Whether you’ve had a hard day at work or simply want to feel pampered, you don’t really need a reason to treat yo'self. And, as it turns out, you don’t need a lot of money either. That’s why we’ve rounded up 30 things to do in Ottawa that will cost you $30 or less, so you can keep yourself and your wallet happy.
From affordable spa treatments to insane stuffed burgers, new ways to shop, and some of the cutest brunch spots we’ve ever seen, there’s a little something for everyone in the capital.
So, now you can sip your way through bottomless mimosas and pay that phone bill too.
Speaking of drinks, how about candy cocktails that are as big as your head?
Or milkshakes topped with macaroons? Yes, please!
Of course, treating yourself doesn’t always mean facials and food. Sometimes, just doing something good for your body is all the pampering you need.
Whether that’s renting a tandem bike with your bestie or stretching it out in a new dance or yoga class, you can pamper your body in a healthy way too.
But, no matter which indulgences you decided to enjoy, just know that you’ve earned it!
Seafood Dinner @ The Whalesbone
Price: $21
Address: Multiple locations, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can indulge with a delicious shrimp and lobster roll for less than $30. Note that only the Elgin Street location offers shrimp on their lobster roll.
Rent A Tandem Bike
Price: $15/hr
Address: 5 Hawthorne Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're feeling sluggish after all those sweet holidays treats, this is a fun and affordable way to give yourself a boost of energy and have fun with your bestie or S/O.
Brow Shaping @ Spa Junkie
Price: $22
Address: 219 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: A nicely shaped eyebrow can make you feel like a whole new person. Don't believe us? Now's your time to find out for yourself.
Tahini Ice Cream Bar
Price: $7
Address: 343 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ice cream is always in season, as far as we're concerned. And this particular ice cream bar comes topped with black sesame and caramel drizzle that is simply irresistible.
Sip Cocktails @ Copper Spirits and Sights
Price: $15 to $17
Address: 325 Dalhousie St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing like a little boozy fun with your besties. Particularly when it's cheap and cheerful.
Dance Classes @ Moov Ottawa
Price: $20 drop-in rates
When: Wednesdays & Saturdays
Address: 1055 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a fun new way to get moving, you can drop in on select dance classes at this Ottawa studio for only $20. Get your groove on.
Eye Treatment @ Holtz Spa
Price: $30
Address: 135 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: No one wants to carry their under-eye bags into 2020, right?
Authentic Napoletana Pizza @ The Grand
Price: Starting at $18.99
Address: 74 George St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a variety of delicious 'za from inside the old Grand hotel.
Book an Airbnb Staycation
Price: $25 per person
Address: Constance Bay, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can rent some pretty spectacular places in the Ottawa area, like this little gem that can accommodate you and five friends for just $25 each.
Decadent Brunch @ Vanitea Room
Price: $30
Address: 551 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't love brunch? This particular option comes with cafe americano or tea, scone, brisket tower or truffle mushroom, and grilled cheese.
Salt Room @ The Spa
Price: Starting at $25
Address: 2027 Robertson Rd., Bells Corners, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Salt therapy can help with colds, lethargy, depression, allergies, sinusitis, energy, stress, eczema, and so much more. Look after yourself without breaking the bank.
Giant Candy Cocktails @ Pudgyboy's
Price: Prices vary, roughly $13
Address: 311 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can sip cocktails as big as your head that tastes like your favourite candy! Sour Skittles Margarita, anyone?
Smash Room
Price: Starting at $29.99
Address: 889 Lady Ellen Place, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're in need of a little stress-relief, a smash room is a perfect spot to let out your built-up aggression.
Attend Nature Nocturne
Price: $27
When: Monthly
Address: 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Once a month, the Canadian Museum of Nature transforms into an incredible night club, complete with three dance floors, themed activities, and more.
The Urban Botanist Plant Swap
Price: Starting at $17.99
When: Next swap is Jan. 17, 2020
Address: Driphouse Coffee, 340B Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can sip wine, taste delicious food, and swap your plants with others in attendance. There will be chances to win rare plants as well.
Spa Manicure @ AC Salon, Spa & Boutique
Price: $15
Address: 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean, ON
Why You Need To Go: Nothing screams "treat yo'self" quite like getting your nails done.
Fill Up On Stuffed Burgers
Price: $6.50 to $13.50
Address: 912 St Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can mow down on a crazy burger that comes stuffed with anything from olives to peanut butter, bacon, all of the cheeses, and more.
Hang out @ Hangout
Price: $5.90 to $7.10
Address: 839 Somerset St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can sip on insane bubble tea while you hang out with your BFFs and play board games in this charming cafe.
Lash Tinting @ Lashting Impressions
Price: $25
Address: Edgeworth Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: If eyelash extensions and lifts are a little out of the price range, why not try a simple lash tint instead?
Kronuts @ Art-Is-In Bakery
Price: $5.50 to $7.50
Address: 250 City Centre Ave. #112, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Can't decide on croissants or donuts? Well, you don't have to with this delicious crossover. They'll make you go nuts!
Psychic Readings @ Ohm Readings
Price: Starting at $20
Address: Online
Why You Need To Go: If you've got questions about your life that need answers, or simply want to try something new and fun, you can get a psychic reading without leaving your home.
Macaron Everything @ Quelque Chose
Price: Prices vary
Address: Multiple locations, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: From milkshakes to hot chocolate and even ice cream parfaits, there's no treat that's not made better with macarons.
Take In A Play @ The Gladstone Theatre
Price: Prices vary
Address: 910 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't enjoy dressing up for a night at the theatre every now and then? Get some culture in you.
Carb Load @ North & Navy
Price: $18 to $21
Address: 226 Nepean St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can try a wide range of pasta dishes that are every bit as delicious as they are beautiful.
Try Eco-Friendly Grocery Shopping
Price: Prices vary
Address: Nu Grocery, multiple locations, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can treat yourself and the planet by picking up some groceries at Ottawa's zero-waste grocery store.
DIY Ceramics @ The Mud Oven
Price: $20 to $30
Address: 1065 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You could make morning coffee even more fun by drinking it out of a mug you made yourself.
Stretch It Out @ Elevate Yoga
Price: Starting at $20
Address: 298 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don't need to commit to multiple classes here. With a $20 drop-in fee, you can stretch it out on the cheap.
Tour A Micro Distillery
Price: $24 to $42
Address: 1733 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: For (usually) less than $30 on Groupon, you and a friend can tour Ottawa's first micro-distillery and, of course, sip some drinks along the way.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Price: $17
Address: 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: From the crazy kitchen to the upside-down room, there's plenty of fun to be had here.
Feel Good @ Pure Kitchen
Price: $3.50 to $19
Address: Various locations, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy some delicious vegan eats that will have you feeling 100%.
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