Ottawa,
Ontario
If you haven't explored our capital of Canada, it is about time! Ottawa is truly beautiful with its rich history and chic new architecture and truly reminds on the European city Brussels (for those who have
been, I hope you agree!). With this post I want to work against the preconception of Ottawa being a little stuffy and boring, and trust me this Ottawa Two Day Winter Itinerary will leave you amazed of what Ottawa has to offer.
DAY ONE | Ottawa Two Day Winter Itinerary
2 PM - Check-in
3 PM - Enjoy the art deco pool at Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel
5 PM - Freshen up
6 PM - Drinks & Dinner at Zoe's
late night - Enjoy the Christmas Market or head to ByWard Market for a night cap
- where to stay -
Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel
A tried and tested hotel in Ottawa is the Fairmont Château Laurier. As you know we are huge Fairmont fans and truly appreciate the reliable high level of service in each property we have ever visited. Especially the Fairmont Gold will make sure your stay in the most comfortable it can be. Fairmont Gold always offers a separate lounge in which breakfast is served daily, as well as hors d'oeuvres and desserts in the evening (all included in the Fairmont Gold price). The property is very rich in history, built in 1912 by Charles Hays who died on the Titanic only days before the opening of the hotel. The Chateau also has a beautiful art decco pool which was built in 1929. As promised this property will give you a royal feeling all around.
annual trees of hope: a beautiful initiative that helps raise funds for the Ontario Children's Hospital by way of collecting donations, silent auction and local companies' involvement
- where to sip bubbly -
ZOE'S LOUNGE
The very picturesque restaurant and lounge at Hotel Fairmont Château Laurier is a gathering spot for guests visiting Ottawa, but also locals who are looking for special moments and memories. The unique flair, royal meets modern design, is so beautiful. Zoe's is not only beautiful, it is also famous for its cocktails. The "Jungle Fire" was literally on fire (you can check my Instagram highlight for evidence!). We also enjoyed the Braised beef gnocchi and Thai chicken salad which were both delicious and satisfying.
Cocktail tip:
try the "jungle fire"
and you will actually
see fire!
- where to peruse -
BYWARD MARKET
Only steps away from Hotel Fairmont Château Laurier is the very famous ByWard Market. It is a place to enjoy a beautiful day outside, shop the vendors (during this time of the holidays some vendors are selling beautiful wreaths and other holiday decor, local honey and more!).
An indoor market offers many food vendors, a European style bakery which sells EVERYTHING and is the perfect place to warm up on a cold day.
There are also countless bars and restaurants around ByWard market, so just get lost and be adventurous.
DAY TWO | Ottawa Two Day Winter Itinerary
9 AM - Breakfast at Fairmont Gold Lounge
10 AM - National Gallery of Canada (have lunch there)
4 PM - Afternoon Tea at Zoe's Lounge
7 PM - Nordic Spa, possible dinner
9 PM - Dessert at Fairmont Gold Lounge
- where to art gaze -
NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA
The National Gallery of Canada is again only steps away from Hotel Fairmont Château Laurier - this property is truly situated perfectly to explore Ottawa. The gallery has various exhibitions and something for everyone from the art wanderer to the intense art fanatic. I personal loved the contemporary exhibition and European and American art. There is so much to see, so plan to have lunch at the Gallery so you can enjoy it and not feel rushed to get to your next reservation.
- where to indulge -
AFTERNOON TEA AT ZOE'S
A very special treat in Ottawa is the Holiday Afternoon Tea at Zoe's. You may wonder why I am suggesting Zoe's twice in this itinerary, but it is a completely different space during the daytime and of course very convenient if you are choosing to stay at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
The tea selection itself is beyond amazing, my favourites are Chain Spice and the Ontario Ice wine. I usually go back and forth between these too, unless I feel like bubbles with may Afternoon Tea experience.
All the sandwiches, scones and sweet pastries are made in house and taste delicious. The scones so light and buttery, you will long for more. The sandwiches are all so different in taste and texture and the sweet treat are wonderful. There are some amazing creations which basil and the festive tea included a piece of fruit cake as well, which is the perfect touch.
- where to unwind -
NORDIK SPA
Whatever you decide for your itinerary, make sure you head to Nordik Spa just outside of Ottawa. Again, from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, it is just a 14 min drive to the Thermal baths. Nordik Spa is an absolute amazing experience and the night time is the perfect time to enjoy 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, meditation areas, restaurants, saltwater pools and resting places. Make sure you have enough time to make this a relaxing and calm part of your trip, do not eat too much right before and be prepared to fall into bed that night.
Make sure you have enough time to make this a relaxing and calm part of your trip, do not eat too much right before and be prepared to fall into bed that night.
Hopefully you enjoy some things from this Ottawa Two Day Winter Itinerary during your next trip to the nations capital!
