As an Ottawa local, I am so excited to see Ottawa in the spotlight from the hit series, Heated Rivalry. Not only is it Shane’s hometown and the city that shaped him but it’s also where Ilya might be going next?! If you’re coming for the vibes, the hockey energy, and ready to see what Ottawa’s about, this guide is for you. This guide will help you enjoy Ottawa through a Heated Rivalry lens, from city exploring to cottage getaways.
Bars & Cafés in Ottawa that Shane Would Actually Go To
Here are some highlights in Ottawa’s drink scene that are very Shane-coded.
- Orange Cream Seltzer at City Seltzer (via Dominion City Brewing) tastes as good as it looks. This local drink was modelled by Shane in the show
- Little Victories Coffee has elite coffee, minimalist vibes, and a staple for locals. This is where Shane would have some time to read or meet up with teammates
- Black Squirrel Books is a café and bookstore, aka where Shane would absolutely be buying new books
- Pure Kitchen is a plant-based restaurant is definitely where Scott would come to get smoothies from Kip. I bet Kip would make the brain booster smoothie for Scott
- Cocktail bars with Shane’s vibe: Moonroom, Rabbit Hole/Jackalope speakeasy, Union 613 speakeasy, Ward 14, Thr33’s Co, Stolen Goods
Things to Do in Ottawa (Heated Rivalry Edition)
Skate the World’s Largest Skating Rink
Skating the Rideau Canal is a quintessential Ottawa experience! You can rent skates at multiple points along the canal and then enjoy a beavertail at one of the rest areas. Shane definitely loved skating on the canal as a kid, and probably as an adult too. Being back on the canal reminds him that he’s home and grounds him. He probably reflects on how far he’s come as he skates the full 7.8km.
January/February is the best time for the Rideau Canal. If it’s closed, I could see them heading to one of these skating spots in/around Ottawa.
Love Lock Bridge
At the Somerset Bridge, people leave locks. I could see Shane bringing Ilya here one night and they leave a secret love lock together. Heated Rivalry love lock! This bridge is over the Rideau Canal so they could do this after skating it.
Canadian Wildlife (Beyond Loons)
Enjoy a Canadian safari at this park where you drive through and friendly Canadian wildlife will approach your car. You can even stay overnight in their wolf chalets where you can hear actual wolf’s howl (not loons ;)) You’ll be able to admire a wolf pack with a glass wall in between you! I could see Ilya being mesmerized by this experience and it definitely beats Shane watching prey vs predator on youtube!
I could see Shane making a stop here with Ilya when they’re cottage-bound. They don’t have to worry about paparazzi, just Elks and deer looking for a carrot. My local tip for them would be to bring 3 bags of carrots or more! Check out my guide for more of what you can expect from Parc Omega here.
Brunch in Ottawa
I could see the boys heading for brunch postgame day to refuel, whether it’s together or with teammates. Plus, you need to experience some of our wonderful brunch spots on your visit! I have a full brunch guide based on the neighbourhood.
National Gallery of Canada
While in Ottawa, this is where Kip and Scott would go for a date. Local tip, it’s free on Thursdays from 5-8 pm, and they have a special event with a DJ and refreshments! Book a free ticket in advance here.
Sunrise or Sunset
We see lots of sunrise moments in Heated Rivalry and there are lots of epic spots to catch sunrise or sunset in the capital. Two of my favourites include the Ottawa Locks and Kìwekì Point. Check out my full guide to 20+ of the best sunrise/sunset spot,s including photos so you can fit up a few places on your trip.
Running in the Capital
We see lots of running in Heated Rivalry, and here are the spots they would head for a run in Ottawa:
- Rideau Canal (scenic and very Ottawa, the Rideau Canal connects many neighbourhoods)
- Ottawa River Pathway (run down the Ottawa locks and beside the Ottawa River). If they wanted they can also add on a challenge of the stairs behind Parliament (pictured below)
- Voyageurs Pathway (on the Gatineau side and you’ll get epic views of Ottawa)
- Chaudiere Falls has a beautiful park surrounding it and they would get scenic views that leads them to a waterfall if they chose this route
Venture to Gatineau Park
Only 15 minutes from Ottawa, Gatineau Park is an epic place to go to escape into nature. From turquoise waters at Pink Lake to mountain top views at King Mountain, this is a must-visit on your trip!
