Ottawa is the nation’s capital with world-renowned cultural institutions, a bustling food scene, and gorgeous parks and natural beauty. It also has a distinct French culture thanks to its proximity to Quebec.

Locals can often be seen jogging, cycling, or skating on the Rideau Canal, which becomes one of the best ice-skating spots in winter.

Nordstrom Rideau Centre

Nordstrom, an upscale department store chain that sells designer merchandise at high prices, opened its first Canadian stores in 2014 in Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre and Ottawa’s Rideau Centre. It also launched Nordstrom Rack stores to deliver luxury brands at discount prices.

But the company’s decision to close its 13 Canadian stores is an admission that it never really fit in this country, said Carleton University business professor Ian Lee. Ottawa is a city of public servants and middle and upper-middle class [people] but not huge numbers of wealthy people who buy high-end goods, Lee said.

One of the best common shops in the capital is Bazille, an eatery inside the Nordstrom department store at the Rideau Centre. The restaurant has 82 different meals to choose from and is a hit with both locals grabbing a quick bite to eat after work and tourists looking for some sophisticated culinary delights. The place is a hidden gem with an exquisite menu and a classy atmosphere. The service is excellent, too. Bazille offers a full bar and unique cocktails.

Zone Maison

Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, tech guru, or culinary explorer, Ottawa has a shopping scene that is sure to satisfy your needs. From massive markets to quaint boutiques, the city is brimming with a variety of goods and merchandise. These shops align with various aspects of human life and offer enriching experiences for their patrons.

If you’re looking to revamp your home decor, head to Zone Maison, a home design haven that offers a curated selection of furniture and accessories. Their products are a perfect blend of novelty and modern chic. They also carry Le Creuset cookware, which is a popular brand amongst kitchen enthusiasts.

For the tech-savvy, there’s Canada Computers, a one-stop shop for all things electronic. They stock cutting-edge laptops and smartphones and provide a wide range of accessories to suit any type of lifestyle. Finally, for outdoor enthusiasts, there’s MEC, a shop that carries all the gear you need to enjoy the great outdoors. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with the values of nature lovers. A visit to any of these 10 best common shops is sure to leave you satisfied and inspired.

Grace in the Kitchen

Ottawa is a city that offers a variety of shopping options that cater to different lifestyles. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a tech guru, or a culinary explorer, there are many unique shops to discover in the capital.

One of the best is Grace in the Kitchen, a kitchen store that carries top-quality knives and kitchen equipment. Their selection includes chef-quality blades from Global, Shun, and Wusthof. They also carry high-end small appliances and bakeware. They also offer regular cooking classes and workshops.

The shop is located at 442 Hazeldean Rd. in Kanata and serves a wide variety of culinary accessories. It is a favorite among chefs and home cooks. Its staff is friendly and helpful, and they are always on the lookout for new products.

The food at the restaurant is a fusion of southern, soul, and Cajun dishes. Gumbo ceviche, green tomato salad, and praline beignets are all on the menu. The Maryland hot crab dip is a clever combination of Old Bay and four cheeses, while the spareribs are served in a sweet bourbon peach sauce.

Perfect Books

Perfect Books is a small, independent bookshop that stocks a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction. Its staff is knowledgeable and helpful and provides thoughtful recommendations. The store is located on Elgin Street in a nondescript area of downtown Ottawa, but it is worth a visit if you are looking for a good book.

In addition to its excellent books, the city offers many other things to do and see. The food is excellent, including poutine (fries, cheese curds, and gravy) and Beavertails (a donut-like pastry shaped like a beaver tail). Calorie counters should avoid poutine, however, which is surprisingly rich and high in calories.

The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the city is clean and safe. It is also one of the best places to live in Canada, according to Mercer’s study. Its residents enjoy a good standard of living and a high quality of life, and the cost of living is lower than in most major cities. In addition, it has a low crime rate and an excellent education system. In fact, a recent survey by MoneySense named it the second most affordable place to live in Canada.

Wunderkammer

A wunderkammer (German for “chamber of wonders”) is a room where collections are displayed, ranging from historical relics and scientific objects to handmade art. These displays were popular during the Renaissance and have since continued to be in use. The collection may be organized in a number of ways, depending on the preferences of the owner.

Wunderkammers came to prominence in the sixteenth century as princely courts became less peripatetic and humanist philosophy became widely accepted. The collections were meant to showcase the wealth and intelligence of the owner, as well as his ability to organize natural and cultural knowledge. They were also often a memento mori, reminding the viewer of death’s inevitability.

A modern day example of a wunderkammer is RISD’s “Animal Lab,” where wire-strung skeletons lounge through the door and shelves hold skulls, femurs, and jaws. It’s a museum of wonders that would be right at home in the collection of Emperor Rudolf II. Another local version can be found at Maker House in the hyper-local Hintonburg neighbourhood. This shop carries everything from streetwear by Ottawa-based Black Coffee Apparel to funky DIY 3D paper sculpture crafts. A portion of all profits is donated to local non-profits.