A few months ago a follower reached out for some advice on a spot to propose in Ottawa to his now fiance. I was so honoured to be asked my advice for such an intimate moment. He sent me some photos of spots that were special to her and I brainstormed some locations and ways to make the moment extra special. During my search, I came up with a lot of locations that would make perfect proposal spots in the capital. You can’t have the engagement without the ring so I teamed up with my favourite local jewellery store, True Bijoux, to get some information on rings and gems for this magical moment. I’m always so impressed with the knowledge Lindsay and her team has. From the type of ring to the gem that goes inside, they’ll make sure you have a stunning and durable ring.
Propose in Ottawa at the Ottawa Locks
If you’re looking for a spot to propose in option, the Ottawa Locks is a stunning location in any season. It’s one of my favourite spots in Ottawa. In the summer you’ll have incredible colours dance across the water at sunset. In winter, it’s a magical spot when its covered in a blanket of snow. It’s also quieter in winter so it makes that intimate moment even more special.
This is an Oval Cut Morganite Halo Diamond Ring in 14k Gold ring from True Bijoux. I love morganite and apparently so do you! I posted about a morganite ring last year and it blew up on social. Morganite is a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness so its s durable gem for your engagement ring. I love the pink hue. If you know what gem you’re interested in, there are so many ring types that True Bijoux can pair it with.
Propose in Ottawa at the Andaz Rooftop
One of the best views in the whole city. What’s special about proposing here is that you can also host your wedding here too. Propose at sunset and then toast with some champagne from Copper and Spirits. You could also spend the night here and ask for a room with a window view of Parliament.
Propose Near Ottawa at Eagles Nest Lookout
This is 2 hours outside of Ottawa but you’ll have an incredible view as the backdrop of your proposal. It’s an easy, 20-minute hike to the top. Head to one of the lookout points and pop the question. This would be extra special in fall when all the leaves have changed.
Propose in Ottawa at Arboretum
If you’re looking to propose in Ottawa in Spring, this is a great spot to go. Head here when the trees have blossomed and you’ll have stunning blooms surrounding you for this intimate moment. You could propose in summer at the sunflower fields.
Propose along the Rideau Canal
This could be tricky to pull off but it would surely be a moment you won’t forget. Go for a canoe ride on the Rideau Canal at sunset and make sure your partner’s sitting at the front. As you approached downtown and get a view of Parliament, pop the question! If you propose near downtown you can get out at the locks and then celebrate. During the International Fireworks Festival (Wednesdays and Saturdays in August) would also be an incredible time for this proposal idea. Ironically, when I was doing this shoot a canoe went by. Maybe a proposal was about to happen 😉
Propose at the Museum of History
Down by the water at the history museum would be a stunning spot for a proposal because you’ll have the Ottawa River and Parliament as your backdrop. This is also a venue you could get married at so everything would tie together nicely. This would be a great spot in any season. If you’re interested in a Christmas proposal, you can pop the question in front of the giant Christmas tree.
An estate ring would pair nicely with this engagement. Estate collections are full of sentimental features and it’s a great eco-conscious or romance-loving choice. It’s a great way to give a ring new life. It’s also a cheaper alternative and a great way to find something unique.
Propose in Ottawa at Major’s Hill Park
A beautiful spot in any season. If you’re interested in a winter proposal, you can plan it so that it aligns with Christmas Lights in the Capital. You’ll have beautiful lights to illuminate the park for this special moment.
Bonus, if you’re proposing with a coloured stone, you can try and find lights that match it. Example blue stone, blue lights! Coloured stone’s are on the rise. Whether it’s your birthstone, favourite colour, or maybe ties into your relationship, it’s a unique engagement ring. Not all stones are created equal thought so make sure to talk to their team before choosing a coloured gem because you’ll want something durable. Pictured here is the Tear Drop Aquamarine Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold from True Bijoux.
Propose at Gatineau Park
If you love hiking and adventure, Gatineau Park is a great spot for the big moment. Head to one of their lookouts for an incredible view when you propose. Below is a shot of Meech Lake.
Propose in Ottawa at the Canadian Tulip Festival
If you’re interested in a Spring proposal, this is your perfect backdrop. Major’s Hill Park and Dow’s Lake have the best tulip beds. Pop the question surrounded by hundreds of colourful tulips. If you choose Major’s Hill Park, head towards the National Art Gallery for the best tulip bed.
Propose in Ottawa at Nepean Point
This is one of the best spots for sunset in the capital. Head here in summer or fall for the best views. You’ll find it behind the National Art Gallery, where you can also host your wedding.
Propose in Ottawa at the National Art Gallery
If your future fiance loves art, this is a perfect spot for a proposal. It’s a stunning building that you can also host your wedding in. If you’re looking to do a Christmas proposal, wait until their giant Christmas tree us up. It would be a pretty magical spot for the proposal.
