A sugar rush in Ottawa, ON

While Tim Hortons might be the go-to pit stop for a doughy treat, Ottawans can broaden their honey-glazed horizons beyond the standard Boston cream with a sampling of the finest doughnut recipes from around the world. Greek to Polish, French to fusion, there’s a delicious doughnut to please every pastry-lover. Now, get out there and explore!

Whether it’s a grab-and-go situation (maybe the boss let you off early on Friday afternoon), a late night snack (we all know how well Black Forest cherry cheesecake complements cosmopolitans), or the grand finale to a successful first date, here are the top picks for Ottawa’s cake-by-the-slice connoisseurs.

Whether you're craving traditional vanilla or aiming to expand your horizons of taste sensations, the city offers many downtown ice cream shops through to picturesque village destinations nearby. Aficionados know to celebrate summer throughout the year: most of these destinations offer tasty treats even in wintertime, so you can reminisce about heat waves as snowflakes fall.

Have you been neglecting your sweet tooth? Not anymore, if you heed the advice of this list. Ottawa is a great city to get your sweet on. If you're out with some friends for a night on the town or just craving something delectable, it's a good time to indulge in some deliciously decadent desserts. After all, you only live once.

If there were a hall of fame for comforting aromas, the scent of fresh-baked bread would surely make the cut. And when it comes to tastes, buttercream icing can transport you right back to Grandma’s kitchen. Having a stressful day? A few delectable treats from these Ottawa bakeries will help cheer you right up.

Why settle for a candy bar from the office vending machine when you can revel in chocolate fondue, hand-made truffles or chocolate-covered pretzels? If cocoa is your pick-me-up of choice, pay a visit to one of these chocolatiers or cafés and treat yourself to something truly special.

When you’re craving a fancier option for your morning snack, a sweet or savoury croissant might just do the trick. Whether you’re seeking a straight-up butter croissant or a heavenly-meets-sinful pain au chocolat, these shops and bakeries will put the belle époque in your casual breakfast.