There are plenty of bizarre places and unique things to do around Ottawa that no one knows about. To help you discover these special spots and activities, we've made a list of all the things you need to try.
Less- jessicaoblak | InstagramFind out moreDiefenbunker: Canada's Cold War MuseumHistory MuseumClosed Now10 AM – 3 PM
Why You Need To Go: Right outside of Ottawa is the Diefenbunker Museum, a former Canadian military facility from the Cold War. While the museum on its own is pretty unique, within the Diefenbunker, you can even try to escape the world's largest escape room.
- Find out morePinhey Sand DunesSand Dune
Why You Need To Go: Many locals have no idea that Ottawa has sand dunes that will make you feel like you're in a desert. The Pinhey Sand Dune Complex in Nepean has been conserved by the National Capital Commission, so everyone can go marvel at Ottawa's only sand dune ecosystem.
- bigrideaubastedo | InstragramFind out moreUnion Local 613GastropubClosed Now5 PM – 2 AM
Why You Need To Go: Union 613 has an excellent menu and even better drunks, but did you know the location has a hidden bar inside of it? Behind a secret bookcase, you can find the door to Union 613's hidden speakeasy.
- Find out moreHI Ottawa Jail HostelHostelPermanently Closed
Why You Need To Go: The Ottawa Jail Hostel is located in a 150-year-old former jail. Take a historic day tour of the building, which is rumoured to be haunted, or even stay overnight in a spooky cell! Just hope you aren't woken up by a ghost...
- parcomega | InstagramFind out moreParc OmegaWildlife ParkClosed Now10 AM – 4 PM
Why You Need To Go: Parc Omega has a cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows where you can see wolves up-close. Even better, these cabins are super luxurious, with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, and a cozy fireplace. Sit back, relax, and watch the wolves play.
- mytravellingbackpack | InstagramFind out moreZak's CantinaMexican CuisineClosed Now11 AM – 11 PM
Why You Need To Go: Right next door to Zak's Diner is another restaurant owned by the company. Not only is the food at this Mexican restaurant delicious, but inside Zak's Cantina, there's a bus where you can wear a sombrero and enjoy mouthwatering tacos.
- ottawabiplane | InstagramFind out moreCanada Aviation and Space MuseumHistory MuseumOpening Soon9 AM – 5 PM
Why You Need To Go: You can get a bird's-eye view of the city while flying in this vintage plane at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. From May 1 to October 31 every year, the museum offers flights around Ottawa and Gatineau. Put on your helmet and googles and get ready for the flight of a lifetime!
- consumedbycarlo | InstagramFind out moreBurrito BorrachoMexican CuisinePermanently Closed
Why You Need To Go: Burrito Borracho sells an incredible 1-kg burrito, called The Big Juan that you have to try. If you have a smaller appetite, the restaurant offers a wide menu of Mexican classics, from quesadillas to tacos. They even have an extensive cocktail menu to go with your food.
- levelonegamepub | InstagramFind out moreLevel OneLoungeClosed Now12 PM – 2 AM
Why You Need To Go: Level One Game Pub, located right downtown, has everything you need for a unique night out with your friends. Order food and drinks, and choose one of the 1200+ board games Level One owns to play at your table! The best part is that the pub's staff can help you understand the rules for their most confusing games, so you won't be reading the instructions all night.
- escape_manor | InstagramFind out moreEscape ManorEscape RoomClosed Now11 AM – 11:30 PM
Why You Need To Go: Ottawa's Escape Manor has locations all over the city, but its spy-themed room called "The Recruit" has an extra level of intrigue. The Canadian Communications Security Establishment is actually using this escape room as a way to recruit codebreakers.
