25 Ideas For Valentine’s Day In Ottawa

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ottawa? Whether you’re looking to spoil your partner or make a friend feel special, here’s some ways to celebrate Valentines this year. Whether you’re looking to get outside, gift something unique or have a  romantic dinner at home, here’s some ideas to celebrate: 

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Save The Moment for Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

How about celebrating with some polaroids? Gift a polaroid camera and then plan a fun winter date to take photos. I recommend going skating or going on a winter hike and take lots of snaps along the way. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera is a classic polaroid camera where you see how the photo turns out once it’s developed. If you’re taking a selfie, keep your eye on the little mirror to line up your shot 😉 

Interested in printing polaroids of photos you already have? Get the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer. You can use it to print photos from your smartphone. This option is great if you want more control with how the photo turns out or if you want the polaroids ready in advance of your gift. 

Don’t forget to get extra polaroids that you can print. This is a gift you can use all year long. What about taking a polaroid for each date of 2021? 🙂 

Get Outside for Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

Have a fun day getting some fresh air outside and then end the night with some recommendations below. Check out my guide to skating or hiking in Ottawa for some ideas.

Want to go for a romantic skate? RiverOak Skating Trail will have extended hours. Head there at night and their trail will be lined with twinkle lights and you’ll be able to see the stars if it’s a clear night. Make sure to book in advance. Find out more about RiverOak in my skating guide.

Italian Night for Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

This is one of my plans for Valentine’s Day Weekend. Foodie Lu has a special Valentine’s Day menu that’s sure to impress. I was first introduced to Foodie Lu at Kin Vineyards this past summer and my whole group was blown away. His recipes have been passed down through his family for generations so you know they’re going to be good. From the fresh pasta and fresh flavours, every bite was delcious. I highly recommend his menu for your own celebrations. I can’t wait to enjoy my own. The menu comes at a great price and includes tax + delivery. Make sure to pre-order before February 11th. 

Find The Perfect Card for Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

I remember when Erik and I first started dating I spent way too long trying to find the right card. So many were over the top lovey dovey and the others were too cringe. If you like to avoid that feeling too then you need to get your cards at The Gifted Type or Maker House. They both have a great selection of cards and you’re sure to find the perfect message as well as some other wonderful items you can give as well. The Gifted Type has lots of wonderful games and journals. Maker House has some ready made gift boxes or you can browse through their Valentine’s section. 

Travel The World through Ottawa

If you and your partner are missing travel, this one for you. Choose a country you’ve been to or want to visit and then buy takeout from a restaurant in Ottawa that serves that cuisine. I have a full guide here. It’s a great way to relive some travel memories together and talk about plans for the future while enjoying a delicious meal.

Take it a step further and give your loved one a scratch map too. You can enjoy scratching off countries you’ve visited or discuss all the places you want to cross off together. It’s also a great decor piece for your home! 

Create A Custom Candle

Create a custom candle for your loved one with Retreat Candle Co. Find out what their favourite scent is and create a candle they’re sure to love. There’s also the option to make this into a gift box. They’ll love the thought behind this gift and the smell. You could also get them the Ottawa Candle that celebrates this amazing city. Bonus, Retreat Candle Co. are made with zero-waste, sustainably made and 100% vegan. 

DIY Dinners At Home

Enjoy a DIY taco night. You’ll find San Jose Mexican Food Truck in Stitsville. The family is from Mexico so you know you’re getting authentic dishes. They have a mexican grocery where you can purchase some authentic ingredients to make your favourite Mexican dishes at home. You can also purchase their taco kit for only $28 dollars that comes with everything you need to make delicious tacos at home. Pickup their churros kit from their Mexican grocery to make dessert. 

Have a DIY pizza night. Jo Jo’s pizzeria is a west end staple and they have everything ready for you to create your dream pizza at home. Their kits come with the dough, toppings. You can also add on dessert options like their donut or ice cream kits. 

Date Night At Home

If you would normally head to a restaurant for Valentine’s Day, order takeout and have a gourmet date night at home. Lots of restaurants have special valentine’s Day menus you can enjoy at home. Keep in mind that many have cut off dates for pre-orders. Here’s a few highlights:

My Catering Group

I’ve had a few My Catering Group dinners at home. They pivoted for COVID and you have the opportunity to have a professional catered meal right at home.  You’ll get the items with simple instructions for reheating and plating. Each time we’ve always had plenty of food leftover. They’ve put together an incredible menu for Valentine’s Day. 

Mati Ottawa

Mati Ottawa is one of Ottawa’s best restaurants. Enjoy an upscale dinner at home where every bite is full of flavour. They have multiple options available depending on your taste buds and budget. 

