romantic things to do in Ottawa

Since it is February 11th, this is a good time for me to write a post for the people who show up here because I'm high on google's list for romantic things to do in ottawa. I mean, because Marcie's list of exciting things to do in Ottawa is high on the list.

Marcie's list has some romantic things on it, like:

• Go to the art gallery and have lunch. It's only $1.85 -- nice homemade soup and a bun.
• Take a romantic stroll past the flower beds at Dow's Lake with all the recent immigrants.

Other posts on this blog that will help you find romantic things to do in Ottawa:

• things to do in ottawa that you cant do in the usa (everything on the list is romantic)
• How to Vacation in your Home City

Believe it or not, I have more romantic things to do in Ottawa for you, but first...

Are you involved with a nerd? If you're looking to be romantic in Ottawa, there is a good chance that you are. I strongly recommend before you try to do something romantic that you read The Nerd Handbook by Michael Lopp. It is not very long and it will make both the date and the relationship go better.

Okay now...

Romantic things to do in Ottawa that aren't on lists already mentioned in this posting:

1. First date? Walk behind the Parliament Buildings around sunset. Look at the sunset. There is no need to mention that the beautiful colours are caused by pollution in the air. Make sure to stop and say hi to the cats. (or the raccoons if they have chased away the cats.) [Cats blog; Official Government Site]
2. Third date? Walk down behind the Supreme Court after dark. It is remarkably secluded.
3. Rideau Canal / Dow's Lake
• Winter: Skate together
• Summer: Rent a canoe at Dow's Lake; or if you're not real Canadians, rent a paddle boat; roller blade beside the canal, if it is Sunday, blade on Colonel By Drive.
4. Indian Restaurant: If you want a fabulously delicious meal with attentive service in a place with romantic ambiance, an Indian restaurant is the best dollar value. In part because beer goes better with curry than wine does, but also because it's just not as expensive as a a high-end French, steak or fusion place.
5. Gatineau Park (technically not in Ottawa, but...)
• Winter: I understand some people think of cross-country skiing as a fun date. As you do it in single file and not side by side, one of you gets to stare at the other's butt the whole time. I don't think of that as romantic.
• Summer: Go to Meech Lake. Park at the first parking lot. Take the trail north through the woods to the old dam. It may not be legal to swim there, but I have never seen anyone enforce this rule. If following rules is romantic for you, do not go for a swim.
6. Go to an art opening. You can stay as long as you want. Even if you don't like the art, you'll have something to talk about. There may be free wine, but there is some sort of art rule that it be awful. Alas, there is no good calendar for openings and artist talks that lets you see for a given day and time whether there is a special event to go to. But you can guess that the start date on an exhibit will be the opening. The City and the Xpress have decent lists of shows in town. Another tip: If you know the origin of the word "vernissage," that will give you something to talk about other than the art if your date loves it, but you think it would be more romantic if you talked about something else.

What have I missed?