No summer vacation plans? No problem. You can stay in the city for an epic summer day of exploring. Ottawa has cycling routes, tasty restaurants and fun attractions you’ll want to try. While there are many free things to do around the capital, there are also budget-friendly activities, especially if you’re a CAA Member. Here’s how to spend a fun-filled day this summer eating pizza, renting a bike and cheering on the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Explore the city by bike
Start your fun-filled day on Sparks Street, Ottawa’s pedestrian road, and head to Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals. The company offers guided tours to join, or you can also rent bikes for an hour for up to three months and take yourself on a self-guided adventure. Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals has performance, road, mountain and comfort city bikes available, so your ride will be comfortable no matter your preference.
If you want to take it easy, they also offer electric bikes and electric scooters. Or you can try something new and ride a tandem bike with a friend. They also have child trailers if your little one joins you for the day. Every bike rental includes a helmet, map, lock, and a bag or basket — it’s all covered.
No matter what you pick to rent, make sure you have your CAA Membership handy; Members save 10% on all bike rentals and tours from Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals.
Sparks Street is the perfect spot to kick off your day, as the street is the venue of various seasonal festivals, so you never know what entertainment you could be stumbling on. It could be anything from street performers to sizzling street food.
Next, head toward the Rideau Canal for a scenic cycle. The Queen Elizabeth Parkway is closed to vehicle traffic on summer weekends and daily between July 1 and September 4, so you have more space to cruise on two wheels.
Keep cycling and enjoying the views of the Rideau Canal until you reach Lansdowne. It is just a 15-minute bike ride from the rental shop and the perfect spot to get some food and explore the sights.
Grab some ‘za for lunch
Crust and Crate at Landsdowne is the perfect pregame pit stop. You’ll later be able to cheer on the Ottawa REDBLACKS with a full stomach and indulge in a cheesy slice or six. CAA Members can get two fast-fired pizzas for $35, which is an incredible deal.
If you enjoy the classics, they have a margarita pizza called The Mass Appeal, and there are so many other unique toppings to choose from. Do you love Hawaiian pizza but wish it had more heat? Order the Bacon in the Sun, a pie topped with ham, bacon, pineapple salsa and jalapenos. While meat lovers have tasty choices like What’s Your Beef, with steak and mushrooms or the Until We Meat Again pizza with bacon, pepperoni, sausage and ham. Not Your Grandma’s Garden is a vegetable fan’s dream, loaded with broccoli, zucchini, roasted peppers, olives, tomatoes and artichoke.
If you’re craving dessert and more discounts, Marble Slab Creamery is just a three-minute bike away, and Members save 15% on all regular-price ice cream. Once your stomach is satisfied, you’ll be ready to cheer on Ottawa’s football team.
Cheer on the home team
Share that home city pride and cheer on the Ottawa REDBLACKS as they battle it out at TD Place. June kicks off football season, and you can watch a home game on select Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays into October. CAA Members save 10% on select home games.
Sport your best red and black attire; plaid is always encouraged, and hope for the celebratory sound of wood sawing from the endzone. If you need some new swag, the retail store at the stadium is full of merch, and CAA Members save 10%. Tees, jerseys, sweaters, hats, bows, bags and even toy chainsaws are for sale to help you represent the city.
Now, the only real decision is; North side or South side? Pick your seats wisely if you want to declare which side of the rivalry you’re on.
Plan your ultimate summer day
From tours and events to tasty food, there are tons of things to do in Ottawa. The best part is that CAA Members can save by visiting Rewards partners, including the ones mentioned above.
