Top Things to Do in Ottawa's Westboro
Why Westboro is the Bestboro
Daytime Food & Coffee
Equator coffee began in Almonte, Ontario and is the home of their roastery, with two coffeehouse locations now in Ottawa. The Westboro location has a trendy vibe to match the area, with plants on the wall, a locally made neon ‘coffee’ sign and even local beers on tap. Their coffee is delicious, and the city agrees! Many Ottawa based cafés and restaurants serve Equator coffee – keep your eye out.
Part of the ‘pure’ partnership in Ottawa with Pure Yoga, Pure Kitchen is a vegetarian restaurant with other locations in the city. All natural meals, with fresh ingredients, they also have hardy options that will fill up a non-vegetarian. They have a full range menu, including smoothies, veg burgers, and a kids’ menu. Ask them about their loyalty program!
You will feel like you are in Quebec without even crossing a bridge! This French bakery serves fresh pastries and bread, desserts and meals. Everything has a homemade feel, they hope feels like a childhood memory of eating at grandma’s. Come warm up with a croque monsieur in their bright tea room, and take a cinnamon roll or croissant to go!
A local French restaurant, perfect for brunch. This restaurant has a truly European feeling, with quaint round tables, long booths and a full bar. Share a bottle of French wine with dinner, or grab mimosas with brunch!
Not for the indecisive eater! La Diperie has everything you could want in regards to ice cream and toppings. Soft ice cream with over 30 Belgian chocolate dipping flavours, over 20 toppings, specialty coffee drinks, ice cream sandwiches, cakes and other desserts… not even to mention vegan options. If you have a passion for ice cream, it’s a must visit!
Fresh, quality sushi that is some of the best in the city. It may not look like much from the outside, but just wait for the sushi presentation, then of course the taste. Appetizers and bowls also available. Go during their lunch special, 11:30am-2:30pm daily for a more cost-effective way to try it!
Night Time Bites & Cocktails
Fine dining known for their great food and vibes. Gezellig, as a word, has a Dutch origin meaning anything from cozy and relaxing, to general togetherness. The restaurant took this definition to create the atmosphere, on top of their delicious, sustainable food. The meals are tapa style, so order a few of these world-wide inspired dishes!
A spacious British pub with an eclectic cocktail menu, local beers and typical pub-style food. Unlike many pubs, Churchills is well lit and easy to have a conversation over drinks. Rotating craft beer on tap and meal specials throughout the week.
Southern fried and oh-so yummy! This classy bar will surprise you with their elegant cocktail options and tasty southern cooking. Even their Caesar comes with fried chicken! Wondering where to eat short bread, ribs or mac and cheese in Ottawa? Look no further.
Full of intimate seating, local art on the wall and Doozy candles on the tables, Trio is a cozy place to enjoy an after-work drink. The menu is tapa style; order a few dishes! They also have a full cocktail menu, complete with garnishes, served in a sizable mason jar. The perfect spot for a date or catching up with friends.
Well known around the city and unique to our capital, Clocktower is Ottawa’s longest established craft brewery. They serve their own beer, and have many unique flavours. Go for dinner, or enjoy a post meal snack with your drinks; happy hour and late-night food available.
Shopping
A modern boutique created with the bohemian carefree lifestyle of coastal Australia and California in mind. With Canadian brands like Mackage coats and Brunette the Label as well as globally inspired fair trade brands like Chila Bags or Faithfull the brand you’ll be sure to find something beautiful and unique. They are hosting an exclusive Mackage trunk show this week – November 8-10. Appointments available but booking up fast!
Their mission is to create career opportunities and income for artisans in developing countries. Every item is made with local materials from the originating country, and are often natural. Find beautiful clothing, toys, jewelry, home décor and more… all unique and all fair trade! A great place to find gifts, with the holiday season fast approaching.
One of Ottawa’s largest selections of fresh cut flowers! This past October they provided the flowers for Michelle Obama’s talk at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa! They also have a diverse selection of plants for your home; it feels like you’re entering a hidden jungle garden when you walk inside. They will be hosting their Annual Holiday Open on November 27, 2019.
Skates, apparel and accessories, they have all your needs for roller derby or recreational roller skating. The values of roller derby; inclusion, empowerment, education, honesty… have shaped the way they do business. They are experts in what they do so feel free to ask them anything about the roller skate world. Check out their available classes to learn the basics or some new moves! Located next to MEC.
Activities
A hot yoga studio in Ottawa with three locations. Hot yoga elevates your heart rate, detoxifies and helps you get more flexible and focused. If you’re a new student you can try one month of unlimited yoga for only $45.00! Ask them about their specific workshops and retreats, (hello Costa Rica). Pure yoga is a community and have expanded beyond yoga to Pure Kitchen Vegetarian Food and Juice Bar – just down the street from the studio!
Gallery, framing design and project space. Check them out to discover some talented Canadian artists! Upcoming events include their Holiday Jewellery Exhibition on November 21, 2019 (there will be cocktails!) and local artist David Lidbetter’s solo exhibition from November 30-December 14, 2019.
Kick off the winter season on November 30, 2019 for a lighting ceremony and full day of festivities. Carolers, hot drinks, bake sale, high tea, an evening performance… it will be a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
Highland Park Lawn Bowling Club
With an over 100-year-old history, this club is always looking for new members, regardless of skill level. In its earlier years, it was very much the focal point for life and socializing in Westboro. They still host four annual tournaments where other local clubs are invited. They have the options for a full playing membership or a social member option that is cheaper and less committed. The season closes at the end of October, but they typically have a winter social event and begin the new season around the end of April, early May. You can contact them directly for an introduction.
Stay tuned for their annual August block party full of food, fun and entertainment! They have a lot of activities for kids, and even for adults, such as axe throwing and an outdoor roller rink. Many of the restaurants on Richmond Road have specials and extend their outdoor patios into the street. Wander around listening to the live music and find some free swag!
Listed above are just some of our favourites. The Baker Street Café for example, is a popular spot where you will often find lines out the door. If you’re a parent with a little one, be sure to check out Wild Child Coffee Project. The restaurant Bite This is a casual spot we’re hoping to check out soon! Whispers Pub is also a great place for a drink. The Village Quire is a cute local shop (will be featured on another upcoming blog). There is much more to explore in this trendy borough!