Picnicking Made Easy

Source strategically from cafés located close to perfect parks

Union Street Kitchen Café + Stanley Park Just minutes from the storied park on the Rideau River, Union Street Kitchen Café (42 Crichton St.) makes delicious pressed sandwiches, monster cookies, and salads. Hot tip: There’s lots of parking on Stanley Avenue at the southern end of the park where kids and parents congregate at the play structures.

Kettleman’s + Sylvia Holden Park Kettleman’s Bagel (912 Bank St.) is picnic central. Load up on bagels, flavoured cream cheeses, and gourmet cookies before heading to Sylvia Holden Park, an urban gem best accessed from Fifth Avenue, to picnic under the trees and enjoy the giant wading pool. Hot tip: It’s a five-minute stroll to the adjacent Lansdowne Park, which boasts its own play park, water feature, and loads of lawn.

The Beachconers + Britannia Beach The Beachconers (273 Britannia Rd.) is a cute café and ice cream shop just minutes from Britannia Beach. Stock up on muffuletta sandwiches, savoury scones, and vegan potato salad with avocado dressing before walking to the beach. Hot tip: The Beachconers is across the road from Mud Lake, whose perimeter is crisscrossed with trails — a fine place to stroll while enjoying a cone.