11 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 for a neighbourhood stroll. Let's change that! Check out these 11 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.  

 

Luxury Pop-Up Picnic | Runaway Picnic

If you’re missing travel or fancy nights out on the town, this is the event for you! Celebrate an engagement, birthday, anniversary or any type of intimate event with Runaway Picnic. Select your vibe and location (or let them choose the spot for you) and show up, that’s it! Surround yourself with nature and immerse yourself in an enchanting setting with a designer-curated picnic package. They can even setup in your backyard.  

When: Set up a specific date when booking. Standard packages are 2 hours in length.  

 

 

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.  

 

 

 

Ottawa's Virtual Sangria 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 the supplies to make Sangria including wine and juice mixes, local samples, virtual mixology classes and a live virtual party. 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 takes place on May 22, 2021. Tickets go on sale May 5 at 11:00am. Purchase tickets here.

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

Clink and Drink Pink Event & Surprise Packs | Savvy Company

After the success of their virtual fondue party, Savvy Company is continuing the online fun! They've had a Red Wine and Chocolate Extravaganza and a Cheese Fondue party, now enjoy a selection of Ontario rosé wines paired with gourmet picnic goodies. Discover local Ontario wine, and log in online to chat all things rosé and be treated to a live musical performance. 

When: Wednesday May 12, 2021 at 6:00pm.

 

 

 

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. 

 

Online Escape Room | Escape Manor

Join Escape Manor for a themed adventure online with your friends. Choose from different adventures such as 'Taken'. The games take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, and you can join with 2 people or more. Each 'room' will have a real-world feel, designed to play at home. 

When: Select your date online. 

 

 

 

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.

The NAC has other live events, including Indigenous Powwow workout classes. The next one is on May 6, 2021. 

When: Read the book throughout the month and join the Facebook live event on a set date. Stay tuned for May's event.

 

 

 

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 Mother's Day floral design on May 6th, 2021 and the living wreath workshop May 20. 

 

  

 

 

Looking for other Covid-friendly activites?
Ottawa Discounts & Promo Codes 
Hiking Trails Where You’ll Find Chickadees 
Local Lockdown Challenge
At-Home Activity for the Crafter