Ottawa Valentine’s Day Guide

It may be cold outside, but Ottawa has everything you need to heat things up this Valentine’s Day. From a romantic walk (or skate!) along the Rideau Canal to dinner at a world-class restaurant, treat your special someone to all the warmth and passion the city has to offer.

Find the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your sweetheart

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or just because, Ottawa’s great combination of brand-name bargains and designer boutiques makes finding the perfect gift as easy as falling in love. If you are looking for a really special gift fire local Ottawa artists to paint a special photo of the two of you or someplace that holds a special place in your past.

Valentine's Day Chocolate:
For the ancient Mayans, chocolate was a symbol of life and fertility…and no wonder! It’s a mood-enhancer, an aphrodisiac and even a powerful antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure and improve your health. What a delicious way to show someone how much you care! To really impress, skip the generic box on the store shelf and go gourmet.

For maximum flavour and health benefits, buy organic chocolate with a 55 per cent or higher cocoa content. Local Ottawa co-operative Cocoa Camino offers a variety of tasty, fair trade chocolate bars and hot chocolate mixes, and can be found in grocery stores across the city. Or visit one of Ottawa’s gourmet sweet shops, such as Louise’s Belgian Chocolates in Westboro or Piccolo Grande in the ByWard Market. Truffle Treasures on Richmond Road hand-makes its own chocolaty delights, using high-quality ingredients, such as mango, chai tea and ice wine, to create unforgettable flavour combinations.

Valentine's Day Flowers:
The gift of flowers, especially red roses, is a powerful symbol of love. In fact, an entire language of flowers developed during the Victorian era that infused each bloom with a different meaning. Break away from the usual, and visit one of Ottawa’s fantastic flower shops to rekindle some old-fashioned romance. Try a zephyr flower to symbolize sincerity, a yellow iris for passion, scented lavender for devotion, or a purple globe amaranth plant for unfading love. One yellow rose placed in the middle of 11 red ones represents both love…and passion!

Ottawa Jewellery:
The big gift when it comes to jewelry is the diamond ring. If you’re thinking of popping the question, the diamond specialists at one of Ottawa’s jewellery shops will be sure to help. Ask about the “four C's” of quality diamonds: cut, carat, color and clarity. And then pick out a ring that matches your sweetheart’s personality and taste.

For something less contractual, but still beautiful and unique, visit some of the independent boutiques in the ByWard Market, such as Masala on York Street, or Amuse on Dalhousie. Or visit the Sassy Bead Company to make your own creation, or buy from their ready-made stock.

Adult:
Looking for a gift that’s a little more adventurous? Nothing will spice things up like a visit to one of Ottawa’s naughty—but classy—adult stores. Just be sure you know your partner well enough to choose something you will both enjoy. Or bring them along, and the shopping can be just as much fun as the gift!

Other great Valentine's Day gift ideas:
Still looking? How about a traditional Scandinavian bath or hot stone massage at Le Nordik Nature Spa in nearby Gatineau? Or tickets to see an NHL hockey game with the Ottawa Senators? The list goes on and on. Browse through the Ottawa shopping guide for even more ideas.

Great Ottawa Valentine's Day Dates

Looking for some great date ideas for Valentine's Day in Ottawa area? Check out our list below for a night out that matches your date’s personal style:

The athlete:
If your Valentine's sweetie is a sports nut, start your perfect date by heading outdoors and enjoying some fresh air. Skating along the Rideau Canal and snowshoeing in Gatineau Park during winter, or biking and rollerblading along Ottawa’s many recreational trails in summer are fun ways to get to know your new love and get a great workout. After all that exercise, why not indulge in some great pub food, and maybe even catch the game on TV at a local sports bar? Try Local Heroes on Bank Street for top-notch wings and a friendly atmosphere. Or top off the night by seeing a game in person. Catch the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa 67’s or Gatineau Olympiques for great hockey in winter months. While the Ottawa Wizards treat fans to professional soccer, and the Ottawa Lynx serve up minor league baseball excitement during the summer.

The gourmet:
Looking to impress someone who loves to eat for Valentine's Day? From Ethiopia to Thailand, Ottawa restaurants offer a world of great taste. To really splurge, try Beckta on Nepean Street for food and wine served with true class. Or visit the Black Tomato in the ByWard Market for unique food and a romantic atmosphere. If your sweetheart has a real sweet tooth, why not skip the meal and go right to dessert! Thyme and Again on Wellington and Oh So Good in the ByWard Market offer mouthwatering treats that will melt their way into your lover’s heart. 

The artist:
Theatre, dance, music, sculpture, film…the only hard part about planning the perfect date for an art lover in Ottawa is deciding what to do! From exhibitions of famous Canadian painters at the National Gallery of Canada to fun and affordable plays at the Ottawa Little Theatre, Ottawa’s vibrant art community provides dating options to fit everyone’s taste. Get dressed up and treat your sweetheart to a night of world-class dance, music or theatre, at the National Arts Centre. Or sample a wide variety of artists and performances at one of Ottawa’s great summer festivals. If you really want to get creative, why not paint your own ceramics at the Mud Oven on Bank Street or Gotta Paint in Westboro, or sign up for an art class together at the Ottawa School of Art or funky Gallery 101.

The socialite:
Want to show your social butterfly a great time in the city for Valentine's Day? Forget about having an intimate dinner for two and take them for late night fun in the ByWard Market. With everything from outdoor patios to after-hours dance clubs, there’s always lots of people to meet and places to see…and be seen! Start the night out with drinks at The Collection, Social, or another one of Ottawa’s hot martini bars. Then move onto dancing at a great club like Helsinki, Mercury Lounge or Heaven. If you’re out on Sunday night, venture out of the Market to Retro 80s Night at Barrymore’s on Bank Street. Thursdays at the Shanghai Restaurant on Somerset Street West is also another great late night event.