DON'T MISS A THING

Destination Style Guide: Ottawa’s Hidden Luxury Scene

Ottawa is one of the top holiday destinations in Canada. No one needs to explain why it is so – the reason is pretty straightforward. The city is known for its unique charm, elegance, and as the political heart of the country.

As a traveller, you probably see Ottawa from the angle of its key attractions like museums, festivals, and tons of outdoor activities. But today, we are going to explore those under-the-radar luxuries and stuff that most visitors overlook.

By the end of this post, you should know exactly where to look for that unique experience the next time you are visiting the Canadian capital.

Top 3 Hidden Luxury Experiences to Check Out in Ottawa

Bespoke Fashion

One of the things that flies under the radar in Ottawa is its bespoke fashion scene. Very few tourists seem not to notice it – in fact, no one even associates the Canadian city with fashion as they would Paris and New York.

But that is exactly what it is; Ottawa’s fashion scene is more of a subtle elegance than flashy and loud. For example, its tailoring scene is moulded around precision and detail-orientation. If you walked into any notable tailor’s shop in Ottawa, they would likely be specialised in made-to-measure fits or full bespoke. They will have a wide array of fabrics you can select from and a very clear, unique fit philosophy.

The Custom Suit Experience

Let’s say you are shopping for a custom suit in Ottawa, the process will involve consultation, measurements, fabric choice, fitting, adjustments, and final construction.

It is exactly how the process goes anywhere in the world. But, Ottawa’s bespoke suit making is a bit different as craftsmanship takes centre stage over glitz and luxuriance.

Exclusive Dining Experiences

Another hidden luxury in Ottawa is its exclusive dining experience. You probably already know about the city’s low-key culinary spots if you are a foodie like me. But let’s dig a little deeper for the sake of those who haven’t explored that much.

Same as its bespoke scene, Ottawa’s dining world is more focused on creating a chef-led and very intimate, quality experience than on flash. Unfortunately, many adventurers often go to the bigger restaurants, those in prime locations with sophisticated ambience and massive parking spaces.

What they don’t know is that the truly unique (local) culinary experiences can only be found in hidden restaurants tucked in heritage buildings and small neighbourhoods. These are the spots that reward foodies like us with experiences like seasonal tasting menus and locally sourced ingredients.

It goes without saying, but many big, flashy restaurants often overlook local dishes and focus on international dishes that you can easily find anywhere else. But, don’t get me wrong, they still offer great, luxury dining experiences.

Luxurious Accommodation and Retreats

When in Ottawa, you need a home away from home for the length of your trip. So, where do you go?

The list of options for accommodation in Ottawa is practically endless. You can choose to stay in high-end spots like boutique hotels, heritage buildings, riverfront retreats or the more chilled option, Airbnb.

Each of the choices will come with unique features. Examples include spa packages, wellness programs, and concierge services. You can also choose a retreat location with private tours, custom itineraries and other special-request services – it all depends on your budget and how you want to go about your trip.

Wrapping Up

Based on the evidence, Ottawa is one of the few cities where luxury is more detail-oriented than flashy and showy. You can see it in everything, from tailoring to dining and accommodations. The experiences are refined with the local touch. So, if you want to discover Ottawa’s hidden luxury scene, you start by looking outside the typical tourist.

More to Love!

The Best Luxury Experiences in Marbella
The Best Safari Destinations for Luxury Experiences