Romantic Activities You Can Do With Your Loved One

9 Romantic Activities That You Can Do in Ottawa with Your Loved One

| Last Updated: July 28, 2024

Being married to an amazing spouse or having an incredible significant other is great, wouldn’t you agree? 

I’ve been married to my husband for quite some time now. Like with any marriage, we have our ups and downs, and we get into arguments just like any other couple. 

But with some communication, we can sort things out. 

Though if there’s one thing I know that will further strengthen my relationship with my husband, it’s a thoughtful gift to show my love and appreciation for him. 

The things I give him vary, from personalized jewelry to a weekend getaway outside of Ottawa. He does this frequently too, and it really makes us stronger as a couple since it fans the flame of our relationship. 

If you are also looking for ways to show your sweetheart how much you love and appreciate them, let me show you a few great ideas. 

Contents show

Go on a sunset picnic in Ottawa’s many beautiful parks.

Go on a sunset picnic in Ottawa’s many beautiful parks.

Recommended spots: 

  • Major’s Hill Park: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J6, Canada
  • Britannia Park: 2805 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 7J6, Canada
  • Dow’s Lake: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada

Ottawa is blessed with numerous scenic spots that offer breathtaking views of the city, especially during sunset. 

For example, from Major’s Hill Park, you can get a beautiful view of the Parliament Buildings and the gorgeous Ottawa River. As the sun starts to go down, the sky turns into a canvas of bright colors, giving the scenery a romantic glow.

By setting up a picnic at sunset, you give your partner a private and unique experience. Some good food, a warm blanket, and the beautiful atmosphere of dusk slowly approaching will set the stage for romance and a deeper emotional connection.

Before you go, make sure to change the meal to fit the tastes of your partner. Don’t forget to bring their favorite snacks, like a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, fresh fruit, and their favorite foods. 

To make a cozy atmosphere, there are other things you can bring besides the usual soft and cozy blanket. You could bring candles or fairy lights to make the place feel even more magical.

While you and your partner enjoy the delicious food and drinks, you can have deep talks, laugh together, and just enjoy being in each other’s company as the sky beautifully changes colors. 

The calm atmosphere of Ottawa’s beautiful spots makes it easy for you and your partner to get close to each other and forget about the busyness of everyday life.

As the sun goes down and the stars come out, you can get close and enjoy the beautiful setting. 

The beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to tell your partner how much you adore and appreciate them, making it a truly memorable experience.

A lunch at sunset in Ottawa isn’t just a gift; it’s a way to show that you care, are creative, and love someone. It lets you enjoy the natural beauty of the city while spending valuable time with your partner and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Have a lovely spa date together.

Have a lovely spa date together.

Recommended spas: 

In the capital city, many high-end spas and wellness centers offer many ways to help you and your loved one relax and feel better. 

When you set up a spa date, you give your significant other a chance to relax and enjoy themselves in a peaceful place away from the worries of everyday life. 

Most spas in Ottawa have calm and relaxing settings, with soothing music, pleasant smells, and comfy furniture that help create a sense of peace and calm.

Most spas have special packages or services for couples. Most of the time, these packages include massages, facials, or other personalized treatments that are done side-by-side to help you rest and feel better. 

By doing these things with your partner, you can both enjoy the benefits of self-care while you’re spending time with each other.

The atmosphere of a spa is meant to help people rest, let go of stress, and refresh their minds and bodies. Skilled therapists and estheticians will give you and your partner professional care and attention to ensure you both feel pampered and refreshed.

Plenty of spas have things like saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and relaxation lounges in addition to the services. These amenities give you more chances to relax and spend important time with your sweetheart. 

You can rest in the soothing heat of a sauna or take a long soak in a peaceful hot tub. This creates a quiet and private space that is good for connecting with others and unwinding.

After your spa treatments, you and your partner may enjoy a small, healthy meal or a glass of something refreshing. 

This lets you keep enjoying the peace and quiet of the spa while taking care of your body and making memories that will last a lifetime.

A spa date in Ottawa is more than just a gift; it’s a chance to get away from the every day, take care of yourself, and spend time with your partner. 