Explore Ottawa Neighbourhood Hintonburg
Spend some time exploring the hip neighbourhood of Hintonburg. This is a neighbourhood that might be overlooked by people travelling to Ottawa but locals know it’s where you can find some amazing local shops and restaurants. Highlights include:
- Shane would definitely get his glasses at Wellington Vision Care, a trendy boutique and eye doctor
- Supply and Demand, The Third, Chesterfield’s Gastrodiner, Elmdale Tavern, Bar Lupus
- Shops: Maker House, Tinseltown, Hello Dolly (printed cookies)
Where to Stay in Downtown Ottawa
If you’re coming all this way, stay somewhere with a view that makes you feel like you’re in Heated Rivalry.
- Andaz Ottawa has skyline views and a rooftop bar
- Germain Hotels offers polished, modern rooms with city views
- The Westin has city views and is right beside the Rideau Canal
- reStays has Parliament views and apartment-style comfort
“I’m Coming to the Cottage” – Unique Stays
A cottage needs to be on your Heated Rivalry itinerary! Spend some time immersed in nature at these epic spots.
Cross the bridge into the Outaouais region, where you’ll be able to find some close-by epic stays, some as close as 40 min from Ottawa.
Terre et Neige offers gorgeous chalets whether it’s their A-Frame or Scandinavian-inspired chalet. One of the owners is a chef who has worked in Paris and will bring the most delicious breakfast to your chalet, and you also have the option to add on dinner. You’ll be immersed in the forest for this stay.
HOM Mini Chalets are gorgeous private chalets with a hot tub and some with additional spa options. This is a great stay in all seasons.
Hillhaus Domes is where you can feel like you’re in a snowglobe in winter and enjoy lake access in summer.
Wolf Chalets at Parc Omega are a one of a kind stay that you’ll never forget. Imagine coming eye to eye with a wolf pack!
Roadtrip to Lanaudiere
In Heated Rivalry, Shane’s cottage is based in Lanaudiere. I did a road trip here and this epic region is full of waterfalls and unique stays! It’s about 3+ hours from Ottawa, so you could easily add it onto your trip. Ironically, we also saw a family of loons here on one of our canoe adventures. Check out my full guide including accommodation here.
Heated Rivalry Guide to Restaurants in Ottawa
- Tuna Melt
- Get a gourmet tuna melt at Art-Is-In Bakery. You also can’t pass up their cronuts (a donut croissant hybrid)
- Pasta
- Dreamland Café is full of cozy pasta dishes and since Shane grew up in Ottawa he would know that Little Italy is full of foodie gems like this
- Bar Lupulus gives date night vibes and you need to get their anolini
- Starling Ottawa has a delicious baked rigatoni alla vodka that’s spicy just like the show
- Ottawa is the unofficial Shawarma Capital of Canada with over 200 restaurants to choose from. For the true Ottawa experience you need to get a late night shawarma at somewhere like Shawarma Palace or Shawarma King
- Pho is a big deal in Ottawa so you need to head to Chinatown and warm-up with Pho post-winter adventure
- BeaverTails are a sweet treat, not actual beaver tails 😉 Best enjoyed as a post-skate snack on the Rideau Canal
- Poutine is a Canadian comfort food. Since we’re right on the border with Quebec, venture into Gatineau for some true Quebec Poutine. On the Ottawa side, Elgin Street Diner is a popular late night spot and Ottawa staple
- Burgers: Burgers n’ Fries Forever, Chez Lucien, King Eddy
Party & Nightlife
Bar Hop in Popular Neighbourhoods
From ByWard Market to Elgin, there are plenty of places to spend a night out! If you’re looking for dancing, definitely check out spots like Heart and Crown, Lieutenant’s Pump, Rabbit Hole, Standard, Waverly. For more chill, Elgin Street has plenty of spots like Elgin Beer Project, pool at Mclarens and more. Make sure to check out Lookout Bar, an LGBTQ+ bar in ByWard market.
Casino Lac Leamy
I bet the boys would let loose at Casino Lac Leamy. It has everything you need under one roof from restaurants, bars, games and a club! Club ALÉA is the perfect spot to dance the night away and probably where they would lock eyes across the dancefloor. I have a full guide to Casino Lac Leamy here.
Grown Ass Pizza Party
These parties are always a good time. Grown Ass Pizza Party takes over local pizza spots for daytime parties you’ll love! Pizza + good tunes + good crowds means it’s always a good time! Plus before a game day they can’t stay out late so this is a good alternative.
Igloofest Gatineau
This is the world’s coolest outdoor music festival but don’t let that scare you! Dance the night away (maybe under a snowstorm) to world class DJs. It’s sure to be an unforgettable night and the boys would love this!
Nature Nocturne
This quarterly party transforms the Nature Museum into an epic party where you can dance under a giant moon, explore the exhibits and have a great time out. Each party has a different theme. Kip and his friends would definitely be at these parties. Book your tickets and see the different themes here.
