along any of the 195 trails that crisscross through the elegant Gatineau Hills. Keep in mind that a car is essential to get to Gatineau Park.
Accessibility: Most buildings and some trails in Gatineau Park are wheelchair accessible — see the park's accessibility page for more information.
Alright, you've got all the tools for the perfect romantic evening — now it's up to you! Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck!
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.
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