It’s a luxurious and private experience that makes you and your sweetheart feel good, helps you relax, and brings you closer to one another.

Also, Ottawa’s spas tend to get fully booked. Book at least two weeks in advance to set a good day for your visit. 

Go out on a romantic dinner cruise.

Go out on a romantic dinner cruise.

Recommended cruises:

The Ottawa River is one of many beautiful rivers in Ottawa, which is the capital city of Canada. 

What better way to celebrate a romantic getaway than to go on a dinner cruise along a peaceful river? As you dine and eat delicious food, you and your significant other can take in breathtaking views of the city’s sights while enjoying the lovely atmosphere.

I really think that there’s nothing sweeter than going on a dinner cruise. It gave my husband and I a chance to focus on each other while enjoying delicious food, having deep talks, and making lasting memories.

As you and your partner sail down the river, the quiet and beautiful scenery creates a calm environment that makes it easy to get close to each other.

When seen from the water, Ottawa’s features like Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, and the beautiful bridges take on a new level of beauty. 

The sky’s changing colors at sunset or the city’s twinkling lights at night create a magical setting for your romantic evening.

As for the food itself, the dinner cruises in Ottawa have a delicious menu with various food choices, from gourmet dishes to food made with local ingredients. 

This gives you the perfect opportunity to treat your loved one to a delicious multi-course meal made by skilled chefs. To make the experience even better, you can also listen to live music by the cruise’s onboard band while you savor the food.

On the dinner cruise, the attentive and helpful staff will ensure you and your partner get great service, making you feel pampered and cared for the whole time. 

They try to make a memorable and beautiful atmosphere by suggesting the best wine pairings and taking care of any special requests.

Also, dinner cruises are popular thanks to the sights it gives you. This is a great chance for the two of you to mix a great dining experience with a tour of Ottawa’s most famous sights. 

You can look at Parliament Hill’s architecture, the beauty of the Rideau Canal, and other famous places from a different angle while having a lovely meal.

With all the things I’ve mentioned, I think that the dinner tour in Ottawa is not only a great gift but also a magical experience that combines beautiful scenery, gourmet food, and the warmth of your partner’s company. 

It’s a chance to celebrate your love for one another, make memories that will last a lifetime, and take a romantic trip down the waters of the Ottawa River. 

See the skies on a hot air balloon ride.

See the skies on a hot air balloon ride.

Recommended hot air balloon services: 

Want a thrilling experience that will make you feel weightless above the skies of Ottawa? Here’s something you should try with your beloved. 

There’s nothing like riding in a hot air balloon with your beloved high above the city and its scenery. A ride in a hot air balloon is a magical and memorable experience that you and your partner will remember for the rest of your lives.

From the basket of the hot air balloon, you can see Ottawa’s natural beauty in a unique and beautiful way.

As you slowly float through the air, you’ll be able to take in sights like Parliament Hill, the Gatineau Hills, and the flowing Ottawa River. The beauty of the scenery unfolds in front of your eyes, painting a picture-perfect scene that you will always remember.

The quietness of the experience gives you and your partner a chance to connect and enjoy each other’s company without being bothered by other things.

A hot air balloon ride brings people closer together by giving them a shared experience. As you float through the air, you can hold hands, say sweet things to each other, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

A skilled and knowledgeable pilot makes the experience even more special by making sure both of you are safe and leading you through the trip. 

They will tell you interesting things about the area and the flying process. Sometimes, the pilot may even tell you stories about the surrounding area, making the whole experience a lot better and more informative.

The changing colors of the sky in the morning or sunset make the hot air balloon ride even more romantic. Soft orange, pink, and purple colors cast a warm, ethereal glow over the scenery, giving it a magical and lovely feel.

Get your significant other a personalized love lock.

Get your significant other a personalized love lock.

Recommended shops: 

Being a city known for its rich history and charming landmarks, Ottawa provides the perfect setting for a heartfelt gesture like a personalized love lock. 

Attaching a lock to a certain spot, usually with both your names or initials engraved on it, is a romantic custom that stands for sealing your endearment for each other. 

By doing this, you and your significant other declare your devotion and leave a lasting mark on the charming scenery of the city.

