The Most Romantic Places to Propose in Ottawa

So, you’re ready to start planning an epic proposal for the love of your life? Congratulations! If you're looking for places to propose in Ottawa, we’ve got a few ideas for you. From beautiful green spaces to upscale eateries to waterfront destinations, this city is stacked with amazing options.

Here are the most romantic places to propose in Ottawa.

Rideau Canal
Picture this: after taking a romantic stroll along the water’s edge at sunset, you drop down on one knee by the side of the Rideau Canal and ask your partner to spend the rest of their life with you. Sounds pretty magical, huh? If that image doesn’t totally sell you on the idea, wait until winter for your proposal. When the canal turns into a massive ice rink, you can do the whole thing on skates. Your S.O. won’t see it coming and it’s a lot less expensive than going out for a fancy dinner or writing it in the sky.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier (1 Rideau Street)
Stage a staycation and bring your bae to Fairmont Chateau Laurier for an evening of rest, relaxation and romance. Spend the evening cozying up in robes, ordering room service and taking advantage of the amenities. Before you check-out, pop the question (maybe during breakfast in bed?). BTW, if you fall head-over-heels for the hotel, you can also tie the knot here.

National Gallery of Canada (380 Sussex Drive)
If your partner is a total art fanatic, the National Gallery of Canada is the perfect place to propose in Ottawa. It boasts pieces by the Group of Seven, Edgar Degas, Andy Warhol and many more, so it’s sure to impress. Pro tip: Do a little digging and learn their favourite artists in advance so you can pop the question in front of one of their works.

Dow’s Lake (1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive)
Head down to Dow’s Lake for a truly magical proposal. In the warmer months you can rent a paddle boat or canoe and have a romantic Little Mermaid inspired spin around the water (no guarantees that animals will sing to you, sorry). Word to the wise, if you’re planning to pull out your engagement ring on the water or close to its edge, you’ll want to use a decoy bauble (or you may risk slipping up and losing the real thing to the lake).

Central Experimental Farm
Now, the name may not sound too sexy, but you have to look past that. It is an actual working farm, but it boasts a few hidden gems that are more than worthy of your big moment, most notably the Ornamental Gardens and the Tropical Treehouse. Both offer entry free of charge and boast beautiful plants and flowers you won’t find on the average lawn. Take a look around and when you’ve found a picturesque place to propose, pop the question.

Mooney’s Bay Park (2960 Riverside Drive)
Ottawa is a far cry from Aruba, but that doesn’t mean you have to kiss your dreams of beachy proposal goodbye. Head down to Mooney’s Bay Park and get down on one knee in the sand. If you want to make it even more memorable, stage it at sunrise or sunset (an orange sky is the perfect engagement photo backdrop).

Atelier (540 Rochester Street)
If you’re going the dinner proposal route, you want to make it over the top, so skip ordering takeout and bring your partner to Atelier, instead. This upscale restaurant is anything but average, it specializes in molecular gastronomy and boasts a 12-course tasting menu, making it well worthy of this special occasion. Once you’ve polished off your desserts, ask your S.O. to be your forever love. Who could say no to such a sweet proposal?

Gatineau Park
Okay, so Gatineau Park isn’t technically in Ottawa, but it’s a mere 4 km from the downtown core (so, it counts, right?). Anyway, if you’re planning on getting hitched to a nature lover, there are plenty of places to propose. It’s got the Mackenzie King Estate, lookouts with a panoramic views of the Ottawa River Valley and plenty of hiking trails. We suggest trekking to Pink Lake and staging your big moment there - it’s really picturesque.

Cacao 70 (51-53 William Street | Unit 109 225 Marché Way)
Think your relationship is super sweet? You can mirror that sentiment with your proposal destination. Cacao 70’s two locations (the Byward Market and Lansdowne Park) have a menu stacked with chocolaty treats galore that anyone with a sweet tooth would adore. Tip: You’ll want to avoid the brunch crowds, or you may be yelling your proposal speech (not so romantic).

Nordik Spa-Nature (16 Chemin Nordik)
Hop in the car and take the fifteen minute drive to Nordik Spa-Nature and spend the day being pampered and waited on. We suggest making a day of it and getting facials and massages and kicking it in the cold pools and saunas (when in Rome, right?). Once you’re totally blissed out, surprise them with the ring.

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