Ottawa

[SmittyinAZ]

Wife just planned a long weekend up in Ottawa for early October. Any recommendations on places to go, things to see, nice cigar bar, etc. from my friends up north?

I believe we are downtown near the ByWard (?).

Thanks,

Smitty

[Soup]

The ByWard is a great spot to start with lots of little pubs and out door patios. You are also not to far from the Canadian war museum, the museum of Canada, Rideau Canal/hall and Parliament all worth while to check out if you are doing the tourist stuff. As for cigar lounges can't help you there as I wasn't into the hobby when I left that area.

Scott

[helix]

The Hull/Gatineau casino is just across the river on the Quebec side. They have a cigar lounge called Baccus inside.

[shlomo]

The Bacchus in the Hilton is supposedly very nice, albeit small. If you want a good place to eat, I suggest giving The Works a shot. Its my favorite restoration in the area and there are several locations. Really great burger joint. Has excellent onion rings and milkshakes too. Wear stretchy pants...lol

Ottawa, especially around parliament and dt, is known for its myriad of Irish pubs.

[mash]

Famous egg rolls at the Golden Palace, on Carling Avenue.

Pizza at the Colonnade, not far from where you are.

Short drive over to Quebec, beautiful countryside in the fall. Look for chip wagons.

[LLC]

Famous egg rolls at the Golden Palace, on Carling Avenue.

Pizza at the Colonnade, not far from where you are.

Short drive over to Quebec, beautiful countryside in the fall. Look for chip wagons.

I agree with these restaurant recommendations.

[Phillys]

Bacchus is a great place to enjoy a drink and a cigar. As for restaurants near the Byward Market, there are a few good spots such as El Camino (Elgin). If cost is no issue, I think Atelier is one of the best restaurants in Ottawa, 12 course meal (small portions) available with 10 wine pairing, one of the best meals I have ever had.

If you cross the river to Quebec, there are also some very good restaurants. Cellier St-Jacques is a favorite as well as the Pizza-za (great restaurant and wine bar).

In early October, definitely head out to Chelsea (10 minute drive) and see the Gatineau Parc, hope the leaves will have turned by that time. Mackenzie King Estate is a good place to visit if you have a car, you can walk along the paths and enjoy a cigar (I do it every year in the fall). There are also some nice belvederes if you drive up in the parc, beautiful views.

If you are in Chelsea, stop by the Chelsea pub for a pint, great patio, just renovated (with heaters if it gets cold). There is also a small fish restaurant called Fish and Smoked Seafood Bistro in Chelsea, they own a smokehouse down the road and make spectacular smoked salmon and fish and chips.

Let us know what type of things you would like to do or see, the list could be long.

Have a great trip

[GavLew79]

Plenty of choice in the Byward Market. I had a great steak there, and nice bourbon and maple marinated salmon in some place with "Orleans" in the name. 5$ draft beer too. Real Sports to catch a game and have wings. You'll find a cigar shop there too, but no sampling as I understand it. I didn't visit Bacchus but it was recommended by a colleague. It's just over the river in Gatineau.

[Diamondog]

If you want to keep it simple for a full night....its all at the Hilton/Casino....hit Arome restaurant downstairs in the hilton...gorgeous restaurant surf turf menu http://m.casinosduquebec.com/lacleamy/en/restaurants-bars/arome.then you have bacchus 30 seconds up the stairs for drinks and cigars and the casino has any gaming and several night clubs for entertainment...rooms are nice...executive floor 10th you can smoke cigars in your room

[SmittyinAZ]

Thank you to everyone who responded. Looks like a lot of good places to check out.

[cigarbreak]

Thank you to everyone who responded. Looks like a lot of good places to check out.

Be sure not to miss Kettleman's Bagels in Ottawa for the best bagel you will ever have in your life I promise!!

Better than the bagels in Montreal (St. Viateur Bagels) lol and better than in NY hehehe...We always bring home dozens when we go and freeze them after. Its on Bank St not too far from Carleton University if I remember correctly.

I had the pleasure of living there for a year for 1st yr University and If you have a choice and the time, head over to Montreal if interested. Probably only a 2 hr drive. MUCH better everything lol...and there's an amazing LCDH there with great selection. Smoked Meat, Poutines not too mention indoor smoking areas lol....and Old Quebec isnt too far from Montreal either. Old Quebec is very much worth the drive.

If you will only be staying in Ottawa with no time to head to Montreal, the Rideau Canal is a beautiful place just to walk along and take in the perfect blend of Nature in the City...