Take a Trip Around the World… Without Ever Leaving Ottawa
A very unserious, but actually kind of genius day trip idea
So you’ve lived in Ottawa forever, or maybe you just moved here, and someone says, “What is there to do here?” And you pause.
Because if we’re being honest, sometimes it does feel like there's nothing going on. You’ve done the usual – brunch, a walk, a patio drink, maybe even a museum if you're feeling fancy. But when was the last time you actually explored the city like a tourist?
Here’s our completely unserious but shockingly good idea: take a trip around the world… without ever leaving Ottawa.
Yes, this is the real-life version of that elementary school “multicultural day,” except it’s you, a friend (or a good podcast), and a day of eating and walking your way through five different “countries,” all within city limits.
Ready to travel the world? Here’s your 1-day, passport-free Ottawa itinerary.
Stop 1: France 🇫🇷
Location: The ByWard Market
Vibe: Your inner Parisian girlie awakens.
Start your morning with a cappuccino and a flaky pastry at Mantovani 1946 or Le Moulin de Provence. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you’ll likely hear a group of teens on a field trip. But with the right mindset (and enough butter), it’s très chic.
What to order:
Pain au chocolat
Cappuccino or café crème
Bonus: Macarons for the road
Fun fact: The ByWard Market has been around since 1826, making it one of the oldest public markets in Canada. That's older than Tim Hortons. Just saying.
Stop 2: Southeast Asia 🇻🇳🇹🇭🇨🇳
Location: Ottawa Chinatown (Somerset St. W)
Vibe: Lanterns, noodle joints, and bubble tea on bubble tea.
Take a slow walk through Chinatown and pretend you’re somewhere overseas. Between the massive arch (a 2010 gift from Beijing) and the endless list of hidden gems, it’s easy to forget you’re still only five minutes from Centretown.
Where to stop:
So Good Restaurant for classic Chinese-Canadian faves
Pho Thu Do for steaming bowls of pho
Chatime or The Alley for bubble tea if you're feeling trendy
Little Jo Berry’s if you need a vegan sweet break (technically Hintonburg, but close enough)
What to order:
BBQ pork bun
Bubble tea (get the brown sugar if you’re indecisive)
Vietnamese iced coffee for a mid-morning jolt
Stop 3: Italy 🇮🇹
Location: Preston Street (a.k.a. Little Italy)
Vibe: Espresso, gelato, and old men yelling about soccer
No need to hop on a Vespa, just walk (or bike!) to Preston Street and soak up the café culture. Italian immigrants started settling here in the early 1900s, and the vibes still hold: good espresso, gelato, and that “stay awhile” energy.
Where to go:
Stella Luna for award-winning gelato
La Roma or Pub Italia for sit-down Italian
Simply Biscotti for a quieter moment with coffee and a view
What to order:
Espresso (after 11, or the Italians will judge)
Pistachio gelato (trust us)
Wood-fired pizza if you’re in for a longer stop
Stop 4: Venice (kind of) 🇮🇹
Location: Dow’s Lake
Vibe: Gondolas? No. But you can rent a kayak.
We’re taking creative liberties here, but hey, Dow’s Lake has water, scenic vibes, and lots of places to sip something fizzy. Rent a kayak or take a canal-side walk if you’re feeling active. Or don’t. It still feels like a vacation.
Where to sit:
Umbrella Bar for cocktails by the water
Lago Bar & Grill if you’re in your Aperol era
What to order:
Aperol Spritz (mandatory)
Calamari or a light pasta dish
Gelato round two is totally acceptable
Fun fact: The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously operating canals in North America.
Stop 5: The UK 🇬🇧
Location: Rideau Hall
Vibe: Royal core
Cap off your “trip” with a walk around Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence. Technically, you’re still in Canada, but with the gates, manicured lawns, and formal energy — it’s giving King Charles.
What to bring:
A picnic blanket
Snacks from Wilf & Ada’s or The SconeWitch
Something to sip while you judge the landscaping
Fun fact: Rideau Hall was originally a private villa before becoming the GG’s official residence in 1867, the same year Canada became a country.
Final Thoughts (or... Customs?)
No, this isn’t a replacement for real travel. But it’s a great way to spend a slow Sunday, especially when you feel like you’ve “done everything” in Ottawa. You’d be surprised how different the city feels when you approach it like a tourist — or just someone looking for a bit of joy in the everyday.
So grab a friend (or go solo), wear comfy shoes, and give it a try. Worst-case scenario? You get a good walk in and some incredible food.
Best case? You remember why you like living here.
Want more Ottawa day trip ideas like this?
Check out our other local guides, real estate tips, and community spotlights — because we don’t just work here, we live here.
