Ottawa has always been a tourist destination being the nation’s capital. These days, the reason why people are flocking to Ottawa is a little different. Travellers from Toronto, Kingston, Montreal and more are looking to enjoy that mix of city and nature that Ottawa so uniquely offers but also for the diverse shopping experience. The only real problem is when you only have a weekend, with so much to do and so many different area’s of Ottawa, it’s hard to fit it all in!
While the downtown core of Ottawa is fantastic and full of almost everything you want to do and see, there are some other area’s really worth checking out. The Westboro area of Ottawa has many one of a kind shops, restaurants and unique spots to pop in to. So when you get to Westboro here’s a list of places you shouldn’t miss.

Vien Avec Moi

• Viens Avec Moi (1338 Wellington Street West): 
This chic boutique has us thinking we’re in SOHO when we step in. The friendly and very style savvy staff will ensure you a comfortable shopping visit and will make great style suggestions (take them!). It’s no wonder, the owner’s are also modelling agents and one of the owners is a fashion stylist (seriously!). Brands carried range from Courage Brand and Jenny Bird to BB Dakota and Pink Stitch plus so many more!
• Three Wild Women (263 Richmond Road): 
Known to many in Ottawa, Three Wild Women cater to a very diverse group of clients. It likely has something to do with their wide range of sizes and styles. Brands carried range from Caty Lesca, Janska and Nally & Millie to Sympli and many more!
• Max’s Footwear Boutique and Cobbler (1264 Wellington Street West): 
Stand alone shoe stores (outside of a mall) that aren’t part of a big chain can be tricky enough, but one with unique brands and styles, that’s something else entirely.  Max’s footwear boasts a wide array to choose from and even has a reasonable selection of unique men’s styles. Prices and styles range, so there’s a good chance there is something there for anybody.
• Flock Boutique (1275 Wellington Street West): 
Canadian focus is very much what Flock boutique is about! The big sister shop to Ottawa’s WorkShop Boutique. Flock carries a diverse range of Canadian made clothes, accessories and gifts. Flock also offers classes in sewing, knitting and jewellery making t’boot!
• AMH Style (1440 Wellington Street West): 
Fashion finds galore, this shop carries so many different brands, it’s hard to try and list them. AMH Style is a high end consignment shop where inventory coming in is monitored with careful eyes. The high standard for what makes it onto the shelves is very apparent as you begin to sift through the racks with your eyes popping open as your fingers slide the hangers one by one reading the brands you thought were hard to find.

AMH Style

With all that shopping, no doubt you’re hungry and with an eye on keeping your money for all your fabulous finds, here’s a few places that won’t snag all your dough:

• The Works (326 Richmond Road)
: Want a burger? Want a delicious poutine? I could keep going with the food question’s but I wont. The Works is the perfect spot to sit down with friends and have some guilty pleasure food! A wide variety of burger options, as well as unique poutines that will leave you unsure of how to pick only. The portions ensure you walking out stomach full and satisifed with out busting the wallet (Editor’s note: While this is a national, the menu can vary, depending on location.  Often, the items are similar, with names localized).
• Siam Bistro (1268 Wellington Street West)
: Don’t walk a step further down Wellington West if you’re looking for mouth watering Thai food. Generous portions, a relaxing atmosphere and the selection are just a few reason’s to give this spot a try. The owner Montha McGinnis formerly taught Thai cooking lessons in Ottawa for over ten years! (Highly suggest trying their Pad Thai).
• Parma Ravioli (1314 Wellington Street West)
: Sometimes sitting down for a fresh made sandwich or a big plate of pasta is exactly what you need to fuel up in between shop hopping. Plus after eating, it’s a great place to buy some fresh pasta to take back with you. The in-restaurant store has a great selection of pasta and sauces.