This meaningful act is often done at the Rideau Canal, one of Ottawa’s most famous landmarks. It features the Ottawa Love Locks bridge, a landmark where couples from all around the world install their own personalized padlocks.

As you and your partner put the lock on the bridge, it becomes a physical reminder of how strong your relationship is. When you throw the key into the canal, it means that your love is locked for good, that it can’t be broken.

This romantic act not only makes for a unique experience but also brings the two of you closer together. You get to participate in a practice that many other couples have done before you, giving your relationship a deeper touch of romance and meaning.

Also, going back to the place where you put your padlock can become a special thing to do. You can return to the spot on special events or anniversaries to remember the day you made a promise to each other and to reaffirm your love.

Take your loved one on a romantic horse and carriage ride.

Take your loved one on a romantic horse and carriage ride.

Recommended horse carriage companies: 

Is your significant other a fan of horses and carriage rides? If yes, then they are going to love this particular gift. 

I believe that one of the best parts of Ottawa is its charming streets and beautiful landmarks. It can provide you and your picturesque backdrop for a horse and carriage ride. 

The clip-clop of hooves, the gentle sway of the carriage, and the enchanting ambiance create a romantic atmosphere that is hard to replicate. 

As you and your sweetheart cozy up in the carriage, you’ll feel the magic of the moment, and the connection between you grow stronger.

The horse-drawn carriage meandering through Ottawa’s streets offers a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks and historic neighborhoods. 

The two of you will glide past Parliament Hill, admiring the grandeur of the Chateau Laurier. Alternatively, you can explore the charming ByWard Market. 

Each turn reveals new sights and hidden gems, making the experience special. The leisurely pace of the ride encourages intimate conversations, stolen glances, and shared moments of tranquility between you and your loved one.

Depending on your chosen service, some horse and carriage rides offer narrations or stories about the city’s history, adding an educational element to your romantic outing. It’s an opportunity to learn about Ottawa’s interesting heritage together.

With the presence of a knowledgeable coachman or coachwoman, it further enhances the carriage experience around the city. 

They provide not only a safe and smooth ride but also add a touch of charm with their interactions and anecdotes. This ensures that you and your partner feel well cared for throughout the journey.

Whether it’s a daytime ride surrounded by the beauty of Ottawa’s parks and streets, or an evening ride under the soft glow of streetlights, a horse and carriage ride in Ottawa evokes a sense of romance, nostalgia, and timelessness.

It’s important to note that horse and carriage ride services may have specific routes, durations, and pricing options. 

I recommend that you research and book in advance, considering the weather and any particular landmarks or areas of Ottawa you wish to explore during the ride.

Taste Ottawa’s finest wines. 

Taste Ottawa’s finest wines

Recommended tours: 

If you and your SO love the taste of some fine alcohol, why not go out together on a wine-tasting tour? 

Ottawa has a thriving wine scene with many different farms, vineyards, and ways to taste wine. When you visit these wineries together, it’s a fun and unique experience.

Some beautiful farms and wineries make a wide range of wines in places like the Ottawa Valley and Prince Edward County. From crisp whites to bold reds, there’s something that will definitely make your tastebuds happy. 

During the tour, you’ll get to stop at several wineries, each of which has its own charm and specialties. Staff and sommeliers who know much about wine will lead you through tastings and give you detailed info on how it is made.

Besides that, they tell you other things, such as the uniqueness of each variety and what foods go well with it. This teaching part improves the experience and makes you further appreciate the wines you sample even more.

One thing to expect is that the wine-tasting tours often occur in beautiful places, surrounded by rolling fields and beautiful scenery. 

As you and your love sip wine and take in the amazing views, the natural beauty of the area adds a touch of romance to the evening.

The tours offer a relaxed and private setting where you can talk, share tasting notes, and get to know each other better. The slow pace of the tour lets you enjoy each sip, notice the subtleties of the wines, and enjoy the moment with your significant other.

In addition, there are other activities besides the tastings. You can take a guided walk of the vineyards, learn about how wine is made, or eat food that goes well with the wine. 

These extras make the whole experience better and make memories that will last.

