Party-goer
For the party-enthusiast, those late wake-ups are easily taken care of at Elgin Street Diner (374 Elgin St.) or Zak’s (14 Byward Market Square). Both have all-day breakfasts and are open 24/7. Zak’s famous massive milkshakes and Elgin St Diner’s poutine will be sure to rid you of any hangover.
You might head down to the Rideau Centre (50 Rideau St.) to do some shopping. While Rideau may seem pretty mainstream, it’s the perfect one-stop-shop for the partier on the go. There are dozens of clothing stores to outfit you for a night on the town, an LCBO and a full food court.
Later you may think about heading down to Yuk Yuks (292 Elgin St. or 379 Preston St.) for an evening of comedy. They are affordable and the stand-up is sure to make the most serious person crack a smile. Thursday nights are student nights, so admission is only $7.
Finally, you can head down to the market for a varied club scene. Pier 21 (111 Parent Ave.) is a Nova Scotia-themed bar and club that won’t drain your wallet. If you’re willing to shell out for a good time, then the Casino in Gatineau will keep you entertained long into the night.
Cultured sophisticate
If you thrive on culture and elegance, then Ottawa is certainly the place for you. You can choose from one of the many museums — the Canadian Museum of Civilization (100 Laurier St.), the War Museum (1 Vimy Place) or the Canadian Museum of Nature (240 McLeod St.) — to take up much of your day. For $14 dollars you can go to the Museum of Civilization and see an Imax show. Many Ottawa-area museums also offer free admission for students on Thursday nights.
the historic Glebe will expose you to many shops that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The Mayfair Theatre, located in Glebe, has a line-up that varies from hit blockbusters to underground indie movies. Be sure to catch one of their gruesome zombie flicks.
Afterwards, bus to the National Arts Centre (53 Elgin St.) where you can catch a play, dance performance or concert. They have great deals for students as well. Look into getting a LiveRush card, which allows students to buy a ticket for a show two days before the performance for only $10.
Afterwards hit up Zaphod Beeblebrox (27 York St.), a swanky music bar. They showcase multiple genres of music on different nights, so if you are very particular about whether you want to chill to oldies or be transfixed by techno, then check the online schedule to see what the night’s theme is.
Adventure Seeker
Depending on how you prefer to start your day, please find the next two items on your agenda interchangeable.
A morning hike through Gatineau Park’s 165 kilometres of trails kicks off your day. Biking along the canal is an easy alternative.
Byward Market (55 Byward Market Square) is full of treasures for the adventure seeker. If it’s not winter, local artisans and farmers set up to show their wares ranging from juicy fruits to unique handcrafts.
At Mountain Equipment Co-op (366 Richmond Rd.), you’ll find an array of equipment for those weekend trips. Although it’s a little further out west, the hardy gear is worth the long bus ride.
After all that activity, you’re going to need to refuel. Head to the Heart and Crown (67 Clarence St.). It has a cosy vibe while still being affordable. They also feature a live band or performer Wednesday to Sunday.
In the evening, Coyote Rock Gym (1737B St. Laurent) or Vertical Reality (161 Middle St.) are indoor rock climbing gyms which are open late and a healthy way to finish up your day.