The Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Ottawa in Your 30s: Where to Eat, Shop & Explore
Planning a girls’ weekend in Ottawa or looking for fun things to do with your girlfriends? From cute coffee shops and delicious brunch spots to shopping, spas, and scenic walks, here’s your guide to enjoying Ottawa in your 30s!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 30s, it’s that a perfect girls’ day looks a little different than it did in my early 20s. Don’t get me wrong, I still love getting dressed up and going out, but these days? Give me an iced coffee, a cute brunch spot, a little shopping, and quality time with my girlfriends, and I’m HAPPY. As someone who calls Ottawa home, I can confidently say this city has so much more to offer than Parliament Hill and government buildings. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend getaway, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking for an excuse to get out of the house, I’ve put together the ultimate girl’s guide to Ottawa in your 30s with fun activities, beautiful places to explore, and plenty of opportunities to treat yourself.
1. Start Your Girls’ Day at One of Ottawa’s Best Coffee Shops
Every great girls’ day starts with coffee. Obviously! Ottawa has some seriously cute cafรฉs where you can catch up with your girlfriends, grab an iced latte, and enjoy a slower morning. If you’re exploring the Glebe, Little Victories Coffee Roasters is a great stop for specialty coffee, while Ten Toes Coffee House is another cozy option for coffee and a little treat. I also love the idea of visiting Black Squirrel Books & Espresso, where you can browse books while enjoying your favourite caffeine fix. Book shopping and coffee? Literally my dream afternoon. Over in Westboro, Equator Coffee, Happy Goat Coffee Co., and Bower Coffee Co. are all worth checking out. For something a little different, Cloudforest Cafรฉ, located inside Pokoloko, is a fun stop while exploring the neighbourhood’s shops. If you’re spending the day in the ByWard Market, consider Ideal Coffee on Dalhousie Street or Dimo’s Cafรฉ on Murray Street. My advice? Choose a walkable neighbourhood, grab your favourite drink, and spend the morning exploring with absolutely no rush.
2. Plan a Girls’ Brunch at These Ottawa Restaurants
Brunch with the girls is practically a love language at this point. And thankfully, Ottawa has some amazing brunch restaurants that are perfect for a weekend catch-up. If you’re looking for a cute spot in Westboro, Gezellig is a beautiful option for a more elevated brunch experience. The restaurant has a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it a great choice for birthdays, celebrations, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal with your girlfriends. If you’re exploring Wellington West, Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner is a popular brunch destination known for creative takes on classic breakfast dishes. In Centretown, Wilf & Ada’s is another local favourite for delicious, comforting breakfast and brunch. Over in the Glebe, The Rowan is a great choice for weekend brunch, especially if you love a stylish neighbourhood restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. And if you’re spending the morning in the ByWard Market, Benny’s Bistro, tucked behind The French Baker, is a lovely option for a more intimate brunch experience.
My biggest brunch tip? Check reservation policies before heading out, especially on weekends. Some popular Ottawa brunch spots can have long waits, and nobody wants to spend their entire girls’ morning standing in line when there are iced lattes to be enjoyed!
3. Spend the Afternoon Shopping in Westboro
If you love boutique shopping, Westboro is one of my favourite Ottawa neighbourhoods to recommend for a girls’ day. Richmond Road is lined with clothing boutiques, jewellery stores, cafรฉs, and restaurants, making it perfect for an afternoon of browsing. For fashion, check out Fashion United, Manhattan West, La Muse, and Arstyla for stylish clothing and accessories. If you’re looking for beautiful jewellery, bluboho and Magpie Jewellery are also worth adding to your shopping itinerary. If you’re more interested in home decor and lifestyle finds, stop by Pokoloko for unique textiles and home accessories, or Kitchenalia for beautiful kitchen essentials. You can easily spend a few hours wandering between shops, grabbing coffee, and discovering new local businesses. And honestly? Supporting Ottawa boutiques while finding a cute new outfit sounds like a pretty perfect afternoon to me.
4. Explore the Glebe’s Cutest Shops and Boutiques
Another amazing neighbourhood for shopping in Ottawa is the Glebe. Bank Street is filled with independent boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants, and cafรฉs, making it an ideal destination for a girls’ afternoon. If you love fashion, check out Viens Avec Moi and Stomping Ground for stylish clothing and accessories. For unique gifts, stationery, and home accessories, The Papery is an absolute must-visit. I could easily spend an embarrassing amount of time browsing cute notebooks, greeting cards, and little gifts I definitely don’t need! Book lovers should also stop by Black Squirrel Books & Espresso or Octopus Books, while vintage lovers can explore Hokum Gift & Vintage. If you’re visiting during market season, check out the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market or 613flea for local vendors, handmade goods, vintage finds, and delicious food. The Glebe is one of those neighbourhoods where you can spend an entire afternoon wandering without running out of things to do.
5. Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Spa Day in Ottawa
Is there anything better than a spa day with your girlfriends? I think NOT. If you’re planning a relaxing girls’ getaway in Ottawa, there are some beautiful spas worth checking out. Uppliva Sauna & Spa in Wellington West offers a Nordic-inspired wellness experience with saunas, thermal treatments, and relaxation spaces. It’s a great option if you’re craving a peaceful afternoon away from your usual routine. For something a little different, So Morocco in the Glebe offers a Moroccan-inspired hammam experience along with spa treatments. If you’re looking for a more traditional spa day, Third Avenue Spa in the Glebe and Au Naturel Spa at Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata are other options to explore. If you’re willing to venture across the river into Gatineau, Kลena Spa is another option for a thermal spa experience. It’s a fun way to turn an ordinary Saturday into a full day of relaxation. Just remember to book ahead, check each spa’s group policies, and choose somewhere that matches the atmosphere you’re looking for. Some thermal spas prioritize silence, so they’re better for quiet relaxation than chatting with your girlfriends.
6. Explore Ottawa’s Famous ByWard Market
Whether you’re visiting Ottawa for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, the ByWard Market is always worth exploring. This historic neighbourhood is filled with restaurants, cafรฉs, boutiques, and local vendors, making it one of the best places to spend a girls’ afternoon. Start with coffee, browse the shops, pick up a sweet treat, and enjoy wandering through the market’s colourful streets. One of my favourite things about the ByWard Market is that you can easily turn a casual afternoon into a full girls’ night out. Spend the day shopping and exploring, then make a dinner reservation or head to a cocktail bar when the sun goes down. It’s especially fun during the warmer months when the patios are open and the neighbourhood is full of activity.
7. Plan a Cute Dinner and Cocktail Night
Sometimes you just want to put on a cute outfit, order a fancy drink, and enjoy a night out with your girlfriends. And being in your 30s definitely doesn’t mean your going-out era is over! For a cozy yet elevated dinner, Gezellig in Westboro is a great option. If you’re craving something more casual, Heartbreakers Pizza is perfect for a relaxed pizza-and-wine night, while Pure Kitchen is a popular choice for plant-based dining.
For cocktails, Bar Ocelli in the ByWard Market is worth checking out if you love creative drinks and an intimate atmosphere. In Westboro, Elise After Dark offers a cocktail-focused experience with a vinyl soundtrack, while Split Tree Cocktail Co. is a fun option to explore for cocktail and mocktail workshops. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a much-needed catch-up, or simply getting out of the house, Ottawa has plenty of options for a fabulous girls’ night. And if you’re home by 10 PM? Honestly, even better.
8. Visit Ottawa’s Best Museums and Art Galleries
If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual brunch-and-shopping routine, Ottawa has some incredible museums and galleries worth visiting. The National Gallery of Canada is a must for art lovers, with beautiful architecture and an impressive collection of artwork. It’s also a great place to spend a rainy afternoon with your girlfriends. The Canadian Museum of Nature is another fun option, especially if you’re interested in science, wildlife, and natural history. You can also explore the Canadian Museum of History across the river in Gatineau for fascinating exhibitions and beautiful views of Ottawa. Check for special exhibitions, evening events, and discounted admission opportunities before planning your visit. Pair your museum trip with coffee or dinner nearby, and you’ve got yourself a full girls’ day!
9. Take a Scenic Walk Along the Rideau Canal
If you’re looking for free things to do in Ottawa, a walk along the Rideau Canal is always a good idea. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and offers beautiful scenery throughout the year. During spring and summer, you can enjoy a leisurely walk, stop for coffee, and take cute photos along the water. In the fall, the colourful leaves make the canal especially beautiful, and during suitable winter conditions, the Rideau Canal Skateway becomes one of Ottawa’s most iconic seasonal attractions. For another scenic outing, consider visiting Westboro Beach, exploring Major’s Hill Park, or taking a walk around Dow’s Lake. These are great options if you’re looking for a low-cost girls’ activity that still feels special. Sometimes a little fresh air and a good conversation are exactly what you need.
10. Experience Ottawa’s Beautiful Fall Season
I’m convinced Ottawa is one of the prettiest places to be during fall. Between the colourful leaves, cozy cafรฉs, pumpkin patches, and scenic walking trails, there’s something SO magical about autumn in the city. If you’re planning a fall girls’ weekend, head to Gatineau Park to admire the changing leaves, take a scenic walk around Dow’s Lake, or spend an afternoon exploring the boutiques and cafรฉs in Westboro. Another fun option is visiting the Westboro Farmers’ Market at Byron Linear Park during its seasonal run. You can browse local produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and other goodies while enjoying the fall atmosphere. Finish your afternoon with a warm latte and dinner at one of Ottawa’s cozy restaurants, and you’ve got yourself the perfect autumn girls’ day.
11. Have a Cozy Girls’ Night In
Who says you have to leave the house to have an amazing girls’ night? Sometimes the best evenings involve staying in, ordering takeout, and catching up in your comfiest clothes. If you’re looking for affordable girls’ night ideas, host a wine-and-cheese evening, organize a craft night, plan a themed movie marathon, or have everyone bring their favourite snack to share. You can even turn the evening into a mini spa night with face masks, cozy blankets, and your favourite playlists. As much as I love exploring Ottawa’s restaurants and boutiques, there’s something so special about making time for your girlfriends without needing a fancy itinerary. Good food, great conversation, and zero pressure to stay out late? Sign me up.