This Gabriel New York 14K White Gold Engagement Ring would pair well with this spot. It’s unique shape and glisten is remiscent of the National Gallery Building itself. If you’re looking for a unique ring, this is a great option.
Propose In The Sky Over Ottawa
You can take a hot air balloon ride at the yearly at the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. There’s also Sundance Baloons and Ottawa Hot Air. You could also book a helicopter ride with Heli-Tremblant over Ottawa. This would be best in October when all the fall colours can be seen.
Propose at Parliament Hill
I wouldn’t recommend this spot at the moment. Parliament is currently under construction so you don’t know what it will look like come proposal time. However, maybe Parliament is special to your relationship, in that case, I recommend by the eternal flame! It can signify your everlasting love.
You can also propose at spots like Nepean Point, Majors Hill Park, before Alexandria Bridge (pictured here) or the Canadian Museum of History to have a nice setting with Parliament in the background.
Pair this proposal with a diamond. There’s a reason diamonds are so popular and its because they are a durable gem. Since you’ll be wearing it every day for the rest of your life, you need to make sure its a durable gem. This is something I’ve learned from Lindsay and her team.
Propose at Chateau Fairmont Montebello
This would be a stunning spot in any season. It’s only 45 minutes from Ottawa but it always feels like you’ve had a true escape. It’s the world’s largest round log cabin and the grounds are stunning. It would be a romantic getaway to surround your proposal. You can read my guide to Montebello here.
Propose at the Love Locks
As a write this, the love locks have been cut off the bridge. Before I would say it was a beautiful spot for a proposal. You could add your lock and then propose above the Rideau Canal. It’s still an option but I’d advise choosing somewhere else so that your lock doesn’t get cut off.
Propose in Ottawa in the Byward Market Courtyard
Head down this cobblestone section tucked away in the Byward Market for a cute and picturesque proposal. This would be great in any season but in my opinion, extra special in winter. It’s quieter and the courtyard will be covered in snow. You can also have your wedding at the Courtyard restaurant which makes a nice tie-in.
Propose on Sparks Street
I absolutely love the architecture on Sparks Street. You could get some stunning engagement pictures here. Head to dinner at one of their restaurants like Riviera, before/after popping the question. This would be a great spot in any season. If you’re interested in a winter proposal, head here before Christmas when the street is lined with lights and Christmas trees. It’s also the home of True Bijoux who you’ll be quite familiar with while picking out your ring.
True Bijoux on Sparks Street is a great spot to head to get the ring of your partner’s dreams! All the rings above are from True Bijoux. They’ll help you pick out something similar to your pinterest board finds or by your description. They have a wide range of rings available or you can also custom-design a ring.
You’re Invited To The Diamond Challenge
One thing I love about True Bijoux is their vast knowledge on jewellery and gems. I’ve had many discussions with Lindsay on lab-created diamonds. Make sure to stop by True Bijoux from October 17th to October 26th for The Diamond Challenge. Can you tell the difference between a lab-created and earth-grown diamond? Stop by to participate in their challenge to see if you can guess if the diamond was lab-grown or earth grown. Guess correctly and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a pair of lab-grown diamond and gold stud earrings. If you didn’t guess correctly, no worries, you’ll go into a draw for a $500 gift card.
While you’re there, get their staff’s take on this gem. A lot of people like it as a more affordable option that they can still say is a diamond, however, there’s still debate how common they’ll be in the future, thus devaluing them. Head to their location at 206 Sparks Street and the team will be happy to discuss more and share all your gem options.
Rent-A-Ring
If you’re from out of town and want to propose in Ottawa or would prefer to pick the ring out together, you can also take advantage of their rent a ring program. Essentially you “rent” a solitaire ring similar in size to the ring you’re looking for and it allows you to propose but then choose their perfect ring together. Choosing a ring is a lot of pressure and this allows you to have two special moments: proposing and choosing the ring. You rent the ring for $250 and then will receive that same amount off your engagement ring. They’ll also have your price point in mind so they can politely guide your partner to a ring within your budget.
I love this option because it creates two special occasions, first the proposal, second, choosing the ring together. It’s a big decision and this way you know you’re getting their dream ring. It’s also an amazing option if you’re interested in proposing abroad. You travel stress free without worrying about keeping the actual engagement ring a secret/safe.
Capture The Moment
Hire a photographer to capture this special moment when you propose in Ottawa. You can coordinate with them ahead of time so that they know when to shoot the special moment but don’t ruin the surprise. There are so many amazing wedding photographers, including Hello Lovely Ottawa, Laura Kelly Photography, Photography by Emma, and more.
I would love to hear your own engagement story. Was it in Ottawa? Let me know in the comments 🙂
Just like the man at the beginning, I’m always happy to connect and help whether it’s with a proposal or Ottawa things to do 🙂
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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