Easter is right around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by spending quality time with loved ones, exploring local events, and indulging in some delicious treats and meals at the city’s best spots.
From fine dining restaurants to local markets, the city is home to a diverse range of Easter treats and happenings that are sure to light up your weekend and make lasting memories.
Here are the best Easter date ideas in and around Ottawa to check out this year!
Events
Easter Artisans’ Market
Hop into spring at the Easter Artisans’ Market! Visit the ByWard Market for a day of unforgettable family-friendly fun, including face painting and tie-dye t-shirt making.
The first 25 kids snag special Easter bundles. Plus you won’t want to miss your chance to meet the Easter Bunny!
Date: Saturday, April 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Price: FREE entry
Location: 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, Ontario
Metcalfe Farmers’ Easter Market
Visit the annual Metcalfe Farmers’ Easter Market at the Metcalfe Arena Ice Slab! They’ll have over 50 local producers selling everything from fresh vegetables and preserves, to home decor and jewelry. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a last-minute hosting gift or if you need to pick up local produce to cook a special Easter meal.
Date: Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Price: FREE entry
Location: 2785 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe, Ontario
Sounds of Spring: Free Community Concert at Dominion-Chalmers
The third edition of this enchanting concert will feature Music Director, Nick Veltmeyer’s professional choir and soloists who are set to deliver a performance that promises to be uplifting and inspiring.
The lineup includes Jeffrey Thompson, former member of Les Arts Florissants, Ian Sabourin from Opéra de Montréal, Martin Gomes from Diapente, acclaimed soprano Myriam Leblanc, John Giffen from Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, Kerry Bursey from l’Harmonie des Saisons, and Anna Lewton-Brain from One Equall Musick. Adding to all those splendid voices, a brass quintet from the University of Ottawa will fill the church with their majestic sounds
The concert follows an Easter Service at 10:30 a.m. and a light luncheon, offering a day of community, reflection, and celebration.
Date: Sunday, April 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Location: 355 Cooper St, Ottawa, Ontario
Restaurants
NeXT
Elevate your Easter weekend this year with a visit to NeXT! Chef Blackie will be preparing an 11-dish plated tasting menu that includes delicious bites such as Tempura-fired Cheese Curds, Blueberry Pancakes, and Labneh Lemon Curd Panncotta. You can also enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, and juices with your meal, or choose to add on bottomless mimosas for just $25 per person.
If you’d rather celebrate at home, NeXT is also offering Easter Brunch & Dinner takeout packages. You can simply pick up your order the same day or have it delivered (complimentary delivery within their delivery radius around Ottawa). You will not only have access to a video walking you through all the preparation steps, but they’ve also included tips for how to beautifully plate your meal!
Date: Sunday, April 20th with Brunch Reservations available between 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Price: Easter Brunch is $70 per adult (please contact for child pricing), Brunch & Dinner Takeout Packages are $69 per guest
Location: 6400 Hazeldean Road, Ottawa, Ontario
1 Elgin
There’s nothing better than indulging in an Easter Brunch Buffet, and 1 Elgin has you covered!
Located in the National Arts Centre, this beautiful restaurant is offering a delightful spread of dishes that include Granola Parfaits, French Toast, Chèvre Egg Scramble, and Tomato Tartine among other delicious options.
Date: Sunday, April 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Price: $59 per adult, $29 per child
Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Cocotte Bistro
Head to Cocotte Bistro in downtown Ottawa to feast on a French-inspired Easter brunch. They’re offering a delicious selection of sweet and savoury dishes that’s perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
Their menu includes a Breakfast Buffet that features a selection of Quebec & Ontario Artisan Cheeses with Local Fruit Preserves, a Build-Your-Own Greek Yogurt Parfait Station, and Savoury Scones, Croissants, and Danishes. Their Main Courses include Duck Benedict, Tuna Nicoise, and a Quiche & Salad among other delicious options. For something sweet, you can enjoy Mini Crème Brûlées, Macarons, and Petit Fours along with a variety of fresh fruit.
Date: Sunday, April 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Price: $70 per person
Location: 123 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Fairmont Château Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier is the perfect place to celebrate this Easter weekend!
Indulge in a delightful Easter brunch experience that harmonizes tradition with innovation at Wilfrid’s. Their meticulously curated buffet features a symphony of flavours where you can find your classic Brunch favourites along with unique creations.
Date: Saturday, April 19th to Sunday, April 20th
Price: $55 to $110 per person
Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario
The Vanitea Room
The Vanitea Room offers the timeless tradition of afternoon tea, curated as beautifully and iconically as seen as the many echelons of Europe and the Middle East.
This Easter Weekend, they’re hosting a 3-Course Easter Brunch complete with Bottomless Mimosas! The menu features scones, your choice of main dish, and a mini dessert.
They’re also offering a Specialty Easter Afternoon Tea that includes sweets, savoury dishes, scones, and confiture, along with one pot of tea from their exclusive Sloane Tea Collection (unlimited hot water refills).
Date: Saturday, April 19th to Sunday, April 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Price: Brunch is $60 per person, Afternoon Tea is $50 per person (Gluten Free and Vegan options are available for an additional $5)
Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario
On the hunt for more spring date ideas? Click here to explore more fun things to do in and around Ottawa!
