Ottawa in 2 Days for Friends - Kayak at Dows Lake
A high-energy, social 2-day plan for a group of friends: summer paddles, shared plates, live music, group challenges and farm-fresh market eats—designed for lively groups who want to move, mingle and make memories.
Highlights
- Kayak at Dows Lake
- Shared plates at Play Food & Wine
- Retro arcade + live music at House of TARG
- Rideau Canal boat cruise
- Group escape challenge at Escape Manor
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive for a relaxed brunch and market stroll, then get active with a summer kayak session. Evening brings shared small plates and retro live music for a proper friends' night out.
Brunch at Wilf & Ada's (ByWard Market)
Start the weekend with an Ottawa classic—brunch comfort food in a roomy spot that handles groups and energetic conversations.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a larger table or combine two tables if you're 4–6+; they’re used to market crowds and group seating.
- Split pancakes or share a brunch platter to keep costs even and sample more dishes.
- Summer mornings are busy—reserve if you can, or arrive right when they open to avoid a wait.
Explore ByWard Market (food stalls & shopping)
Walk off brunch through the lively stalls—perfect for tasting local snacks, shopping artisan goods and grabbing a quick coffee.
Tips from local experts:
- Turn this into a mini food crawl: split small bites (poutine, beaver tail pastries) so everyone pays only for what they try.
- Look for shaded patios and bench clusters for group photo ops near the statue and market clock.
- Carry a small tote or backpack for shared purchases—it's easier than juggling paper bags.
Transit to Dows Lake (short drive/ride-share)
A quick transfer to Dows Lake Pavilion for afternoon paddling; allow extra time for summer traffic around the Glebe and Lansdowne.
Tips from local experts:
- Split a rideshare fare among the group to keep transit cheap and door-to-door.
- Ask your driver to drop you near the Dows Lake Pavilion entrance for easy access to rentals.
- Watch for event signage—summer festivals by Lansdowne can add 10–20 minutes.
Kayak or Canoe Rental at Dows Lake Pavilion
Rent kayaks or canoes for a sociable paddle on Dows Lake—an active, scenic group activity ideal for summer.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a multi-seat canoe or two kayaks so pairs can share and split rental cost.
- Bring SPF, a light layer for lake breezes, and insect repellent—July evenings can still get buggy near the water.
- Use the pavilion lockers or a waterproof dry bag for phones and wallets; groups should assign one person to be ‘phone-keeper’ for photos.
Coffee & Chill Break (near Dows Lake)
Regroup with iced coffees or gelato, rinse off paddling gear, and relax before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick an outdoor table so you can keep paddling shoes and gear nearby while you dry off.
- Order shareable treats (cookies, pastries) so costs stay low and everyone gets a taste.
- If anyone wants to freshen up, the pavilion has public washrooms; keep toiletries in a shared bag for quick touch-ups.
Free Time / Recharge (return to hotel or explore the Glebe)
Short window to drop stuff at your lodging, shower, or wander the nearby Glebe neighbourhood before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- If you're staying nearby, walk your luggage instead of waiting for rides—Glebe is very walkable and cafes are group-friendly.
- Take 20–30 minutes to freshen up; a quick change into cooler evening clothes makes dinner and live music more comfortable.
- If you want a quick snack, try local bakeries on Bank St. that welcome groups.
Dinner — Shared Plates at Play Food & Wine
A social, shareable small-plates restaurant built for groups who like to order lots and pass dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for sharing-friendly recommendations and order several small plates to maximize variety and split costs easily.
- Reserve a larger table in advance—Play is popular in summer and seated groups flow quickly when table plans are set.
- Try to time for early dinner to avoid the dinner rush; patios and communal seating fill fast in July.
Live music & Arcade Night at House of TARG
Retro arcade, pinball and rotating live bands/DJs—perfect for a boisterous friends' night with food, drinks and games.
Tips from local experts:
- This venue is lively and loud—ideal for groups who want to be energetic; reserve or arrive early for a long table.
- Bring cash for some arcade machines (and split game credits among the group for shared fun).
- Check the nightly schedule in advance—House of TARG often hosts themed shows and cover charges on weekends.
Day 2
A culturally rich second day: national landmarks in the morning, a scenic canal cruise, a mid-afternoon escape room challenge, then local brews and comedy to wrap the weekend.
Morning at Parliament Hill (photo ops & grounds)
Stroll the grounds, watch the flame of Canada, and snap iconic group photos with the Parliament buildings in the background.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early to avoid tour buses and secure a group photo in front of the Centre Block (or its restoration scaffolding if present).
