Photo Credit: @whereithriveccc (left), @mayfairtheatre (right)
If you’re looking for a fun date idea for the whole squad, there are so many great experiences in Ottawa! Whether you’re looking to break a sweat, hone a new skill, or dance the night away, these group date ideas will allow you to spend quality time with your friends and create memorable moments.
Check out our curated list below for our top group date ideas in Ottawa.
Active Date Ideas
This scenic 1.8 km loop trail is just a short drive away from Ottawa in Chelsea, Quebec. Travel through maple groves, mixed forests, and open rock with multiple vantage points of the Ottawa River Valley.
The trail is moderate with a few steep sections and stairs – perfect for when you want to get your heart rate up but still chat with your pals along the way!
Location: Gatineau Park, Quebec
Where I Thrive is a local fitness studio with efficient workouts and holistic treatments to get you feeling your best!
In addition to their weight room, they offer Strength & HIIT, barre, cycle, and yoga classes. A single drop-in class is just $28 and they offer multiple membership and class package options.
If you haven’t visited Where I Thrive yet, we highly recommend taking advantage of their Two Week New Client Special for $49. This intro deal grants you access to two weeks of all access barre, cycle, weights, Thrive, and yoga!
Location: 1-117 Glebe Avenue, Ottawa
Thursty Pedaler is a one-of-a-kind, human-powered party bike that will take you and your friends through an amazing Ottawa neighbourhood, with stops along the way at three local destinations for drinks and a lot of laughs!
They offer two Pub Crawls ($49/person) and a Coffee Crawl ($60/person) that will get your body moving and support local businesses. This is the perfect group date for any special occasion from birthdays to bachelorettes!
Location: 680 Bank Street, Ottawa
Nightlife
Grab After-Work Cocktails at this Lounge & Listening Bar
Afterlight is a hidden cocktail lounge and listening bar hidden in an Ottawa heritage building. Enjoy music curated by some of the city’s most prominent DJs, enjoy craft cocktails, snack on bar bites, and catch up with your friends on a group date after a long work day.
Location: 129 Bank Street, Ottawa
Attend One of Ottawa's Sassiest Drag Shows
The Lookout Bar and Nightclub is one of Ottawa’s most popular LGBTQ+ and all-welcoming bar located in the heart of the Byward Market. This spot is well-known for their fun and energetic atmosphere where people love to let loose, socialize, and hit the dance floor!
Free drag shows are held Tuesday to Sunday on the outside front patio from 8-11 p.m. (weather-permitting). You can also purchase tickets for their indoor drags held on Fridays and Saturdays here.
Location: 41 York Street, Ottawa
Plan a Night Out in this Unique Event Room
With over 500 square ft. of functional indoor space, Room 104 is a one-of-a-kind venue located in the Historic Byward market. With its 1980’s design of pop culture, arcade games, chandeliers, Plush Leather banquettes, and colourful wall art, this is one of the most laid-back and unique nightlife venues in the city.
They also have a menu of 100+ shots with everything from classics like Burt Reynolds and B-52 to unique, Ottawa-themed flavours like the “Redblacks” and the “Karlsson”.
Location: 104 Clarence Street, Ottawa
Chill Night Out
Level One Game Pub is a cozy hangout space filled with thousands of board games and video games to play! For just $8, you can stay and play as many games as you want*. They also offer delicious pub fare, craft beer, cocktails, and specialty coffee.
Are you and your friends trivia champs? Level One hosts Geek Trivia on Monday nights where your nerdy expertise will be not only appreciated, but celebrated!
*Note: There may be a 3-hour time limit on tables on Fridays & Saturdays if there is a waitlist.
Location: 14 Waller Street, Ottawa
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 Oscar-nominated film Women Talking among other great movies.
Location: 1074 Bank Street, Ottawa
Group Dining
The most cherished moments happen when we spend quality time with our loved ones. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or an accomplishment occasion, it’s always a great idea to celebrate with a group date!
Prova Bar and Kitchen offers Italian inspired cuisine, elevated beverages, artisanal pizzas, and small plates in a warm interactive atmosphere. Their high tables can accommodate up to 20 people and reservations can be booked by phone.
Location: 101 Lyon Street, Ottawa
Enjoy Modern Contemporary Cuisine in an IG-Worthy Setting
Starling Restaurant & Bar takes the Ottawa dining scene to new heights, drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. From tasty cocktails to elevated comfort food, this is a restaurant you and your friends will turn to time and time again.
One of their main attractions are their giant bird cage seating areas that are both unique and elegant. They also offer brunch on Sundays with live music by Edra Silva from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a Comedy Cocktail event biweekly on Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Location: 54 York Street, Ottawa
Looking for more Ottawa date ideas to add to your spring bucket list? Click here!
