Beyond the Library: Ottawa’s Ultimate Study Spots (Featuring 21 Different Locations!)
If you find yourself here, we’re willing to bet that you’re on the quest for that perfect study spot – one that isn’t within the confines of the library. Fortunately, we have the most comprehensive guide out there, tried and tested by students like you!
From this moment onwards, brace yourself for a treasure trove of the best places in Ottawa. It’s where you can study for the finals, polish your PowerPoint presentation, or even cram for the project you’ve been putting off.
No judgments here – after all, we’re a little bit of a procrastinator ourselves!
Without further ado, here is the complete list of places to help you bid the monotony of library walls farewell. Say hello to caffeine-fueled study sessions, accompanied by pastries and the occasional celebratory glass of wine.
1. Arlington Five
Website: https://www.arlingtonfive.ca
Address: 5 Arlington Ave, Ottawa, ON K2P 1C1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-233-7959
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Arlington Five is an artsy neighborhood spot just a few minutes outside downtown. Despite its humble size, the space is carefully curated with its own unique touches, creating a cozy and homey ambiance for all its patrons.
Don’t get too cozy though or you just might fall asleep!
Anyway, there are even artworks hanging on the wall by local artists which you can purchase, adding another charming flair to the establishment. The coffee, which we urge you to purchase with a side of baked goods, is nothing short of spectacular.
It’s a cafe that certainly has its own character which you’ll see as soon as you step inside.
Oh, and it’s relatively near to schools like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University!
2. Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar
Website: https://www.blacksquirrelbooks.ca
Address: 1073 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-422-9050
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar is a stylish locale that serves as a bookstore-slash-cafe.
Think of it as a mini library where you’re not just welcome to skim the titles but encouraged to grab a couple of their treats while you study.
It’s a gorgeous space that attracts a diverse crowd, mostly those with their laptops in tow, indulging in both the stellar ambiance and the delicious cup of coffee.
And when you’re done with your tasks, you can also grab a glass of their tasty wines as a treat for a job well done. Give yourself a pat on the back because you deserve it!
3. The Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs
Website: https://www.theministryofcoffee.com
Address: 1013 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-9002
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
The Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs is a small local coffee shop ideal for those looking for a nice, comfortable nook for studying.
It doesn’t feel like your usual coffee chain because of the uniquely stylish interior, making it a lovely spot where people will feel inclined to linger for hours.
It’s worth noting that there are times when the music at the cafe gets a bit too loud, which not everyone would be fond of. However, we know there are a lot of people who appreciate a vibrant ambiance, feeling more pumped to focus on their studies.
If you’re the latter, The Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs is really worth checking out.
As if this isn’t enough to entice you, this cafe also made it to our list of top cafes in Ottawa! Read all about it here.
4. Morning Owl Coffeehouse + Parlour
Website: https://morningowl.ca
Address: 229 Armstrong St, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2W5, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Morning Owl is a charming, modest-sized coffeehouse well-known for its comfort fare and delectable coffee.
Feeling too lazy to study? We’ve all been there!
But just think about sinking your teeth into one of their mouthwatering sandwiches, wrapped up in a crunchy focaccia bread.
The mere thought of this hearty plate might just be enough to get you out of the house and do the work you’ve been putting off.
If you plan on studying in the morning or somewhere until mid-afternoon, this is the perfect place to be. However, if you’re looking for a spot that welcomes you into the wee hours of the night, we suggest you keep scrolling.
5. Coworkly
Website: https://www.coworkly.ca
Address: 261 Montréal Rd #310, Vanier, ON K1L 8C7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-319-3141
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
If you’re willing to shell out a bit of cash for a prime study spot, check out Coworkly, a coworking space with a minimalist interior that helps stir productivity.
It’s a place where silence is held sacred, so you don’t have to worry about distracting sounds, enabling you to fully focus on your tasks.
You can choose from three different passes, each offering gigabit internet, free drinks, and its own unique perks. If you’re a student just trying to find a cozy spot to study finals, the CA$30 day pass might be sufficient for your needs.
6. Second Cup Café
Website: https://secondcup.com/en/
Address: 99 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, ON K1P 6L7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-788-6996
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Second Cup Café is a popular chain with multiple locations across the country. It’s renowned for its peaceful ambiance, making it a go-to study spot for a lot of students, for sure.
