Nothing beats a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a crisp Ottawa winter day! As temperatures drop and festive activities fill your calendar, knowing where to find the perfect warm beverage becomes essential winter knowledge.
From classic BeaverTails hot chocolate to artisan café creations, Ottawa offers delicious options for warming up. Whether you’re finishing a skating session, browsing Christmas markets, or simply escaping the cold, these spots deliver the cozy comfort you crave.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s best hot chocolate ranges from classic spots like BeaverTails (ByWard Market, Rink of Dreams) to artisan cafes throughout the city. Prices range from $3-8. Look for housemade options for premium experience.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Season | All winter long |
| 📍 Areas | ByWard Market, Glebe, Westboro |
| 🎟️ Price Range | $3 - $8 |
| ⏰ Best Timing | After outdoor activities |
Classic Ottawa Spots
BeaverTails
The iconic Canadian choice:
Locations:
- ByWard Market (year-round)
- Rink of Dreams (seasonal kiosk)
- Rideau Canal Skateway (when open)
What to Know:
- Classic hot chocolate pairs perfectly with pastries
- Quick service for cold skaters
- Multiple locations throughout the city
- Seasonal outdoor kiosks at skating venues
- Part of the Ottawa winter experience
The ByWard Market Area
Multiple options in one area:
- Various cafés throughout the market
- Walk and compare while shopping
- Indoor seating to warm up
- Combination of chains and independents
- Perfect after Christmas market visits
Illustrative image only.
Artisan Café Options
Glebe and Old Ottawa South
Neighbourhood café culture:
Popular spots in the area:
- Independent coffee shops with quality hot chocolate
- Housemade options with premium chocolate
- Cozy atmospheres for lingering
- Near Lansdowne activities
- Book and café combinations
Westboro Village
Foodie neighbourhood offerings:
- Boutique cafés with specialty drinks
- Often European-style preparations
- Higher-end chocolate options
- Walkable café-hopping potential
- Combined with neighbourhood shopping
Hintonburg
Trendy options:
- Hip cafés with creative menus
- Artisan approach to classics
- Vegan and alternative milk options
- Unique flavour additions
- Instagram-worthy presentations
Hot Chocolate Styles
Classic Preparation
Traditional hot chocolate made with:
- Cocoa powder and milk
- Sugar and vanilla
- Topped with whipped cream or marshmallows
- Comforting and familiar
- Budget-friendly option
European Style
Richer preparations:
- Real melted chocolate base
- Thicker, more decadent texture
- Often less sweet
- Premium drinking experience
- Higher price point
Specialty Options
Creative variations:
- Mexican hot chocolate (spiced)
- Peppermint or flavoured versions
- Spiked/adult versions (select locations)
- Vegan and dairy-free options
- White hot chocolate alternatives
Illustrative image only.
By Activity
After Skating
Near Rink of Dreams:
- BeaverTails kiosk on-site
- Walk to ByWard Market nearby
- Rideau Centre food court (if needed)
Near Lansdowne:
- Glebe coffee shops
- Lansdowne food options
- Bank Street cafés
Christmas Market Visits
Near Ottawa Christmas Market (Lansdowne):
- Market vendors selling hot drinks
- Glebe neighbourhood cafés
- Quick warm-up options nearby
Near ByWard Market:
- Multiple café options
- Heritage Court buildings
- Market vendor offerings
General Downtown Exploration
Central locations:
- Sparks Street options
- Rideau Centre food court
- Bank Street cafés
- Elgin Street spots
Tips for Hot Chocolate Success
Finding the Best
What to look for:
- Housemade usually means better quality
- Real chocolate vs. powder makes a difference
- Fresh preparation vs. pre-made
- Proper temperature - hot but drinkable
- Quality toppings - fresh whipped cream
Budget Considerations
Options for every wallet:
| Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Chain/Quick Service | $3-4 |
| Independent Café | $4-6 |
| Artisan/Specialty | $6-8 |
| Market Vendors | $4-6 |
Making It Special
Elevate the experience:
- Ask about add-ons (extra chocolate, flavours)
- Request specific milk alternatives if needed
- Try a pastry pairing
- Find a window seat for people watching
- Make it a ritual during winter activities
DIY Option
Make It at Home
For the ultimate hot chocolate experience:
Quality Ingredients:
- Good quality cocoa or chocolate
- Whole milk or preferred alternative
- Real vanilla extract
- Quality toppings
Bring to Events:
- Thermos for skating outings
- Pre-made for Christmas market visits
- Customize to your taste
- Save money while staying warm
Family-Friendly Spots
With Children
Considerations for families:
- Kid-sized portions available
- Not too hot temperatures
- Fun toppings like marshmallows
- Comfortable seating for groups
- Proximity to activities
Good Options
Family-welcoming spots include:
- BeaverTails locations
- Mall food court options
- Family restaurants with beverage menus
- Cafés with space for strollers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where’s the best hot chocolate in Ottawa? A: It depends on your preference. For classic quick-service, BeaverTails delivers. For artisan quality, explore independent cafés in the Glebe, Westboro, or Hintonburg.
Q: Are there dairy-free hot chocolate options? A: Many cafés offer alternatives including oat, almond, and soy milk. Ask about vegan whipped cream alternatives as well.
Q: Can I get alcoholic hot chocolate? A: Some restaurants and bars offer spiked hot chocolate. This is more common at sit-down establishments than quick-service spots.
Q: What’s the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa? A: Hot chocolate is traditionally made with melted chocolate, while hot cocoa uses cocoa powder. Many places use the terms interchangeably.
Q: Is it worth paying more for artisan hot chocolate? A: If you appreciate premium chocolate and richer flavour profiles, yes. For a quick warm-up, standard options work perfectly well.
Final Thoughts
Hot chocolate is Ottawa’s winter comfort drink, and the city offers options ranging from quick classics to artisan indulgences. Whether you’re warming up after skating at the Rink of Dreams, taking a break from Christmas market shopping, or simply escaping the cold, a perfect cup awaits.
The best hot chocolate is often the one you enjoy in good company, at the right moment, after a cold outdoor adventure. Explore different spots throughout the season and find your personal favourites.
Stay warm, Ottawa!
Source: Local Ottawa café reviews, Ottawa Tourism - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa food and drink, visit Where to Go or explore Things to Do!
