Image Credit: @humaspa (left), @black_squirrel_books (right)
As the winter chill sweeps its way across Ottawa, we find ourselves opting for cozy indoor activities and experiences for date night. From finding your new favourite sweet treat at an aesthetic local café to exploring the city’s cultural scene at the incredible museums and art galleries, there are tons of memorable date ideas to explore!
Here are 10 cozy indoor date ideas to add to your bucket list this winter.
1. Plan a coffee date at a local café
Seek refuge from the cold by cozying up in one of Ottawa’s charming cafés. Enjoy a cup of gourmet hot chocolate or coffee, and savour some sweet treats!
Click here for our list of cute and cozy local cafés in Ottawa to explore.
2. Explore Ottawa's museums and art galleries
Ottawa has several incredible national museums and galleries that cater to a diverse range of interests. From impressive art collections at the National Gallery of Canada to an exploration through Canada’s past at the Canadian Museum of History, visiting our local museums is a fun and educational way to escape the cold this winter!
Click here for our roundup of museums and art galleries to explore for date night.
3. Practice your culinary skills
C’est Bon Ottawa offers immersive cooking classes led by skilled chefs. The classes cover a diverse range of cuisines and techniques, allowing participants to expand their culinary knowledge and dine on tasty food!
The classes often feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to quality and sustainability. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, C’est Bon Cooking Classes provide not only a chance to learn new culinary skills but also an opportunity to connect with fellow food enthusiasts in a fun and engaging environment.
Their Cooking for Couples class is their most popular event and a perfect date night idea for couples that enjoy cooking together!
Location: 200 Dalhousie St, Ottawa
4. Plan a movie night at this historic theatre
The Mayfair Theatre is one of Ottawa’s last two neighbourhood cinemas and one of the oldest surviving independent movie houses in all of Canada. It is one of the few surviving examples of an “atmospheric cinema”, built with a particular theme to enhance the movie-going experience and draw the movie-goer into the world of the film’s imagination.
The theatre’s programming includes independent, second-run, and classic films. Right now, you can catch Golden Globe award-winning film The Boy and the Heron among other great movies.
Location: 1074 Bank Street, Ottawa
5. Live out your retro date dreams at this skating rink
4 Wheelies is an indoor skating rink in Ottawa that features a live DJ, arcade, and private party rooms for an unforgettable roller skating experience. It’s also the only wood floor rink in Canada!
datenight tip: They host tons of themed party nights from Retro Night on Tuesdays, Stress-Free Wednesdays, and Throwback Thursdays! They even have a cute Valentine’s Day Party on February 14th where you and your date can skate the night away to R&B tunes all night.
Location: 1-1101 Baxter Rd, Ottawa
6. Challenge your date to an escape room adventure
Escape Manor is one of Ottawa’s top-rated escape room experiences! They offer a wide variety of themed escape rooms, along with Parlour games such as darts and bocce ball.
They also host a lot of great events including a Dinner & Magic Show (January 25th), live music, and more.
datenight tip: Visit during Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. or after 10 p.m. to enjoy deals of food, drinks, and games!
Locations: Elgin (292 Elgin St, Ottawa), Hintonburg (982 Wellington St W, Ottawa), Nepean (900 Greenbank Rd, Nepean), and Diefenbunker (3929 Carp Rd, Carp)
7. Sip and savour at this wine tasting experience
Buyers & Cellars Ottawa offers a cozy and luxurious tasting room experience where you can get a glance at the newest wine trends in store.
They generally have 20 to 30 wines open at a given time for you to sample. They offer 1 oz, 3 oz, and 5 oz pours, which not only gives guests the ability to taste as many wines as they wish but also allow the chance to sit and relax with something they love. They can also custom design a ‘flight’ of wines so you can find your perfect variety.
An experience generally costs $70-$80 with food and wine, but again, it is completely customizable so you can make it as budget-friendly or bougie as you wish!
Location: 327 Somerset St W, Ottawa
8. Listen to jazz music at this swanky scotch lounge
Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of jazz music at Montgomery Scotch Lounge. This sophisticated lounge offers a cozy ambiance and a curated selection of premium scotch.
They offer live music and other fun events almost every night that they’re open! Be sure to check out their Event Calendar so you can plan the ultimate date night visit.
Location: 750 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa
9. Explore a local bookstore and café
Cozying up with a good book and cup of coffee is one of our favourite self-care date ideas! We love spending an afternoon exploring local bookstores and Black Squirrel Books is certainly a hidden gem.
This local shop is a literary haven that invites visitors to explore the magic of reading in a uniquely charming setting. Whether you’re an avid follower of #BookTok or are simply hoping to stumble upon an intriguing story, the store carries an eclectic collection of new and used books.
Beyond the shelves, Black Squirrel Books often hosts cultural events, book launches, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of connection among Ottawa’s literary enthusiasts. Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare find or seeking a quiet corner to delve into a new novel, we highly recommend a visit.
Location: 1073 Bank St, Ottawa
10. Treat yourself to some TLC with a spa date
If you’re looking for a date idea to help you relax and unwind, you have to visit Huma Spa in Gatineau, Quebec!
This wellness oasis in the city offers three thermotherapy journeys:
- Relaxation – An environment of calm and well-being with soft lighting, stress-reducing scents of eucalyptus of menthol, an outdoor fireplace, and an Epsom salt floating bath (extra cost applies)
- Vitality – An invigorating environment with plants, herbs, natural light, emotionally energizing scents of citrus and pink pepper, an Energizing Nap lounge, and a Polar Mist area for an instant boost of freshness
- Therapeutic – A soothing experience of spaces created with wood and clay-based elements, sweet and woody scents for concentration, hydrotherapy basins, pressotherapy show, and meditative cocoons
You can also treat yourself to spa services and treatments such as facials, massages, body wraps, and more!
Location: 10 Allée de Hambourg, 4th floor, Gatineau
At datenight, we know that the most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves. Click here to explore our guide to self-care dates.