Having a spot downtown, its undeniable charm extends far beyond the atmosphere. The one at Metcalfe St is also recommended because of its convenience and accessibility.
It sits on a spot with rows of eateries, museums, and the like. Moreover, schools like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University are just within arm’s reach.
7. Little Victories Coffee Roasters
Website: https://www.lvcoffee.ca
Address: 801 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3V7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-286-8647
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Does complementing your study session with some good house-roasted beans entice you? Little Victories is beckoning for you to come over!
This lovely cafe offers an assortment of coffee flavors and baked delights. Afternoons are our favorite time to visit, allowing us to bask in the sunlight, thanks to their glass windows.
As individuals fueled both by coffee and ample sunlight, this is a nice spot for working on our laptops.
The only downside we can think of is that there’s no Wi-Fi, so bring yours if you have one!
8. Bar Robo Queen St. Fare
Website: https://queenstfare.ca/vendors/bar-robo
Address: 170 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E1, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
Bar Robo along St. Fare is a vibrant spot that serves excellent coffee, delectable pastries, and hearty sandwiches.
While it might be considered an unconventional choice for some considering it’s located in a lively food court, there’s an undeniable charm to its quirky and dynamic atmosphere that’s perfect for anyone looking for a unique spot for their study sessions.
In fact, on some days, this type of ambiance is exactly what we look for. Additionally, we often see people either working or studying here, reassuring us of our odd choice.
9. Dow’s Lake
Website: https://www.dowslake.com
Here’s something more unconventional that surprisingly works! After all, sometimes an outdoor location can easily do the trick, especially if you add a picturesque landscape to the equation.
Dow’s Lake Pavillion offers an eclectic mix of activities, offering a well-rounded outdoor escape from the urban jungle with a nice, fresh breeze to indulge in.
The downside is you can only work here during the warmer months. Of course, you can try during the winter, but you might find yourself giving up after five minutes!
10. Red Door Provisions
Website: https://www.reddoorprovisions.com
Address: 117 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON K1M 1L6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-6804
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Red Door Provisions is another lovely study spot, boasting a welcoming patio and an equally inviting interior.
Aside from their spectacular coffee, they also serve sandwiches and pastries, ensuring you’ll never go hungry while studying.
We also appreciate its quiet neighborhood, almost like a cozy hideaway tucked close to the heart of the city but away from its lively buzz.
11. National Gallery of Canada
Website: https://www.gallery.ca
Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-990-1985
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Adding to the list of unconventional choices we have so far is the National Gallery of Canada. It might surprise you that this is actually one of our best-kept secrets, so keep this between us!
A lot of people don’t know that aside from being Canada’s national art museum, it also offers a spectacular study spot. After all, there’s a total of 46,621 square meters here to explore.
Now, for the fun part – hang out at the big cafeteria for your study session, where you’ll be blessed with striking views of the surrounding area. Surely, you’ll feel inspired to hit the books!
In the hunt for other remarkable museums in the city? We also wrote an article about the most exciting museums in Ottawa!
12. National Arts Centre
Website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/
Address: 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-947-7000
The National Arts Centre is a fascinating hub for live performances in Ottawa. Located downtown, it’s just within the heart of a multitude of exciting discoveries, so if you’re looking for a quick change of scenery, you can easily go anywhere you like.
Their lobby is a great study spot and we’re willing to bet that not a lot of people know about this. It offers a vast open space supplemented with seats you can do your work on.
Oh, and they also have a cafe in the corner for all you caffeine addicts!
13. Kettleman Bagel
Website: https://www.kettlemansbagels.ca
Address: 912 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-567-7100
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Hey, night owls! Finally, something just for you! – Kettleman Bagel, open 24 hours.
If you’re feeling sluggish after spending the whole day on your study desk, it’s time for a trip to this casual bagel shop to continue your study session.
They have multiple stores all over the city, but the one at Bank St. is just along the outskirts of downtown. Additional pluses include its vast space and quiet ambiance especially after midnight, making it a prime location for a serene study session.
Suddenly have a craving for bagels? Let us point you in the right direction with this list of the best bagel spots in Ottawa!
