For the Holidays, Ottawa is Where It’s At

In 2017, Canada celebrates its 150th and with so much on the calendar for the nation’s capital, there’s both a buzz of excitement and the din of construction to get Ottawa ready for the celebrations. But what we just discovered is that it’s evolved more recently into vibrant city with a growing food scene, good shopping, and, well, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our yoga-practicing, Pride Parade-marching Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. —Karen Kwan

Stay: The ultramodern Andaz Hotel Byward Market, the first Canadian outpost of this upscale boutique chain of properties from Hyatt, celebrates Canadian artists, with each of the floors representing a different province. It also puts art from the Canada Council Art Bank in the spotlight. Touches of copper add a subtle bit of shine throughout the hotel (a nod to the copper Parliamentary roofs), such as the sculptural crows overhead on the 16th floor. The crisp, clean lines of our suite, with a view of the pretty skyline and the Ottawa River, is what the capital’s been missing in terms of chic accommodations for stylish jetsetters.

Savour: At Feast + Revel, located on the ground floor of the Andaz Hotel, the tables feature sleek curved bench seating on one side with comfy chairs on the other, making the space feel both intimate yet also open and inviting. But privacy may be what you want when salivating and devouring dishes such as executive chef Stephen La Salle’s duck for four, into which he incorporates Asian influences, and lamb poutine (unlike any other you’ve had; his modern take includes potato fondant and whipped curds). Over at Riviera, the high ceilings, handsome bar and Art Deco touches of this former bank building will have you agape, and the inventful dishes and craft cocktails will only bring you further down that path. We all agreed that the tuna crudo with the satisfying crunchy bits of puffed quinoa, and a hit of spice thanks to chili, was our favourite dish, although it did feel like Sophie’s choice.

Shop: CF Rideau Centre is all shiny and new as it’s just undergone a $360-million expansion and features high-style options including Simons and Nordstrom. As for shopping local, just a 10-minute walk from the Andaz Hotel is the lovely womenswear boutique Victoire, where you’ll find charming prints in feminine pieces (think Jessica Day of New Girl), and boho-chic jewelry, most of it from Canadian designers. Pop into Goods, just a few doors down from Victoire, if you’re seeking even more Canadian design. You’ll find a well-curated assortment of tableware, bath and body, foodie finds, prints and more, for your effortlessly chic, urban abode. And if you’ve fallen in love with the bath products from Purple Urchin in your Andaz hotel suite, head to Chinatown to its flagship store, where you’ll find its full array of natural products.

Sweat: Run or bike alongside the locals along the Ottawa River (which you can access just a few minutes away from the Andaz Hotel by the Ottawa Lock Station, where you can enter leafy Major’s Hill Park) , or if you find yourself in Ottawa in the winter months, ice skating on the Rideau Canal is a right of passage for every Canadian, as is enjoying a BeaverTails afterward.

Sip: With the hotel representing a celebration of Canada, what could be more quintessentially Canadian than a caesar (made with Canuck-based Walters Craft Caesar Mix) with the glass rimmed with crushed ketchup chips, which you’ll find at Andaz’ rooftop bar, Copper Spirits and Sights, (also the highest rooftop in the city). Non-caesar fans will be more than pleased with the roundup of craft cocktails on the menu, such as the intriguing Southbrook Bend (which features tea-infused vodka). Bottoms up!