Watch the Game Like a Local
Ottawa’s local NHL team is the Ottawa Senators! Cheer them on at the Canadian Tire Center or head to Elgin Street, also known as Sens Mile. The farther the team goes, the better the energy on Sens Mile! Kip and his friends would head to Elgin St. on game day. Top choice would be to go to Elgin Beer Project, a cozy bar with lots of local craft brews! Other spots to go include: Standard, Manor Lounge, Lieutenant’s Pump, Maclarens and more.
Ottawa is also home to the Ottawa 67s (OHL) and the Ottawa Charge (PWHL) for some more hockey fun!
Seasonal Fun in Ottawa
What time of year should you visit Ottawa? There’s something special to embrace in every season.
Winter in Ottawa
Ottawa celebrates winter with Winterlude, a festival full of fun from ice-carving, skating, snow-tubing, snow sculptures, maple taffy on a stick and more.
And of course, skating on the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway. This is such a quintessential Ottawa experience, especially if you grab a beavertail too, the best post-skate reward.
I have a full Ottawa winter bucket list here from forest skating trails to dog-sledding to icy waterfalls.
During December Lansdowne is home to the Ottawa Christmas market a European-style Christmas market full of vendors, lights, and music! From viral hot chocolate to bonfires its such a cozy, fun seasonal activity.
Spring in Ottawa
See Ottawa full of vibrant colours with over 1 million tulips planted across the downtown core. We have a whole festival to celebrate it, the Canadian Tulip Festival. I have a guide on where to see the tulips here.
Summer in Ottawa
The city comes alive and if it’s a sunny day the patios are packed! I have a full guide to Ottawa patios here from scenic to rooftop! We also have lots of epic festivals to look forward to including:
- Ottawa Bluesfest is a multi-day festival offering world-class music in all kinds of genres
- Festibière du Gatineau is an epic local beer festival with live music and lots of incredible on-site attractions
- Grands Feux du Casino is an international fireworks festival. Book tickets to see the fireworks set to music with Parliament in the background or you can view them in free spots along the Ottawa River like Major’s Hill Park.
- Capital Pride takes place in August and is full of different events you can enjoy
Fall in Ottawa
Not to brag but we get AMAZING fall colours in Ottawa! We even have a celebration for it called Fall Rhapsody. I have a guide of the best places to see the fall colours, including a map to all the scenic spots downtown if you find yourself here in fall. Here’s a fall bucket list including cute pumpkin patches to scary mazes.
The Glebe: Where I Think Shane Grew Up
If Shane grew up anywhere in Ottawa, it’s The Glebe. It’s a cool and quirky neighbourhood and within it is Lansdowne where he probably grew up watching hockey games! It also neighbours the Rideau Canal and Lansdowne Rink where I bet he practiced in his free time with friends. I think walking around the Glebe you’ll be able to feel pieces of Shane. Some places you can’t miss:
- Restaurants: The Rowan, Cantina Gia (also amazing pasta), Erling’s Variety, The Belmont, Banditos (watermelon marg on the patio in summer)
- Cafes: Little Victories, Happy Goat Coffee, Sister’s Mart, Luxe Blooms Flower Café
- Things to do: Ottawa Farmers’ Market, Thursty Pedaler, Skating at Lansdowne
Elgin Street: Where I think Ilya Would Live
Elgin Street is a central and cool part of town from cozy cafes to chill bars that turn into dancing if that’s the vibe for the night. I could see him running along the canal in the mornings and then refuelling at a spot like Happy Goat Cafe. I could see him getting late night drinks at places like Charlotte. Elgin Street and surrounding area is what’s known as the golden triangle. It’s downtown but still has a local vibe. He could get a nice house along the canal with epic views and also allow him to walk out his door, lace up his skates, and hit the ice. Some can’t miss spots on Elgin Street:
- Restaurants: Town, Citizen, El Camino, Datsun, Giulia, The Manx, Good Neighbour and many more
- Shops: Pot and Pantry, Boogie & Birdie, Gifted Type
Must-See Ottawa Sights
- Parliament Hill (and the stairs behind it)
- Major’s Hill Park
- Kiweki Point
- Chaudière Falls
- Gatineau Park
- Rideau Canal
- Ottawa Locks
More Heated Rivalry-Inspired Adventures
- Check out this guide to Montreal for ideas in the city Shane plays for
- More things to do in Ottawa
- Explore more of Canada, find guides and inspiration here
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Ottawa through a Heated Rivalry lens and it helps inspire your time in the capital 🙂 I can’t wait to see what season 2 has in store and see how Ottawa is showcased! Happy Exploring – Julia 🙂
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
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hi that’s so kind! Definitely feel free to share the link 🙂 Hope it leads to some fun adventures!