CALLING ALL COLLEGIETTES WHO RESIDE IN OTTAWA. Now that fall is upon us and we’re getting that much closer to winter, sometimes it’s nice to have those secret hideaways that guarantee you peace and quiet and a warming atmosphere to help keep you cozy up during that fall chill. Over the past four years of my undergrad, I’ve found that the more you roam the city, the more you’ll find the coolest and quirkiest places. Here is a list of my favourite hideaways that I love visiting during the cold seasons.
Artissimo Coffee n’ Tea179 George St #102, Ottawa, ONHours of operation: 7:00am-9:00pm
I stumbled across this wonderfully quaint vegan/coffee/tea place when I was meeting with one of my friends in second year. I was mesmerized by the wall of loose-leaf tea they displayed, not to mention the piano that sat in the middle of the room for whomever to run their fingers over the ivories during those cold months. It was truly something else. I never felt more at home and I was able to concentrate on my studies with a pot (yes, a POT) of tea and some vegan treats. Plus, the free Wi-Fi never hurt anyone.
Planet Coffee24 York St, Ottawa, ONHours of operation: 7:00am-10:00pm
This coffee shop is hidden in the nooks of Ottawa’s Byward Market. It’s hidden off to the side so make sure you keep your eyes open! Although Planet Coffee is a bit deeper into town, it’s well worth it. It’s a perfect hideaway from the very busy Morisset library and of course the infamous Starbucks in Desmarais. I would choose Planet Coffee over those study spots, any day. The staff are super friendly and the café is a great place to catch up on all those last minute readings.
Presse Café140 O’Connor Street, Ottawa, ONHours of operation: 6:30am-5:00pm
Although Presse Café isn’t open as late as the above mentioned café’s, it’s a great place to go when you want to escape the hectic life of being an adult/student, and grab a nice cup of Italian Joe before your next lecture.
Husky CourtyardLocation: University of Ottawa, Bioscience buildings
An HC insider told me about this secret hideaway hidden among the bioscience buildings at the University of Ottawa. With its open skied concealed courtyard, it becomes the perfect place to take a few breaths and relax underneath the sun (or the cool fall air). According to the University of Ottawa, this special area is considered a “living classroom, which is a simulation of a boreal forest and wetland environment in the centre of the building.” If that doesn’t sound amazing, I don’t know what does.
Giovanni’s Snack BarLocation: 376 Booth St, Ottawa, ONHours of Operation: 7:00am-10:00pm
Oh Lord! This place. This place, my friend, is where you find the most authentic Italian espresso and cappuccinos in Ottawa. I can never look back to my old fat free, vanilla pump, piping hot, mocha latte from Starbucks ever again.
Not only do they have the best Italian coffee in town, but they also have the nicest service.
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