Spa Day In The Woods @ Le Nordik, Gatineau

My snow-covered visit

Just a 12-minute drive away from Downtown Ottawa stands Le Nordik-Spa Nature, the largest Scandinavian spa of its kind in North America. The spa is nestled deep in the woods of Old Chelsea, Quebec and was totally worth me renting a car for the day for this one-of-a-kind experience. Gatineau Park provides a stunning backdrop, as the spa sits right at the entrance of this conservation area. The property features a series of outdoor water therapies and indoor relaxation areas.

Le Nordik Spa in the Summer

I went during the dead of winter, on a -20 kind of day and my lungs filled quickly with cold fresh forest air. Therefore, the first thing I did was hit the hottest hot tub I could find and soaked my tired stressed muscles. Then I cycled through the steam room, sauna and finally found my happy place slouched in a muskoka chair in an outdoor gazebo while falling asleep to the warmth and smell of a wood-burning fireplace. If you feel brave, I recommend hitting the cold plunge waterfall and alternate between hot and cold, but I felt that the cold winter air was enough to make an icicle out of me.

The Barrel Sauna 

The indoor spaces have heated seats, headsets pumping relaxing music, magazines to puruse, showers to rinse off in and water fountains to help keep you hydrated. Some of the cabins even have lounger mattresses where you can lie right down and take a nap. I spent close to three hours here and you could probably do even more if you booked any of their massage or body treatments.

Hip Getaways - Ottawa, Canada

Photo Credit

I had a chance to visit Ottawa, Canada for the first time in over 10 years this past February on what felt like a pseudo-school trip with my fellow Amex Ambassadors. I did get a chance to wander off on my own and wanted to share a few more pictures. 

Visit The Byward Market - a district surrounded by adorable shops, good restaurants, cafes, bars and the actual market building itself that anchors the neighbourhood. Tourists are still going nuts over the 'Obama Cookie' (above) that the President ate on his visit here. Pick one up inside Moulin de Provence. They also have great pastries and sandwiches here. It's an easy little lunch spot.

I recommend starting your day with breakfast at Byward Market Square. My choice pick was this fresh baked Montreal-style bagel with smoked meat, cheese and a scrambled egg from Continental Bagel. Head across the hall to Pure Power Juice Bar for a fresh-squeezed juice. 

Photo Credit

For a proper caffeine fix, try Planet Coffee just a 5 minute walk from the main building and next to one of our favourite stores to shop for clothing in Ottawa, Roadtrip.

The hug Tea Tour - The Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Tea for two and two for tea? Yes please! During my recent visit to Ottawa during Winterlude, my friend Jenna and I cleared our afternoon schedules for a High Tea date inside Zoe's Lounge at The Fairmont Chateau Laurier. We were reduced to squealing like 10 year-old girls at a fancy tea party when the stunning Grand Tea Stand (above) finally arrived at our table.

The dessert tier with a Fruit tartlet, Opera Torte and a Victoria Sponge Cake nicely contrasted each other. They were not overly rich, but light and complimentary to the tea. I hate leaving afternoon tea feeling stuffed and it really was the perfect quantity of food with all the right flavours. 

Hip Hotel - ARC The.Hotel, Ottawa

Next time you find yourself in Ottawa looking for a chic independent boutique hotel, check-in to ARC.The Hotel. The service is friendly, personal and the clientele is a mix of couples and business people due to its close proximity to Ottawa's financial district. It's a bit more intimate then your typical big box hotel chain, with only 112 guestrooms.

We stopped in for a two night stay during our recent visit to Winterlude and enjoyed how close it was to everything. Rideau Centre and the Byward Market District are less than a 15-minute walk away. It makes a huge difference and saves you a ton in cab fare.

Hip + Urban Store - Trustfund, Ottawa

I was in Ottawa last weekend to check out Winterlude and extended my stay to do a little extra wandering and of course, shopping. I was walking around the Byward Market district, killing some time before meeting my friend Denise for dinner at Play Food & Wine. In the dark, cold winter night, Trustfund was like a shiny warm beacon tucked around the corner from the restaurant I was headed to. I was easily lured in by all the colourful pieces inside this independently-owned Ottawa boutique and walked out with a cream and green printed blouse.

The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I dealt with Robyn and it felt like I was shopping with a friend. She gave great style advice and feedback without being pushy at all. Trustfund carries unique labels and quality pieces that you wouldn't necessarily find if you were shopping inside a suburban mall. A lot of the spring pieces had a slouchy California cool, especially when I spotted the Brandy Melville line that they carry. If your feet need a pick-me-up, Trustfund carries a whole slew of Happy Socks and Hunter Boots.

Jewellery with a vintage style

A Snowy Getaway To Winterlude In Ottawa!

A sponsored hip + urban girl post.

Wendy and I have a big, fun announcement to make….

Skating on the Rideau Canal with The Amex Ambassador Team

We are thrilled to reveal that we have been chosen to be one of four Ambassadors for American Express Canada for 2012! Our first assignment? Fly to Ottawa for the weekend and report back from Winterlude. Amex has been a proud sponsor of Winterlude for the past seven years, and wanted us to experience all the unique culinary experiences Winterlude had to offer. So off we went via Porter Airlines for a snappy 27-minute flight to the nation’s capital where we were picked up and chauffeured to our central digs at the Westin Ottawa.

Once we were all settled in, the team hopped on a luxury coach bus for a gala at the Museum of Civilization with Chef Lynn Crawford! I told her in person how much I love her store in Toronto, Ruby Eats. This Winterlude kick-off dinner (above) included a four-course meal with wine pairings and access to a VIP viewing area for the opening night fireworks. We oohed and ahhhed into the dark winter sky, and all the locals said these fireworks were even better than the ones on Canada Day.

Dinner with our fellow Amex Ambassadors - Jen from She Does The City, Me, Catriona from Coco & Cowe, Tyrone from 1LoveTO