14. Elgin Street Diner
Website: https://www.elginstreetdiner.com
Address: 374 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1N1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-237-9700
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Another spot open 24 hours is the Elgin Street Diner. If you appreciate the classic diner vibe, we’re pretty sure you’d like it here.
Their menu offers a bunch of different options – yes, including a delicious cup of coffee! They also have delectable finger foods like onion rings and fries, which you can munch on while you study.
For other delicious Elgin Street eateries, read all about it here!
15. Art House
Website: https://www.thearthousecafe.ca
Address: 555 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-230-9555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Art House beckons to anyone with a penchant for art, inviting curious passersby with its quirky interior and overall hip atmosphere.
Their cool space resembles what we imagine an eccentric art collector’s home would look like, and we can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy because we’re not living in it!
Jokes aside, thankfully, we can bring our work here, and so can you. Every corner is adorned with unique artistic touches, resulting in a unique space you won’t find elsewhere – and there are plenty of seats available too!
Students, especially those majoring in art, will surely find solace and inspiration in this environment.
Oh, and they can also feature your artwork if you’re interested! Just follow the steps on their website.
16. Planet Coffee
Website: https://www.planetcoffeeottawa.com
Address: 24a York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-789-6261
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 7 PM
Looking for a study spot before you head in for class? Check out Planet Coffee along ByWard Market, open as early as 7:30 AM!
Their gorgeous patio stands as a prime study spot, especially if you need the allure of the outdoors to keep you motivated. Alternatively, their indoor seats provide an equally amazing option.
In the end, it’s your choice – different strokes for different folks!
One thing we’re absolutely certain of is that you won’t be able to resist ordering a second cup of coffee!
17. Tim Hortons Bank St.
Website: https://locations.timhortons.ca/en/on/ottawa/450-bank-st/
Address: 450 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2K 1X7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-238-5885
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Here’s a coffee chain that needs no introduction – Tim Hortons. It’s impossible to set foot on Canadian soil without hearing about this well-known establishment.
Consequently, this is an ideal study location for anyone looking for the comfort of familiarity.
While they have multiple locations across the city, the one at 450 Bank St. stands out as an unbeatable choice, being the only one open 24/7.
Whether you’re in a rush to finish a project due the next day or simply taking your time making a PowerPoint presentation, Tim Hortons provides a warm atmosphere to help you focus on your tasks.
18. Les Moulins La Fayette
Website: https://lesmoulinslafayette.com/en/boutiques/ottawa/
Address: 1000 Wellington St. W #103, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-680-5653
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Les Moulins La Fayette is a lovely bakery with an atmospheric ambiance that could enhance your study sessions and make them even more productive.
With a delicious cup of coffee and tasty pastries right at your disposal, it’s hard not to feel energized for the next few hours.
At any time of day, you’ll find a couple of people here on their laptops, diligently ticking off tasks on their checklists. There’s something about working in a space where others are also focused that makes us feel even more motivated!
19. The Green Door
Website: https://www.thegreendoor.ca
Address: 198 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-234-9597
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
In need of that brain-boosting dose of greens? No, we’re not suggesting the Mary Jane experience (not today, at least), but rather, an enticing variety of vegetable and organic-focused plates!
Introducing The Green Door, a vegetarian buffet restaurant with delectable offerings of healthy dishes.
Their patio is a coveted spot for studying, especially during warmer days. We personally like it better than their indoor seating, but the indoor ambiance isn’t too bad either.
20. Cafe Cristal
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CafeCristalCanada/
Address: 240 Kennevale Dr, Ottawa, ON K2J 6B6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-843-8989
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
If you haven’t had enough of our cafe recommendations, here’s another good one – Cafe Cristal offers a playful and sophisticated ambiance, creating an interesting juxtaposition against its red-bricked building.
Studying here is bound to be a delight because of the free WiFi, comfortable seats, and tasty treats.
Aside from being a coveted study spot, it’s also a popular location for high tea.
21. Drip House
Website: https://driphousecafe.com
Address: 692 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-680-2468
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM, 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 8 AM to 2 AM
Drip House is a small local chain with a few locations in the city. While all branches are good study spots, we have an undying love for their Somerset St. location.
On certain nights, this chic space turns into a stylish cocktail bar, inviting a different set of crowds. That said, people still often engage in hushed conversations compared to other bars.
They also have a gorgeous patio for those who want to bask in the sun.