Celebrate this special day with Dad: gift him a memorable weekend of togetherness and enjoy some of the events taking place in and around Ottawa.
For more ideas:
I. Father’s Day Brunch/Dinner/BBQ
Plenty of restaurants around Ottawa are offering dine-in services along with takeout and delivery options, some specifically crafting a Father’s Day menu for the special day. See the list for a selection of restaurants ranging from classic steaks, hearty comfort food, to amazing, unique brunch options to celebrate Father’s Day at home with quality dine-in food.
Or head out to a sunny patio in Ottawa to enjoy the beautiful weather and some amazing food and drink.
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show features over 70 songs from all-Canadian artists including music from Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Bare Naked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and many, MANY more. While you’re enjoying the show, our performers serve our famous, all-Canadian meal. Take Dad to enjoy a dinner served by a singing Mountie?
II. Shop For Last Minute Gifts
- Summer Indigenous Art Market: The Indigenous Art Market features the diverse and amazing work of Métis, Inuit and First Nations makers. Browse jewelry, beadwork, paintings, sculptures, mittens, moccasins, coffee, crafts, and much more.
- Vegans Who Snack Food and Art Festival: Experience a vibrant marketplace with over 45 thriving small businesses offering a delightful array of ready-to-eat snacks, groceries, treats, ice cream, shopping, art, self-care products, flowers, and much more!
III. Go Fishing for Free
Go fishing with Dad for free! OFFE is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario licence-free.
IV. Take-In Festival with Dad!
- Italian Festival: Don’t miss the Picnic all’Italiana at EV Tremblay Park on June 17, where you can enjoy delicious Italian treats and experience al fresco dining. On June 18, catch the thrilling Bike Race Ottawa on Preston Street, featuring cyclists of all ages and skill levels. The festival concludes with the Mercato di Preston Street, an open-air market on June 18, showcasing local Ottawa artisans and their unique creations.
- Ottawa Fringe Festival: Celebrate diversity, creativity and innovation at the Ottawa Fringe Festival. Watch shows like The Sketch Book Comedy Show, The Stakeout, UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History among others.
- Festival Franco-Ontarien: Experience the largest francophone celebration in Ottawa at the Festival Franco-Ontarien. Enjoy concerts, street art, and entertainment showcasing Franco Ontarian culture. With unique shows, evening programming, exhibitors, food, and a cultural route, this festival offers an unforgettable experience for all.
V. Or a Car Show
- Antique Car Show: Spend Father’s Day exploring antique cars at the nearly 200-year-old Billings Estate National Historic Site. Perfect for any car fanatic, the show will feature a variety of antique cars and their owners who will be available to chat and tell stories of their car.
- Import Expo: Treat your dad to the Import Show in Ottawa, a must-attend event for car enthusiasts. Discover the newest trends and innovations in automotive tuning, providing a perfect opportunity to indulge in a world of cars. It’s an exciting event for automotive enthusiasts and a great way to spend quality time with your dad.
VI. Take a Train Ride
Go for a train ride in the vintage caboose and stay for the grand opening of Wickam track inspection vehicle and speeders, which have been locked away for decades at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Take a look at some vintage cars and then go for a wagon ride behind an antique Massey Ferguson tractor. Enjoy the museum exhibits and grounds with coffee and donuts available for purchase! And don’t miss our gift shop with many gift ideas for dad.
VII. Enjoy Live Theatre
Attend these shows and have a lighthearted evening with Dad:
- The Noble Pursuit: In the backscratching, backstabbing world of CanLit, rumours are rife that Canada’s pre-eminent man of letters is about to win the Nobel Prize, so why does his former friend and admirer want to kill him? A love-struck acolyte, a nosy critic, a dyspeptic agent, and a missing manuscript contribute to the twists, turns, and laughs. @ Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
- All Request Radio: DJ Velvet Painting (The Velvet Duke) has an exciting job at CKVD 995 FM, where they sing the Top 10 songs discovered by both the audience and the DJ in real-time. Their job is unique as they fulfill CRTC mandates for Canadian content and diversity. In an improvised musical comedy show, the audience gets involved by submitting made-up song titles for a fun and engaging experience. @ Atelier Studio, 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
VIII. Father’s Day at Upper Canada Village
Treat Dad to Father’s Day at the Village! One of the largest living-history museums in Canada, Upper Canada Village invites guests to step back in time to 1866 and experience 19th century rural village life. The Village offers an immersive experience with more than 40 historic buildings, traditional trades, farming, music and 19th century social life.
IX. See Ottawa From Up Above
Enjoy the views of Parliament and downtown Ottawa from above with Dad on Ottawa BiPlane Adventures! Strap on your aviator’s cap and goggles and get a bird’s eye view of Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa, or travel back in time as you soar serenely aloft the Gatineau River, viewing historic Gatineau Park, the Chelsea River dams, and the original river-logging route that helped found the City of Ottawa.
X. Go on an Orchid Day Trip
Take Dad to Purdon Conservation Area! Each Spring some 16,000- 18,000 Orchids blossom, inviting guests to explore this unique wetland, native particular to the large Showy Lady Slipper Orchids. A site of such its size is rare to come by in Canada and it is regarded as the largest in the country. So, it’s a must see for any mother nature lover!
XI. Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
Late Spring is a great time to explore Ottawa’s gardens. Enjoy a stroll outdoors with dad.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
VII Go on a Family Ghost Walk
Ottawa Ghost Walks offers ghost tours for small groups.
Listen to the most chilling ghost stories from the area and lead you by lantern light to some of the spookiest haunted spots, including the Bytown Museum, the Fairmont Château Laurier, and Ottawa’s haunted high school. You’ll never look at the city and these buildings the same again! A tried and true favourite for all ages by Ottawa Ghost Walks.
VIII. Enjoy Ottawa Waters
Enjoy canoeing & kayaking in ponds, lakes & rivers as Ontario Marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches are open for recreational use.
Go paddling at Ottawa waterways, including Rideau Canal, Rideau River and the Ottawa River. Dows Lake Marina is open for rentals, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and paddleboats.
Rent a boat and explore Rideau Canal.
Pirate Life Ottawa: Have little ones at home? Go on a boat trip with the whole family. Pirate’s Life provides an interactive ‘pirate life’ theatrical experience with a boat cruise in a look-a-like pirate ship.
IX. Go Golfing
Ottawa area golf courses are open. Book a tee time!
X. Explore Nearby Areas
- Road Trip From Ottawa to Kingston: Drive the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
- Towns to visit in Eastern Ontario
- Discover 11 Islands on the Long Sault Parkway
- 20+ Reasons Why You Should Visit Perth
- Highway 7 Road Trip: Must Visit Places Between Peterborough and Ottawa
- 25 Outdoor Adventures in the Ottawa Valley
- 25 of the Best Things to Do in Lanark County This Summer
- 25 of the Best Things to Do in Renfrew County This Summer