10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Ottawa

ByWard Market is a fun area to go for an evening stroll or enjoy bar-hopping after dinner, with a variety of pubs, galleries and shops to explore. Opened in 1826, it’s one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada.

The shopping district covers about 4 blocks of the city, hosting a farmer’s market and a colourful mix of indoor and outdoor vendors selling everything from gourmet foods to crafts. The summer months are especially vibrant in ByWard Market, with visitors flocking to its nightspots for alfresco drinking and dancing to live DJ sets.

Joining an Ottawa River sunset cruise lets you enjoy a unique view of the city while learning about its history and sights. These leisurely, guided excursions run throughout the summer months. Many tours also include transport, a guide, and stops at other sites. Dinner cruises are also available, or you could just enjoy drinks, snacks and live music while relaxing on the spacious deck of a tour boat.

A typical cruise takes you past Ottawa landmarks like 24 Sussex (the Prime Minister’s official residence) and the waterfront of Gatineau city on the Quebec side of the river. Best of all, you get to return in time to see the Parliament Buildings light up.

The Mayfair Theatre is where most locals go if they want to catch an indie or classic movie on the big screen. For cinephiles in Ottawa, this complex is a must-visit. You get to experience the plush design features and retro ambience of this historic 1932 movie house. 

The Mayfair Theatre has managed to survive and stay independent through some tough years in the cinema business. This is due to having high-quality visual and sound equipment, as well as staying connected to its film-loving community with a podcast and an interesting mix of new and old movies.

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site that winds through Ottawa’s downtown core. It’s also a scenic spot to visit year-round. In the warmer months, you can enjoy an evening walk or bike ride on pathways that line each side of the canal.

Between early January and early March, the Rideau Canal Skateway offers the ultimate Canadian experience – strapping on a pair of ice skates and gliding down a frozen waterway. At nearly 8 km long, it's one of the world's largest skating rinks. Best of all, it's free and opens 24/7 throughout winter. If you need a break, heated huts, bathrooms, and food vendors are available along the canal. 

Sparks Street is a lively walking street lined with shops, cafes and pubs just a block away from Parliament Hill. Having been a pedestrian mall since the 1960s, it offers a mix of established shops and trendy boutiques, all set in heritage buildings.

Several festivals and events take place on Sparks Street throughout the year. Standouts include the annual International Busker Festival and the Poutinefest, featuring the comforting Canadian dish of French fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds. A fun night-time activity on Sparks Street is joining the Haunted Walk, where a guide recounts some local ghostly tales and leads you to the spookiest spots in the area.

House of Targ is an old-school gamers' hub in Ottawa. You can find many pinballs and arcade games within its chillout basement space on Bank Street. Named after a popular 1980s arcade game, it was opened by a group of friends who wanted a place to hang out with fellow musicians and arcade enthusiasts in a nightclub-like atmosphere.

House of Targ has played host to live music nights and other events. The machines are set in free-play mode for those who have paid a small entry fee. Its limited menu contains craft beers and cocktails, along with the owner's favourite snack, pierogis (filled dumplings).

Irene's Pub is a popular watering hole for live music in Ottawa, having hosted crowd-pleasing acts since 1985. You can take part in trivia night on Tuesdays, while live music is held nearly every night. You can check out the pub's schedule to see who's playing for the evening.

Irene's Pub serves an ever-changing range of craft brews for you to enjoy along with the music, which ranges from jazz and blues to rock and folk. There are also a few pool tables and an outdoor patio in the back – a coveted spot to relax when the weather’s nice.

LIVE! on Elgin is a live music and theatre venue on Elgin Street. As its exclamatory name suggests, it’s a lively place to enjoy music and theatre in an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Tickets to the shows are available in advance or at the door, though it's best to buy ahead of time to get a cheaper price.

LIVE! on Elgin is not just for professional performers. The venue also offers lots of chances for anyone wanting to step up and show off their talents, with its regular open mic nights and karaoke nights.

The National Arts Centre is a concert hall with a mission to showcase the talents of Canadians across a range of performance arts. You can find this notable complex along the Rideau Canal, just a short walk southeast of Parliament Hill. 

The National Arts Centre has 4 stages and a busy calendar of events, including dance, music, film, and theatre. It’s a hub of activity where you could catch a Broadway show or orchestra performance, or enjoy a concert by an international artist. There’s also an Indigenous Theatre company on-site, the first of its kind in the world. It features shows created and performed by indigenous artists in Canada.

The Rainbow Bistro is a popular live music venue that’s hosted hundreds of exciting shows since it first opened its doors in 1984. In its early days, it was known as Ottawa’s “Home of the Blues”. Past performers have included Koko Taylor and Dr John. The bistro has since expanded to feature a wider range of music.

Today, The Rainbow Bistro is a popular gathering spot for musicians to mingle, hone their skills, and host album release parties. The 2-storey club has a warm and friendly atmosphere, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams and a fireplace.