Contrary to those silly Boring Awards held this past May that named Ottawa the most boring city in Canada, it has more than enough trendy neighborhoods and chic restaurants to make it the perfect weekend getaway destination. Winter is often that time of year when cities shut down and hibernate until the spring, but Canada’s capital truly shines in the colder winter months. With world-famous attractions like Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park, Ottawa — you’ll discover — is anything but boring.

If you’re looking for a new three-day trip, try this guide out for some good oldies and the best new spots in town.

FRIDAY

Travel – Travel to Ottawa by train, if you can. You’ll have comfortable seating by a large window to watch the landscape go by, the convenience of Wi-Fi to check your email, and the freedom to read a book or stretch your legs whenever you like. Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s award-winning, modernist train station too.

Settle in – Ottawa’s downtown has more than enough hotels to choose from, including hospitality giants such as the Sheraton, Marriott and Delta. The Westin Hotel on Colonel By Drive is the perfect option for those who want to be along the famous Rideau Canal, the world’s longest man-made skating rink. For a boutique hotel feel right in the heart of downtown and also close to the canal and Parliament Hill, try Arc.The Hotel and Hotel Indigo. For something more grand and refined, the famous Fairmont Chateau Laurier and the Lord Elgin Hotel are perfect.

Dinner – Once you’ve settled into your accommodations, stroll over to the famous Byward Market and satisfy your hunger with a delicious assortment of small plates at Chef Stephen Beckta’s beloved Play Food & Wine. For a sensory experience, ask to sit on the second floor at the counter overlooking the small, open kitchen. As for the menu, you really can’t go wrong. Chef Beckta’s newest dining experience located on Wellington Street in Westboro is called Gezellig. It offers the same tasty menu items with an upscale/casual vibe.

Do – To burn off your meal, walk less than then ten minutes from the market to the Rideau Canal for your first skate. Equipment is available for rent in trailers on the canal. Enjoy more than 7 km of long, winding ice and stop along the way at one of several hot chocolate and Beaver Tail huts to warm up with a hot drink and sweet treat.

Drink – Finish the night off right with a nightcap at Hooch Bourbon House, a recently opened restaurant on Rideau Street that is a hop, skip and a jump from the Byward Market. With warm wood accents and low lighting, this place is one of the best in the neighbourhood to enjoy a low-key drink after a long day of touring.

SATURDAY

Breakfast – Take a taxi or hop on the number 2 Somerset bus to explore the trendy neighborhoods of Hintonburgh, Wellington West and Westboro. The route starts off as Somerset Street, takes you through colorful Chinatown and then morphs into Wellington Street West and Richmond Street. In Hintonburg, enjoy brunch at Back Lane Cafe. This cute space has a walk-in brunch menu that is absolutely delightful!

Explore – All along this route you’ll also find some of the best restaurants and shops in the city. Including A Fine Thing Antiques, Suzy Q Donuts, Hintonburg Public House, Oresta organic skin care apothecary, Orange Art Gallery, Wabi-Sabi, LOAM Clay Studio and more.

Lunch – The Savoy Brasserie on the corner of Richmond Street and Churchill Avenue is a new restaurant that offers an inviting, French bistro ambiance and a menu that is très délicieux.

Shop – From Hintonburg to Westboro, you can’t go wrong with spending an entire day walking up and down this bustling corner of town chalk full of locally owned businesses. Fashionistas will absolutely love the quaint, feminine vibe of Victoire Boutique; the chic finds at Viens Avec Moi, the colorful clothing at Flock Boutique; the stylish jewellery pieces at Jasmine Virani; the eclectic gift ideas at Heavens To Betsy; great, cheap finds at St. Vincent de Paul’s; and modern textiles at Fabrications. It goes on and on.

Dinner – Supply & Demand is a solid choice for a divine meal with low lighting and a warm, nautical themed atmosphere. Oh, it was also voted one of the top new restaurants in the country. No big deal. Each dish bursts with flavour but the restaurant’s specialty is seafood and its popular raw bar. The dirty martinis go down pretty well too.

SUNDAY

Brunch – The Manx Pub is a local institution, also voted the most authentic British pub in Ottawa. On the corner of Elgin Street and Frank Street, this basement pub is always jam-packed Saturday and Sunday mornings. Hipsters and baby boomers alike crowd this little gem to get a bite of its healthy spin on classic dishes.

Explore – One of Ottawa’s many perks is its close proximity to Gatineau Park, right across the Ottawa River in Quebec. This national park offers a variety of peaceful hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails for you to delight in. Along some of the trails you’ll find log cabins where you can crack open a bottle of wine by a fire and enjoy a packed lunch of delicious, Italian sandwiches from La Bottega.

Do – What better way to end your weekend away than to unwind with a trip to heaven-on-earth, Nordik Spa-Nature. This is the biggest spa in North America. Written descriptions really don’t do it justice. You just have to go for yourself. Only a ten-minute drive from downtown Ottawa and across to the province of Quebec, this locally owned spa will seduce you into relaxation with its many outdoor hot tubs, cold pools, saunas, quiet rooms, fireplaces and soothing music. When you’re not relishing the benefits of the many saunas and hot tubs, order a drink and scrumptious hors d’oeuvres do tide you over until dinner. For a real treat, pay a little extra to experience the Källa treatment: 45 minutes of weightless floating time in one of only two underground salt pools in the world! Watch the sun set from an infinite hot tub perched up on a hill, surrounded by trees, and cheers your last drink in Ottawa by the fire. Until next time.

Images via Dwayne Brown and Jany Klein