- Bring a lightweight picnic blanket if you want to relax on the lawn—great for group photos and people-watching.
- Public washrooms and water fountains are nearby—hydrate before other activities in July heat.
Major's Hill Park — Chill & Views
Short, scenic walk down to Major's Hill Park for skyline views and an easy stroll—perfect for candid group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- The park has shaded sections—claim a spot early for a quick rest and skyline pictures over the canal.
- Food trucks sometimes park nearby in summer—grab a quick snack for the group without a long sit-down.
- Plan a 10–15 minute photo-walk: the cascading gardens and pathways make for great social media shots.
Transit to Rideau Canal Cruise boarding spot
Walk/ride-share to the canal cruise launch point—short transfer with summer crowds near the waterfront.
Tips from local experts:
- Split a rideshare with the group for a quick hop; walking is scenic but can take longer if you stop for photos.
- Bring a light layer—boats can be breezy even in July and shade can be limited.
- Purchase tickets in advance for popular midday cruises to secure the same-boat seating for your group.
Rideau Canal Boat Cruise (scenic 1-hour)
A relaxing guided cruise along the historic Rideau Canal—see locks, bridges and best waterfront views without extra walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the same side of the boat for shared photos; top deck seating sells out fast—book ahead.
- Listen for fun local anecdotes from the guide—they give great group-friendly quips and photo cues.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a portable fan or mist bottle for July's heat on the open water.
Casual Market Lunch (choose snacks / stalls in ByWard Market)
Return to ByWard Market for flexible, shareable street food—perfect for groups with different tastes and budgets.
Tips from local experts:
- Make it a shared tasting session: order from two stalls and split among the group to keep costs balanced.
- Try a BeaverTail for a classic sweet treat—easy to share and walk with.
- Pick a bench or a shaded spot in the market square so the whole group can eat together comfortably.
Transfer to Escape Manor Ottawa
Short transit to one of Ottawa's top escape rooms—time to tackle a team challenge and bond over puzzles.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the same room time for the whole group and request a briefing that splits teams evenly for fair play.
- Bring comfortable shoes—some rooms involve light movement and a bit of climbing.
- Pay attention to locker availability at arrival for coats and bags so pockets stay free for puzzles.
Escape Room Session — Escape Manor (60 min)
High-energy, collaborative puzzle experience designed for groups—pick a difficulty that fits your crew's vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a room rated for groups (4–6+) so everyone gets a role and the fee can be shared evenly.
- Explain ahead that you prefer light-hearted, social rooms—staff can recommend a game that fits a lively group.
- Celebrate after with a quick debrief—photo in front of the 'We escaped!' sign is a must.
Transit to Beyond the Pale Brewing Company (Hintonburg)
Head to Hintonburg for a local brewery with communal tables and an easygoing vibe—great for flights and snacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Split a tasting flight so everyone can try multiple beers without committing to full pints.
- Ask for a long communal table or bench seating—BTP is set up well for groups who want to linger.
- If you’re hungry, pair the beers with shared pizza or snack plates to keep costs social and simple.
Brewery Hangout & Early Dinner
Enjoy flights, local brews and shareable snacks—an easy early-evening hang before the comedy show.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a group table in advance for weekend evenings—popular patio and indoor spots fill up in July.
- Order a couple of snack platters to pass around—keeps the vibe social and the bills simple to split.
- If someone’s a designated driver, Beyond the Pale has great non-alcoholic options and large-format pitchers.
Transit to Absolute Comedy Ottawa (Evening show)
Short ride to the comedy club district—arrive in time for drink orders and good seats for a laugh-filled night.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets ahead and reserve a table close to the stage for a more engaging group experience.
- Comedy clubs often have a two-drink minimum—factor that into the night's budget and plan to split the tab.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early to grab a group-friendly table and chat before the show; summer shows sell out fast.
Evening Comedy Show at Absolute Comedy Ottawa
End the weekend with a high-energy stand-up set—perfect for groups who want to laugh and unwind together.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect late starts on some nights—check start times and be ready for comics who engage the crowd.
- If someone wants to step out mid-show, a quick table exit is usually easy; designate one person to manage coats or phones.
- After the show, consider a short walk or late-night snack in ByWard Market to recap highlights and split the last bill.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 14 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Neighborhood, Transfer, Outdoor, Break, Restaurant, Nightlife, Culture, Experience, Event |
