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Summer is almost coming to an end, and here are a 6 things you can do in Ottawa with your dog before it ends. How many of these have you completed?

1. Go Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) with your Dog

SUP is becoming more and more popular, and many dog owners have started taking their companion on it too. If your dog is comfortable enough, this might be a great way to spend some time on the water together.

Some tips to get you started:

• Get a life jacket for your dog.
• Get your dog used to the water and to the board first. Use lots of treats and start with the board on the ground. Have your dog hop on and off.
• Move the board to shallow water and repeat the same training.
• Move the board while you stand in the water, with your dog on the board. Teach your dog to lie down to control their balance.

Where to Rent a SUP?

The one I have used before and loved was Ottawa SUP. You can rent a paddleboard or, if it’s your first time, take a lesson to get yourself used to it. The staff is friendly and will show you how to use a board on the ground first, then together on the water as a group with the instructor, after which you can go paddle by yourself before returning the board. They are pet-friendly so you can bring your dog too. Their first location is on Bank street, but they opened a new one at Constance Bay Beach recently as well.

2. Take your Dog on a Patio Night at Tavern at the Gallery

The newest tavern opened in the hidden courtyard of the National Gallery of Canada and not only is it a beautiful and relaxing space to share a plate with your family and friends, they’re also dog-friendly! Their menu is pretty large and varied compared to the other Taverns in the city. You can also keep an eye on their page for live music and events such as yoga. I brought my dog to the yoga class and although it was mostly geared towards beginners, we both enjoyed it a lot.

3. Go Camping / Glamping with your Dog

I know how hard it is to find an available camping spot at the last minute, but let me show you a little trick! One glamping spot that I discovered last year is called Cabinscape. Although some cabins don’t allow pets, many do and you will find that information on each cabin’s description page so make sure to double check first. You will notice that most, if not all, are fully booked, but if you sign up to their newsletter, you will receive an email with some last minute cancelations.

Another one you can check out is Tiny Village. They have different locations available and most are dog-friendly!

4. Take your Dog Hiking at Gatineau Park

Most trails in Gatineau Park are dog-friendly and if you are not sure, you can check this page before you go. We love taking the dogs to a trail early in the morning while it’s still cool out and hit a coffee shop on the way back for a light lunch and some coffee. Our favorite spot is Cafe Palmier. Their interior is so cute, and the dogs love sitting on their beautiful large patio. A must visit.

5. People Watch/Dog Watch while Reading a Book

I recently discovered Russell’s mom’s hidden Instagram account, which made me rediscover my love for reading. The dogs and I have been loving this new “us” time where we take a book and sit on a patio to read and people watch. Here are some of our favorite coffee shops for this:

• Spa Cafe (now called Raw Cafe) because it’s always quiet and the couch is large enough for all of us.
• Planet Coffee: We love their patio (the coffee, not so much, I’ll admit. But they have tasty baked goods).
• You can find a whole section of dog-friendly places in Ottawa on my blog, not limited to food establishments.

6. Enjoy an ice cream with your dog

Did you know that Carp Custom Creamery has amazing ice cream? Did you also know they offer pupcones to your dog? I don’t think I need to say anything more except that it’s worth the drive!

What else did you do this summer with your dog? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post!