A Weekend in Ottawa: Luxury, Landmarks & Laid-Back Exploring

If you're craving a stylish city break that mixes history, art, great food, and a stunning hotel stay, Ottawa is a perfect pick. I recently spent a weekend in Canada’s capital and made the Fairmont Château Laurier my home base. Between the elegant rooms, central location, and incredible dining, this was the kind of trip that balances luxury with low-effort relaxation—especially when it’s planned by a travel advisor (like me 😉).

🛣️ The Journey Begins: Road Trip + a Fun Pit Stop

On the drive to Ottawa, we stopped at The Big Apple Farm in Colborne. It’s a quirky roadside attraction with a market full of baked goods, snacks, and local ciders. We picked up a few adult ciders, wandered through the petting zoo, and stocked up on farm-fresh treats before continuing on our way.

🏰 Where We Stayed: Fairmont Château Laurier

Located right in the heart of the city, Fairmont Château Laurier is a historic hotel that looks like a castle. It’s steps from Parliament Hill, scenic parks, and downtown landmarks, making it a perfect home base for exploring Ottawa on foot.

Hotel Details:

• Nightly Rate: ~$400 CAD

• Included Perks:

  • $100 USD hotel credit for food, drinks & spa services

  • Complimentary daily breakfast for two from the à la carte menu

  • Early check-in / late check-out (when available)

  • Room upgrade (when available)

  • Access to a beautiful indoor pool & 24/7 fitness centre

We took advantage of the early check-in and headed straight out for a walk behind the hotel in Major’s Hill Park, with beautiful views of the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal.

🍽️ Dinner with a View: La Terrasse

For dinner, we stayed on-site at La Terrasse, a stunning restaurant connected to the hotel. It was a laid-back yet elevated experience.

What We Ordered:

• 🥖 Romesco Dip (rich, flavorful, and served with veggies)

• 🍹 Blushing Breeze Sangrias (light, fruity, and refreshing)

After dinner, we walked through ByWard Market, a nearby area filled with shops, local vendors, and cozy nightlife. A perfect place to explore after dinner.

🎨 Museum Day: Art & Natural Wonders

Saturday was all about culture, and both of these incredible museums were within walking distance from the hotel.

🖼️ National Gallery of Canada

A must-see for art lovers. We spent the morning exploring galleries filled with Canadian and international masterpieces including work by the Group of Seven, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.

• Admission: ~$20 per adult

🦕 Canadian Museum of Nature

This museum is as fun as it is educational, with multiple floors of exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to geology to marine life. One of the highlights was a special indoor butterfly conservatory, which was peaceful and immersive.

• Admission: ~$24 per adult

Parliament Hill Walk

Later that day, we took a walk around Parliament Hill. The architecture is impressive and there’s a lot to take in between the buildings, statues, and views of the city. It's a must-do, even if you just go for the photo ops.

🍽️ Dinner Downtown: The Rabbit Hole

We wrapped up the weekend with dinner at The Rabbit Hole, a chic downtown restaurant with bold flavors and a warm atmosphere.

Our Meal:

• 🦪 Oysters

• 🥘 Mussels

• 🍝 Butternut Squash Ravioli (rich and comforting)

• 🍸 Grand Paris cocktail (citrusy, botanical, and highly recommended)

• Estimated Dinner Cost: ~$85 per person

✈️ Want a Trip Like This?

This kind of weekend isn’t just for travel bloggers or luxury lovers—it can be yours too. When you work with a travel advisor, you don’t have to worry about the research, bookings, or timing. I handle the details so you can simply show up and enjoy the journey.

✨ Whether it’s Ottawa or your dream destination, I’ll create a personalized itinerary that fits your style, budget, and travel goals.

Ready to book your own curated getaway? Let’s make it happen. 📩