Our top picks for physical distancing activities in Ottawa you can enjoy this weekend (and this summer)
We’re all so glad summer is finally here, especially after that bout of snow we received in May (remember that? We’re trying to forget, too!) Since so many parks and beaches & public spaces remain closed across the province, we wanted to create a list of physical distancing activities in Ottawa you can enjoy with your loved ones!
We created a list of our top picks of what you can do with your family this summer while complying with physical distancing guidelines.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Cost: $20.00/hour (prices vary)
This is one of those trendy activities you’ve definitely seen a friend of two enjoy on social media. Luckily for us, this trend stuck!
Ottawa offers some fantastic stand up paddle boarding suitable for all skill levels. It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to learn, and is a great way to enjoy nature. It’s also an easy way to enjoy an activity while remaining physically distanced.
Here is where you can go in Ottawa:
- Ottawa SUP – located near Billings Bridge and also offers lessons. Bonus: allows dogs
- SUP Adventures – offers easy-to-inflate rentals you can enjoy on any body of water of your choice
- Urban Ocean
Due to COVID-19, you are encouraged to bring your own life jacket if possible however they can provide one should you not have one. All providers are taking extra precautions to ensure equipment is sanitized between uses.
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Cost: $45.00/hour
If stand-up paddle boards aren’t your thing, you can always opt to rent a canoe or a kayak instead as an alternative while remaining physically distanced. Luckily for Ottawa, there are rivers & lakes all around that allow us to enjoy this while remaining physically distanced!
Ottawa Valley Canoe & Kayak offers rentals starting at $45.00/day for a canoe and you can even rent items for days at a time.
Enjoy your rental canoe or kayak in the Ottawa River, Rideau River, Constance Lake, Mississippi River, or wherever your favourite spot it. You can see some more suggestions here.
Please bring your own life jacket if you own one.
Drive-in Movies & Entertainment
Cost: $36.45/per car
Drive-in fun is back! Wesley Clover Parks has re-introduced drive-in movies & entertainment this summer as their answer to physical distancing guidelines.
The park will be offering drive in movies, concerts, and even comedy shows over the summer that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car! There are early and late shows on most showing days to accommodate different crowds and demographics depending on the type pf movie being screened.
Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure to sign up for the newsletter so you’re up to date on the latest releases all summer long.
Outdoor Yoga, HIIT, and Spin
Cost: Varies
Another addition to the Wesley Clover Parks line-up this Summer will be outdoor fitness classes! Spin, HIIT, Barre, and Yoga will all be offered over the summer.
While there are no dates quite yet, you can sign up for the newsletter and receive updates as they are released.
Canada Performs (Bluesfest)
Cost: Tickets start at $86.24
Since Bluesfest this year has been cancelled, the creators wanted to come up with an alternative, drive-in options that would allow you to see some fantastic Canadian artists from your car.
These concerts will be held just across the bridge from the original Bluesfest location on the Quebec side on July 31st & August 1st as well as August 7th & 8th.
Featured artists include Canadian talent such as Neon Dreams, Sam Roberts Band, Tim Hicks, and many more! You can buy tickets for this great series here. If you don’t want to attend in person, they will be Live Streaming everything on Facebook so you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home!
You can learn about their COVID-19 measures here.
Rent a bike
Cost: $15.00/hour
If you have been craving a bike ride but don’t have access to a bike, there are tonnes of places in Ottawa where you can rent one!
For as little as $15.00/hour, you can rent an awesome bike and explore Ottawa with ease on the vast network of trails and pathways perfect for cycling.
Explore the canal, the Ottawa River, local neighbourhoods, and more all from two wheels. This is a great way to enjoy a low impact activity while remaining physically distanced.
In keeping with physical distancing and COVID-19 guidelines, you can learn more about pricing and procedure on their website here.
NCC & Trans Canada Trails
Cost: FREE
You can enjoy a variety of amazing, breathtaking NCC & Trans Canada trails that snake through Ottawa and beyond – all for FREE!
If you don’t know, NCC trails are linked to a wide network of trails that also connect to the Rideau Trail and the Trans Canada Trail which crosses Canada entirely. This stunning collection of trails connects the country and offers amazing scenery ranging from lakes, forests, wildlife, rivers, and more.
Entry points to these trails can be found all across the city. you can bring a bicycle or explore them on foot. There are some fantastic, clearly marked entry points in the Bells Corners & Bridlewood areas that even offer free parking. It’s easy to spend an entire day with your family and your dog exploring these beautiful spaces, and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while complying to physical distancing guidelines.
Enjoy a local patio
Cost: Varies
If you’re not feeling like getting active, you can enjoy some physical distanced fun on a patio in the city.
With so many options available, you can find an amazing place to enjoy a patio drink & meal all across the city. Visit together apart’s website to learn about all the fantastic options available.
Many restaurants in Ottawa have expanded their patios and some have even rented tents in order to ensure the patio drinks don’t need to end when the rain comes down.
Support a local restaurant this weekend and let’s make sure they’re still around when COVID-19 is over.
Enjoy your weekend!
With an absolutely gorgeous weekend ahead, we’re sure that one or more of these physical distancing activities in Ottawa will let you enjoy the season while being safe. That’s what Summer is all about!
Ready to enjoy the summer care free? Let us take care of the real estate stress!
