A Long 2SLGBTQIA+ Weekend in Ottawa: Culture, Cocktails & Canal Views
Discover how to best spend your long weekend in Ottawa!
Ottawa might be Canada’s political heart, but it's also brimming with creativity, inclusivity, and queer charm. For 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers looking for a city break with variety, the Canadian capital is the perfect long weekend escape. Here’s how to spend three nights and four fabulous days in Ottawa.
Friday: Arrival & Art
Check into reStays Ottawa, a stylish and 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming hotel steps from Parliament and the ByWard Market. After dropping your bags, make your way to the National Gallery of Canada, home to striking Indigenous art, contemporary installations, and the iconic Maman spider sculpture out front — dramatic and delightfully camp.
Dinner at Riviera sets the tone for the weekend: upscale Canadian cuisine in a former bank, perfect for a chic first night. End your evening at The Lookout Bar, Ottawa’s longest-running gay bar, where you can sip cocktails on the balcony while the city lights twinkle below.
Saturday: Local Life & Queer Vibes
Start your day with brunch at Wilf & Ada’s, a downtown staple known for its homemade comfort food and welcoming atmosphere. Spend your afternoon exploring The Glebe, one of Ottawa’s most 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly neighbourhoods. Browse vintage shops, local boutiques, and refuel with a coffee at Happy Goat.
Culture lovers shouldn’t miss the Canadian Museum of History, just across the river in Gatineau, with exhibits that often feature powerful 2SLGBTQIA+ stories. After, unwind at Koena Spa, the largest Nordic-style retreat in North America, for a restorative few hours.
Dinner at 2SLGBTQIA+-friendly Pure Kitchen serves up fresh, plant-based dishes and great cocktails. If you’re up for a fun night, head to Swizzles Bar & Grill for karaoke, cheap drinks, and a lively, unpretentious queer crowd.
Sunday: Pride & Perspective
Take a peaceful morning walk or cycle along the Rideau Canal, or skate it in winter. Brunch at Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner is a must — their brunch poutine is the stuff of legend.
Spend the afternoon exploring Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ landmarks. Wander through Centretown and the unofficial “gay village” along Bank Street. If you're visiting during Capital Pride in August, expect drag shows, dance parties, and rainbow flags galore. Swing by the ByWard Market for shopping, local eats, and an obligatory BeaverTail (Canada’s favourite sweet treat).
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at Sidedoor, a hidden gem serving modern Asian fusion in a romantic courtyard setting. If weather permits, a river cruise on the Ottawa River is a dreamy way to close out the day.
Monday: Farewell with Flavour
Start your last morning slowly with a coffee at Arlington Five, then head to Parliament Hill for one last look at the capital’s stunning gothic architecture. If time allows, pop into the Canadian Museum of Nature or explore the shops and cafes in Westboro before heading home.
From cultural institutions to cozy queer spaces, Ottawa surprises and delights — a capital city that feels quietly cool, proudly inclusive, and absolutely worth the weekend.
