A Water & Chicken Wings Adventure in Ottawa
By Jay Kana | Published September 3rd, 2026
Photos by Jay Kana unless otherwise noted.
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It had been pre-pandemic times since I’d spent more than four hours in Ottawa proper and it was high time that I’d made my return. I’d go kayaking in Ottawa, something I hadn’t done, and check out their chicken wing scene, also unchecked off my list.
(I was going to call this article “Paddles and Plates” but went with w for the alliteration.)
Why was I in Ottawa?
The annual Parks Canada Lock & Paddle event was taking place in mid-August at the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. I’d done the Montreal version in 2025 and the Peterborough one in 2024, meaning crossing Ottawa, Ontario off the list would give me the trifecta.
The event itself was a success and spending any amount of time in my kayak is always a good time, if you don’t mind crowds on water full of friendly people.
There were a couple hundred of us in kayaks and canoes on a perfect Saturday afternoon, with the sun beaming and a breeze soft enough to be felt, not frazzled by.
Ottawa’s network of waterways is an attraction unto itself and perhaps as years go by, there’ll be additional rental options to serve the growing community of visitors and locals.
So that takes care of the water portion of the headline.
Being a four-ish hour drive from Mississauga, instead of going home after the event, I decided to stay the night and spend more than a few hours here.
In this article, I’ll show you the three places I went for wings, where I set up home base, and touch on my kayak-carrying chariot, the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos.
Home Base - Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
I’ve stayed at a few Le Germain properties, all of which have been splendid with oh-so comfortable beds and splendid service. I can add the Le Germain Ottawa location to that growing list with ease. Located at 30 Daly Avenue and short stroll from the bustling ByWard Market, its best to keep the car parked underground as you explore this part of Ottawa.
I proudly say to anyone who’ll listen that chicken wings are are one of my favourite food groups. Well, foods. It’s not a food group but it should be. It’s kinda my thing. Colleagues once drove an hour to surprise me with chicken wings. Friends reach out with “have you had the wings at (insert restaurant here) messages.
Here at Le Germain Ottawa, I can add another piece to that fandom as someone there must’ve heard that I like wings.
When I arrived in my room, there was a small map with titled “Ottawa’s Best Wing Spots according to Nicholas.” For reference, he’s a twenty something lifelong Ottawa resident who’s friendly, captivating and a standup fellow.
I was going to have wings anyway but what’s the harm in having three dinners instead of one?
It was done as authentic research for this article.
Also, Norca Bar & Restaurant serves up a superb breakfast, all within a short elevator ride from you room.
Let’s dig in to his recommendations and the wings portion of the headline, shall we?
Cafe Orient
They’ve been serving superb dishes in the Ottawa area since 1993 and specials in Southern Chinese cuisine. And yes, the have chicken wings. Deliciously, delectable dang-good chicken wings. The menu describes the single flavour as “Fried Chicken Wing in Garlic & Pepper Salt.”
I’ve had wings at similar style establishments and they’ve all been ok. Here, it was a standout menu item. They were fried to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning.
There are over 100 menu items and while I’m fairly certain that chicken wings aren’t a Southern Chinese traditional delicacy, they’re absolutely worth trying if you’re even slightly into wings.
Address: 808 Somerset Street West
Driving distance from home base: 10 minutes
Walking distance from home base: 45 minutes
Glebe Central Pub
Their catchphrase is “Your Pub. ’Til 2 am. Everyday.” So if you’re looking for late night grub, they’re an option. They’ve got live music, plenty of TVs to catch Senator hockey games and other sports matches and a patio to enjoy in warmer months. Plus, there’s a weekly open mic and trivia night if you want to be involved in something as you dine.
Regarding my Saturday night visit, perhaps it was an off-night for their wings; they weren’t as tastefully enticing as they might be had I visited on a different day.
Address: 779 Bank Street.
Driving distance from home base: 10 minutes
Walking distance from home base: 45 minutes
Senate Tavern on Clarence Street
The final stop on my wing tour was the kinda spot where you want to pop in for late on a Saturday night. For most, it might be second dinner or second dessert, or if you follow this article, a third dinner.
The weather was warm enough to warrant sitting on their patio, adorned with strand lights, specifically their alleyway patio opposed to the front one.
A simple order of Buffalo wings hit the spot and this classic dressing of wings came as advertised. Sure, the other 11 flavours will appeal to other tastebuds but for me, if a restaurant can do the classic style well, the rest is just gravy. Or in this case, wing sauce.
Strategically, it’s a short (yet somehow felt long after three dinners…) walk from here to home base, a decision that was made earlier in the day that clearly paid off.
Address: 33 Clarence Street
Driving distance from home base: Don’t bother
Walking distance from home base: 10 minutes - 750 metres
The 2027 Kia Seltos
I’m fortunate to have test drive over 1,000 new cars in my career and for this journey, I opted for the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos subcompact crossover. Kia Canada graciously provided me with roof bars to mount my kayak racks and kayak, which after six years, still doesn’t have a name. I came close to naming it Selma Kayak.
Here’s my short video on my over 1,000 km road trip from Mississauga to Ottawa with it and why it’s an excellent road trip companion.