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Student Life

Vaccinated Ottawa summer bucket list!

As things in Ottawa start to open up a little bit more and vaccination rates go up we thought it would be a good idea to add a few more items to your Ottawa Summer Bucket List! Make sure to check out the Government of Canada’s safety guidelines for fully vaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals.

Adventures in the Outdoors

Looking for some outdoor adventures to try out? There are tons of opportunities all around Ottawa. Try out the brand new and exciting Interprovincial Zipline, Interzip Rogers! Or maybe you want something on the water, in that case check out the white water rafting and kayaking opportunities Ottawa has to offer!

If you’re more interested in hiking, with the lessened restrictions, you should now head out to explore a new trail in Gatineau Park. With a wide variety of trails at various levels of difficulty, there is a little something for everyone.

Ottawa is centrally located to a whole lot of camping opportunities, so if you’re a camper or an aspiring one, you’re in luck! There are lots of local provincial parks you can book with and … FUN FACT: Many provincial parks this summer are offering free day-use from Monday – Thursday, so if you need an affordable daytrip or adventure check them out.

Looking for something truly unique and exciting? Every year around the end of August, just across the river, Gatineau hosts its own Hot Air Balloon Festival! Head over to witness a sky full of hot air balloons, or even sign up to take a ride up in one.

Fun with Friends

If your friend group is fully vaccinated, it opens up a whole bunch of new opportunities for fun together. Ottawa is home to some really great patios that you should check out. Or if you want to try a variety of places why not join in on a tour? There are even some novel ones like the Thursty Pedaler’s 15-person party bike pub or coffee crawl.

If you’re looking for more of a relaxing day on the water, why not head over to Dows Lake for some pedal boating or to any of the Ottawa local beaches for a lay in the sun, frolic in the water, or just a simple picnic?

Have you ever been to a drive in movie? Well. if you have a car (or a friend with a car), grab some pillows, blankets and a group of friends and pile in for a super fun outdoor movie experience!

A favourite summer aspect for lots of us is fresh summer produce! And it doesn’t get much fresher than picking it yourself straight from the bush! Ottawa has lots of spaces in the surrounding area to go have some fun picking your own berries even well into August and sometimes the start of September.

Rainy Day Activities

Ottawa is home to a whole host of museums and galleries that have now reopened in Phase 3! They have wonderful regular exhibits to check out as well an array of special temporary exhibits to explore. There are often some really great student discounts so don’t forget your student card!

Need a break?

Maybe some time to really relax away from all your responsibilities? Nordik Spa Nature should be at the top of your list! A nordic style spa located just over in Chelsea, Quebec, it is the largest spa in North America, and is so immersive you will literally forget that you are only 20 minutes from home.

Want to treat yourself to a nice treatment closer to home? Algonquin College’s Salon and Spa is now open until August 20th.

Did someone say Road Trip??

Around Ottawa there are some stunning small towns and attractions that are definitely worth checking out and make for a great day trip or weekend getaway!

And it wouldn’t be a summer bucket list if I didn’t add Ice Cream!

We found this great round up of Ice Cream in Ottawa organized by locations! So, why not pick a part of town to explore and spot by one (or more) of these great spots!

So, which of these are you adding to your Summer Bucket List?

Don’t forget to grab your mask, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, abide by Ottawa Public Health guidelines, and get out to enjoy all that Ottawa has to offer!