The University of Ottawa’s guide to … cheap Valentine’s day ideas
As Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and so is the end of your OSAP money, there are several fun activities to do around the city that require little or no cash! Handling your finances is already hard enough as a student and Valentine’s Day does not make it any easier. If your significant other is easy going and just loves your presence then we are sure they would love to participate in some of these cheap and easy activities around the capital city.
The Rideau Canal: Take advantage of the canal this winter and go on a romantic skate together. There are several different spots along the canal to stop and warm up with some hot chocolate and beaver tales. It is free to everyone and 8km of fun.
Cook dinner together: After your nice skate on the canal why not go home for a nice night in. Making dinner and dessert at home is cheap and can help you beat the Valentine’s Day madness at restaurants. There are many different dinner ideas that can be made from homemade pizza shaped as a heart to a fancy lobster dinner. Finally, why not finish the night off with some homemade cookies or dessert of your choice (chocolate covered strawberries is always a hit). Staying in is quality one-on-one time that does not break the bank.
Winterlude: This will be taking place on Valentine’s Day. There are many different events that Winterlude offers that fall on the day of love. Unique ice sculptures are in Confederation Park all week that can be a start to a fun evening with your significant other. However, Winterlude events will be happening throughout the entire day. From 10:00am until 3:00pm, there is a winter obstacle course along with: WWF Ice Bear Tracker, Lantern Garden of the Jinju Mamgang Yudeung Festival, IllumiNation: Outdoor Light Art Gallery and Exhibit: Hunting Aurora- Northern Lights, Nature’s Own Magical Lantern that go on throughout the day. Most of these events are free or at a very low discounted price for students. You can find more about the exhibits and events on any of the Winterlude websites such as http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/celebrate/winterlude
The Beatles: Lets face it, there is a little Beatles fan in most of us. There is an All You Need Is Love: Beatles tribute at the National Arts Gallery on February 14th. Although this is not a free event there are tickets that start from $25.00 each. If you check it out quick enough you may be able to grab the last couple of cheap tickets.
A Mix Tape: Although this has been done year after year it never truly gets old. On your way to the Rideau Canal, The Beatles tribute or just making dinner at home why not throw on a great and personalized mix tape. This demonstrates how special that certain someone is. The best part about it… it’s pretty much free!
Favour cards: We all get busy, so why not make favour cards that your significant other can use whenever they want ? From a massage, to going on an adventure without forgetting baking your favourite cake or having sex in your favourite public location, those cards will definitely be a huge success.Â
Urban Well: Free drinks, free food, free music and free fun! The event is Valentine’s Day open mic night and starts at 7:00pm. This is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day not only with your significant other but with friends as well!
Avoid the stress of trying to afford the perfect Valentines Day and choose the cheaper options on this occasion. As penny-pinching students the high expectations of candle lit dinner at one of Ottawa’s finest restaurants are not there. Just spending the day with the one you care about is good enough for most; we should take advantage of all the different events the city of Ottawa puts on! I hope some of these ideas helped ease the pressures of spending money on Valentines Day off. Enjoy those around you and have a Happy Valentines Day!
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Photo credits:
http://blog.ibs-b.hu/2012/02/1…
http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/01/22/skating-the-canal-photo-gallery
http://www.guardianoverseas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/winterlude.jpg