Consider booking a private or customized wine-tasting tour to make your date more romantic. This gives you a more personal and private experience based on what you and your partner want. 

Talking to the tour provider ahead of time about your tastes and needs will make sure that the tour fits your needs and creates a truly special experience.

Remember that wine-tasting tours are very popular and require advance planning and bookings. Check the websites of local wineries or tour companies to see what choices are available, when tours run, and how much they cost. 

Think about any transportation plans, like getting a driver or going on a guided tour that includes transportation, to make sure your trip is safe and fun.

Have a thrilling outdoor adventure.

Have a thrilling outdoor adventure.

Recommended areas: 

  • Mooney’s Bay Park: 2960 Riverside Dr, Ottawa, ON K1V 8N4, Canada
  • Gatineau Park: 33 Scott Rd, Chelsea, QC J9B 1R5, Canada
  • Stony Swamp Conservation Area: 5641 West Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 1B0, Canada

There are many exciting things to do with your sweetheart in Ottawa, surrounded by beautiful nature and outdoor activities. Outdoor trips in Ottawa let you get away from the every day and enjoy the excitement of the natural world.

As you and your love hike through the beautiful scenery, you can take in the bright colors of fall or the lush grass of summer. The two of you can feel the rush of completing a hard hike or finding a secret treasure in the woods or along the riverbanks. 

These shared moments of triumph and awe forge a deeper connection between you and your partner.

Ottawa also has other exciting activities like white-water rafting on the Ottawa River, zip-lining through the trees, and rock climbing at nearby outdoor climbing spots for people who want to feel more adrenaline. 

These thrilling adventures give you a rush of energy and a chance to get out of your comfort zone together, which helps build trust and teamwork.

Whether you’re kayaking on calm waters, biking through beautiful trails, or camping under the stars, these activities give you a sense of calm and a chance to escape the noise and distractions of daily life.

Outdoor activities also give you a chance to joke and laugh together and have happy times of discovery. 

From getting through a hard obstacle course to trying a new water sport, these things give you and your partner lasting memories and improve your bond.

When planning a trip outside, you should consider your loved one’s hobbies, fitness level, and comfort with outdoor activities. Choose an adventure that both of you will like and that strikes a good mix between fun and excitement.

Enroll in a private cooking class.

Enroll in a private cooking class.

Recommended places: 

One of Ottawa’s main highlights is its vibrant culinary scene. A private cooking experience will give you and your sweetheart a unique and intimate way to celebrate your love and create lasting memories. 

Opting for a private cooking experience allows you and your partner to have a hands-on and immersive culinary journey. 

You can learn new cooking techniques, discover local ingredients, and explore the art of creating a delicious meal together. This interactive and engaging experience fosters teamwork, communication, and a sense of shared accomplishment.

The privacy of a cooking experience creates an intimate ambiance, allowing you and your partner to connect on a deeper level. 

As you work side by side in the kitchen, you’ll have moments of laughter, joyful discoveries, and the chance to truly appreciate each other’s culinary skills and creativity. 

The experience encourages open communication, cooperation, and the joy of creating something together.

You can choose a specific cuisine or theme that holds significance for you as a couple, ensuring that the meal you prepare reflects your shared tastes and interests. 

Whether it’s preparing a gourmet feast, trying your hand at a specific cooking style, or exploring the local culinary traditions, the experience can be customized to suit both your desires.

To enhance the romance, consider hiring a professional chef who can guide you through the cooking process, share their expertise, and provide culinary insights. 

They can help you curate a personalized menu, offer cooking tips and techniques, and create a memorable dining experience in the comfort of your own home or a rented private space.

Additionally, you can elevate the experience by pairing the cooking session with wine or cocktail tastings, creating a multisensory adventure for your palate. There are plenty of things that you can explore that you can be proud of. 

A few things off the top of my head are wine pairings, and experimenting with mixology. If you want something truly high-quality, you can even consider hiring a sommelier or mixologist to guide you through the flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.

Remember, the private cooking experience is not just about the final result—it’s about the journey, the connection, and the shared love for food. Embrace the opportunity to learn, create, and savor the delicious fruits of your labor together.