10 Covid Friendly Date Ideas Ottawa Has Been Waiting For
At home every day, hitting Covid-fatigue and wanting to mix it up - sound familiar? It feels like there isn't much to do lately besides watch Netflix and trying to get outside without turning into an icicle. Let's change that! Check out these 10 virtual Ottawa events to have a great night at home. These are great ideas for a date night or way to hangout online with friends.
Party in a Box | Ottawa Pop Up Events
Unique experiences and events… in a box! This is not simply a box of goodies, it is a full event to be enjoyed. Everything included in the event boxes are local to the Ottawa Region, including local chefs, musicians and vendors. Access to DJ curated playlists and a virtual photobooth are included in every box. Pamper yourself with a ‘zen’ box, give your favourite dude a guy’s night in or support the Snowsuit Fund charity with a Snow Angel Adult Box.
When: Anytime. Delivery and pickup are available Monday to Saturday.
Caesar Pub Crawl | LTE Entertainment
A themed, Ottawa pub crawl out of the comfort of your home. This is a full event in a box – it includes all supplies to make Caesars, gift cards and local samples, 4 virtual mixology classes and a live party with a DJ. Not only is this a fun night that supports local Ottawa businesses, a portion of profits will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
When: The event is on February 27, 2021 at 8:30pm. Stay tuned for their next virtual cocktail event.
Paint to Go Kits | Arthaven
Ceramic paint kits to get crafty at home. Select your chosen ceramics and build a kit online that suits you. The kits include chosen ceramic pieces, 6 paint colours per item, 2 new paint brushes, and simple instructions. Kiln firing at one of the 2 locations, is also included. They currently have March kits available, such as the Modern Rainbow Plate kit. Canvas paint kit coming soon.
When: Curbside pickup and drop offs in Kanata on Saturdays, on Thursdays in Barrhaven. Reservations available in person with lockdown restrictions lifted.
Red Wine and Chocolate Pairing | Savvy Company
After the success of their virtual fondue party, Savvy Company is continuing the online fun! This month's event is a Red Wine and Chocolate Extravaganza! Discover local Ontario wines along with Canadian artisan chocolate, and some live music. Order the box online and it includes everything you need to enjoy the event; chocolate, wine, a Zoom link and optional add ons.
When: March 19, 2021 at 7:00pm. Available to purchase now.
Candle & Soap Making | Cup of Intention
Cup of Intention runs aromatherapy based workshops, emphasizing creativity and connection. They offer set virtual workshop days, customizable and private workshops as well as DIY kits with instructions. You can set up a personal, one-hour aromatherapy soap making event including the DIY kits and chosen scents. They also offer customizable team building candle making workshops.
When: Choose your private workshop date.
Hunt for Hearts | Escape Manor
Join Escape Manor and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation for a mix of indoor and outdoor fun during Heart Month. This scavenger hunt fundraiser will keep your mind active, your body moving, and provides the chance to win some awesome prizes. There are over $20,000 worth of prizes you can win from safe outdoor tasks, online tasks and puzzles, riddles, trivia and more.
When: Ended in February.
Indigenous Book Club | National Arts Centre
The NAC has partnered with the Ottawa Public Library to create ‘Our Stories: Indigenous Book Club’ which runs virtually from January until June 2021. A new book is chosen monthly, including poetry, fiction, memoirs and plays. Reflection questions are shared in the Facebook event throughout the month, with a Facebook live video conversation at the end of the month.
When: Read the book throughout the month and join the Facebook live event on a set date. March’s Facebook live is on March 31, 2021 at 7:00pm.
Virtual Cinema | Mayfair Theatre
The Mayfair Theatre was built in 1932 and is one of the last 2 neighbourhood cinemas in Ottawa, and one of the oldest surviving independent theatres in Canada. They had safety measures in place due to Covid restrictions, and with the latest lockdown are providing virtual screenings. You won’t find these films in major theatres or on Netflix!
When: Multiple films currently available for ticket purchase. Now screening at the theatre since lockdown restrictions lifted!
Paint Night at Home | Yaymaker
Yaymaker paint nights have gone virtual, so you can now participate in any offered painting class, from your city. Supplies are traditionally provided for in person events. With the switch to virtual events, a list of specific recommended supplies is provided. All you really need is internet and your streaming device, some sort of canvas, brushes and paint. The workshops are about 2 hours long.
When: Since in-person events are currently on hold, you can join a paint night in any city! Multiple date options.
Floral Workshop | Flowers Talk Tivoli
Create beautiful floral arrangements at home, with a complete kit of supplies and virtual instruction. Select the workshop you are interested it, purchase it online, pick it up (or have it delivered) and join the live class. Assess to the recording is also available to watch after. Workshops include florals such as centrepieces, wreaths, planters and terrariums.
When: The next workshops available are the mounted fern workshop on March 11 and the bring on spring arrangement workshop on March 18, 2021.
Looking for other Covid-friendly activites?
Skating the Rideau Canal
Hiking Trails Where You’ll Find Chickadees
Local Lockdown Challenge
Valentine's Day Gift Guide