Exploring wellness-focused date ideas with your partner can deepen connections and foster well-being. Here in Ottawa, there’s tons of wellness-centred dates to unwind and focus on taking care of your mind and body.
From tranquil ice skating adventures to rejuvenating spa experiences in the heart of the city, our curated list of winter wellness date ideas offer the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new self-care hobby or indulge in wholesome cuisine at local markets, these date ideas invite couples to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories.
Holtz Spa opened its doors it 1985 and became the city’s largest spa facility specializing in Advanced Skin Care, Anti-Aging Therapies, Bridal, Couples, and Corporate Services. Sensuous, calming and fragrant treatment rooms invite clients to relax and enjoy a soothing massage, luxurious body treatment, or Signature Skin Care Treatment.
Their Romance Package is perfect for a couples spa date! The package includes a relaxing and romantic fireside Couples Massage complete with Reflexology and a Signature Spa Pedicure for two. You can also enjoy a warm lemongrass tea and some light refreshments in their lounge during your visit.
Location: 135 Rideau St, Ottawa, Ontario
2. Enjoy the Fresh Outdoors at Icelynd Skating Trails
Icelynd offers over 2 kilometres of exquisite ice trails. The paths wind their way through almost 100 acres of beautiful natural woods.
For a truly magical experience, Icelynd will be open in the evenings amongst the stars, and illuminated by charming twinkling white string lights, and natural solar lighting throughout. Bonfires, vendors, benches, and chairs to rest will dot the scenery making it the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy time with family and friends.
Be sure to keep an eye on their Instagram page here to confirm if they are open (weather-dependent).
Location: 6865 Fernbank Road, Stittsville, Ontario
3. Sweat it out at Uppliva Sauna & Steam
Uppliva Sauna & Steam is inspired by the simple, natural, and mindful Nordic way of life. They provide a modern take on the age-old sauna tradition with a relaxing Sauna & Steam Circuit. Warm up with löyly vapour and steam, cool off under refreshing rain showers, plunge into cool waters, and rest fireside to feel uplifted and refreshed.
They offer Women’s Only Sauna & Steam Circuit hours on the last Wednesday of the month from 5-8 p.m.. You can also book a variety of relaxation massages and packages.
Location: 1140 Wellington St W, Suite C100, Ottawa, Ontario
4. Workout your body and mind at Elevate Yoga
Elevate Yoga is the perfect studio to visit if you’re seeking holistic wellness through the practice of yoga. They offer a welcoming and inclusive space where students of all levels can explore and deepen their yoga practice. With a diverse range of classes, from Vinyasa flow to restorative yoga, each session is thoughtfully crafted to nurture both body and mind.
Location: 298 Elgin St, 2nd Floor, Ottawa, Ontario
5. Enjoy an outdoor spa date at Kōena Spa
Kōena Spa offers over 50,000 sq ft of unique spa amenities including saunas, a Salt Exfoliation Room, hot and cold baths, a Steam Room, spa treatments, rest areas, and a bistro.
This urban spa village is located just a short drive away from downtown Ottawa and is perfect place to for relax and unwind during a busy week.
P.S. They offer a discounted rate when you visit in the evening after 6 p.m.!
Location: 1172 Chemin d’Alymer, Gatineau, Quebec
6. Plan a winter adventure in Gatineau Park
Explore breathtaking winter landscape with a network of picturesque hiking trails at Gatineau Park in Quebec. With 11 km of winter walking and hiking trails to check out, you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.
Winter hiking trails in Gatineau Park include the Pioneers Trail (easy 1.3 km loop), Capital Pathway (easy 3.2 km round trip), Sugarbush Trail (easy 3 km loop), and the Lauriault Trail (difficult 4.5 km loop).
You can also explore over 90 km of snowshoe trails in the park, as well as cross-country skiing, snow biking, and dog walking trails.
Location: Gatineau, Quebec (various entry points)
7. Shop healthy local food at the Ottawa Farmers' Market
Ottawa Farmers’ Market is a producer-only organization that features over 150 vendors within an area of 100 kilometres from the city of Ottawa. Providing an opportunity to buy the freshest local products the season has to offer directly from the people who produce them, the market is also a great place to meet friends, have lunch and enjoy the market musicians, buskers and special events!
Visit the Lansdowne Market at the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park on Sundays from 10 a.m. to. 3 p.m.! Shop seasonal produce, artisanal baked goods, meats and cheeses, hot meals & more from over 75 local vendors. (P.S. It’s pet friendly!)
Location: 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, Ontario
8. Enjoy a relaxing float at ISÖ Spa
Discover the healing benefits of flotation therapy and sensory deprivation at ISÖ Spa!
During a sensory deprivation tank float session, you’ll lie down in 1,000 liters of water, heated to body temperature, and mixed with over 1,200 pounds of Epsom salts. This mix creates an amazingly buoyant, low gravity environment where you’ll float on the surface of the water effortlessly.
The Epsom salts have been shown to (among other things) soothe aching muscles, detoxify the body, reduce swelling and even rejuvenate skin and hair. The low gravity environment lets your body escape the constant push of gravity and its effects. By closing the lid of the flotation tank, you are now escaping the outside world. Devoid of light, sound, and touch, your mind is free to focus, visualize, learn, heal and most importantly unwind.
Location: 464 Bank St, Unit 5, Ottawa, Ontario
Looking for a cozy date idea that you can enjoy at home? Check out our list of video games for couples here!