How to Plan the Perfect Girls’ Weekend in Ottawa: A 2-Day Itinerary
Saturday: Brunch, Boutique Shopping, Spa Time & Cocktails
9:30 AM โ Coffee at Equator Coffee in Westboro
Start your girls’ weekend with an iced latte at Equator Coffee in Westboro. Catch up with your girlfriends, take your time getting ready for the day, and enjoy a slow morning. Because honestly, there’s no better way to kick off a girls’ weekend than with good coffee and even better company!
10:30 AM โ Brunch at Gezellig
Next, head to Gezellig on Richmond Road for a delicious weekend brunch. This beautiful restaurant has a cozy yet elevated atmosphere, making it perfect for a girls’ morning out. Order something delicious, take a few photos, and enjoy a proper catch-up session. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
12:00 PM โ Boutique Shopping in Westboro
After brunch, spend the afternoon exploring Westboro’s adorable local boutiques. Stop by Fashion United, Manhattan West, La Muse, and Arstyla for clothing and accessories. For beautiful home decor and gifts, visit Pokoloko, which also houses Cloudforest Cafรฉ. If you’re craving another coffee, I fully support that decision. Westboro is one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa for a girls’ shopping afternoon because so many cute shops are within walking distance.
2:00 PM โ Spa Afternoon at Uppliva Sauna & Spa
Time for some much-needed relaxation! Head to Uppliva Sauna & Spa in Wellington West for a Nordic-inspired wellness experience. Enjoy the sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and relaxation areas for a peaceful afternoon away from your everyday responsibilities. It’s the perfect way to recharge before your girls’ night out. Book your thermal circuit ahead of time, bring your swimsuit, and remember that much of the spa is designated as a quiet space.
5:30 PM โ Get Ready for Girls’ Night
Head back to your hotel or accommodation, freshen up, and put on your favourite going-out outfit. Turn on your favourite playlist, do your makeup together, and enjoy a little downtime before dinner. Sometimes getting ready with your girlfriends is half the fun!
7:00 PM โ Dinner at Riviera
For a fabulous girls’ dinner, make a reservation at Riviera on Sparks Street. This stylish restaurant is perfect for a special occasion, birthday celebration, or simply treating yourselves to an elevated night out. If you’re craving Italian food instead, North & Navy is another lovely option for dinner.
9:00 PM โ Cocktails at Bar Ocelli
Finish the evening with cocktails at Bar Ocelli in the ByWard Market. It’s a great spot for creative drinks, conversation, and a dressed-up girls’ night. Prefer something a little more playful? Check out Apothecary Lounge or Charlotte on Elgin Street. And if you’re back at your hotel before midnight, there’s absolutely no judgment here!
Sunday: Coffee, Shopping, Sightseeing & Sweet Treats
9:30 AM โ Coffee at Little Victories
Start Sunday with coffee at Little Victories Coffee Roasters. Grab an iced latte and enjoy a relaxed morning before another day of exploring. This is the perfect opportunity to recap the previous night, laugh about your favourite moments, and plan the rest of your day.
10:30 AM โ Explore the Glebe
Make your way to the Glebe for a morning of boutique shopping along Bank Street. Browse The Papery for beautiful stationery and gifts, Stomping Ground for fashion, and Black Squirrel Books & Espresso for books and coffee. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, stop by the Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne Park to browse local vendors, handmade goods, and delicious treats.
12:30 PM โ Lunch at The Rowan
After shopping, head to The Rowan in the Glebe for a relaxed lunch or brunch, depending on the day’s menu. It’s a lovely neighbourhood restaurant for enjoying good food and catching up before the weekend comes to an end. Alternatively, head downtown for brunch at Benny’s Bistro in the ByWard Market.
2:00 PM โ Visit the National Gallery of Canada
Spend the afternoon exploring the National Gallery of Canada, one of Ottawa’s most beautiful cultural attractions. Wander through the galleries, admire the artwork, and take a few photos outside near the famous Maman spider sculpture. If museums aren’t your thing, swap this stop for a scenic walk along the Rideau Canal or through Major’s Hill Park.
3:30 PM โ Explore the ByWard Market
Before heading home, spend a little time exploring the ByWard Market. Browse local shops, pick up a sweet treat from BeaverTails, or enjoy one last coffee together. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a weekend filled with shopping, self-care, delicious food, and quality time with your favourite girls.
5:00 PM โ Head Home Feeling Recharged
And just like that, your perfect girls’ weekend in Ottawa is complete! Between the brunch dates, boutique shopping, spa treatments, and cocktail nights, you’ll have plenty of new memories and probably a few shopping bags to bring home. The best part? You don’t need an elaborate vacation to reconnect with your girlfriends. Sometimes a weekend close to home is exactly what you need!