Taj Indian Cuisine

Taj Indian Cuisine offers a taste of authentic Indian cuisine right here in the capital. My favourite dishes are their butter chicken or any of their kormas. They have a Valentine’s Menu where you can customize your order. They have lots of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes. 

Cheshire Cat

Cheshire Cat is a Carp staple and you’ll know why when you try the food. I’ve celebrated lots of special occasions with the Cheshire Cat. You can expect classic British pub items as well as their own creative specials. 

Chef Jae Anthony’s Ghost Kitchen

Enjoy modern Caribbean dishes from Chef Jae Anthony’s ghost kitchen pop-up. I haven’t seen a Valentine’s Day menu released yet but his food is so delicious and sure to impress. We ordered takeout from his restaurant this summer and we were blown away by the different flavours of each dishe. You can order via UBER or choose pickup. 

Two Six Ate 

We celebrated Erik’s last birthday with Two Six Ate and it did not disappoint. Each course was so delicious and we had plenty leftover. They have two menu options including a vegan option. 

Citizen

Citizen always amazes me with the creativity of their menu. Each menu is something different to look forward to. Stay tuned for the announcement of their Valentine’s Day menu. 

Enjoy Cocktails At Home for Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

The Moonroom

Keep your eye on The Moonroom for take-home cocktails. This is one of my favourite spots for drinks in the capital. Watch their menus on Instagram and DM to order. Start your date night with some pro cocktails at home. You could also write a card to also enjoy a date here once the lockdown is done. Their intimate space is the perfect spot for a date.

Take A Cocktail Class

Living Proof Ottawa’s team of experienced local bartenders offers virtual cocktail classes. Join them for one of their special Valentine’s classes where participants will be mixing up three craft cocktails inspired by the day of love. Their team’s years of experience in Ottawa’s hospitality industry bring you a fun and memorable night transforming simple ingredients into amazing craft cocktails. No special equipment or fancy liqueurs needed. 

Put Together A Cozy Gift For Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

Love and Lee Apparel

I stumbled upon Love and Lee Apparel when I visited Cornwall this past summer and fell in love. They have beautiful pieces and the owner is so friendly. Their lounge set would be a great option if you’re putting together a cozy gift. You could always give this to your friends for galentines. 

Pokoloko

Set the scene and create some hygge vibes with Pokoloko. Not only is this local brand fair trade but they have some great items to make your place super cozy. Check out some recommendations here.  

Boogie and Birdie

From candles, blankets, tea, scarves and more, there’s so many cozy comforts under one roof at Boogie and Birdie. This is a great option to put a fun gift basket together. You can even get some great deals right now with their winter sale. 

Jewellery Gifts For Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

Gift some beautiful pieces from Indigenous-owned businesses, Second Aura. Their pieces are designed, inspired, and created by mixed heritage and the relationship held by that connection. Pieces come in a range of prices and designs. This is a great option for your partner or gifting to a friend. Their jewelry also does good with a portion of sales to multiple Indigenous Organizations.

Thinking of a Valentine’s Day Proposal? Check out this guide first 😉 It includes the best spots in Ottawa to pop the question as well as ring recommendations from local jeweller, True Bijoux.

Wine + A Future Date

Order some wine from a local winery, Kin Vineyards. They have great wine and offer local delivery. With lockdown, it can be hard to plan dates so why not gift a bottle with a note for a future date at their vineyard this summer. It’s a beautiful spot to spend a summer night sipping wine looking out at their vineyard. 

Surprise Them With A Bouquet For Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

There’s nothing like a fresh bouquet of flowers. Check out this bouquet in a pun can from Flowers Talk Tivoli. You can get a variety of plants in cute heart design planters from Scrim’s Florist. 

Sweet Treats for Valentine’s Day in Ottawa

Looking for something sweet to gift? Here’s some local brands to check out:

Hummingbird Chocolate has some delicious chocolate that’s made at their location in Almonte. Check out this blog post on them for suggestions. 

Toro Treats offers multiple treats including a huge chocolate heart that you can break and reveal a special treat. Both fun and delicious. 

Wainwright + Wild has some amazing hot chocolate bombs. Enjoy a decadent hot chocolate after a fun winter activity. They have fun flavours like white chocolate, salted caramel dark chocolate and more. Top it off with some Vodkow Cream. 

Instead of a box of truffles what about a box of truffles? Amicci Desserts have the perfect mix of truffles to satisfy your partner (or friends) sweet tooth.They have lots of fun flavours that you can enjoy. Order via DM. 

Future Weekend Away

In a normal year, I would recommend a staycation at a spot like Fairmont Montebello. Since that’s not possible, why not write a card to enjoy this at a future date? Enjoy a low key Valentine’s this year and then look forward to this in the future.