Cougars in Ottawa have a reputation for being as modest and delightful as their maple syrup. But don't be tricked by these stale stereotypes. With several sophisticated Ottawa cougar bars and destinations, it should come as no surprise that these sexy and mature felines are fierce and playful in their search for an attractive man.
Before we dive in, let’s first talk about the modern way to meet cougars in Ottawa: dating apps and sites. Here’s a quick summary of the cougar dating apps in Ottawa that have consistently worked for young cubs looking for mature women to date:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
Ottawa cougars do not only limit their search online, but they also prowl for fanciable cubs in restaurants, pubs or even at a Senators game. And if they can't get their Ottawa Senator at the game, these young-at-heart creatures go the extra mile and visit bars like Atomic Rooster or attend culinary lessons at the Urban Element.
As a dating coach who has met more than my fair share of older women in Canada’s capital city, I’ve rounded up my most knowledgeable peers to create this list of the best places to meet cougars in Ottawa.
There's undoubtedly a growing market in Canada for romantic opportunities. According to Statistics Canada, around 30% Canadians live in one-person households, and it’s never been higher than this since records began.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to meet some thrill-seeking older women, visit these cougar bars in Ottawa and tell us how it went.
Methodology for Finding Single Cougars in Ottawa
The thing with finding cougars in any city is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to meet Ottawa cougars:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz among older women. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if these locations are popular among cougars. They then use their charm to approach these women.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find cougars.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of cougar dating apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of cougar hangouts in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Where Cougars in Ottawa Congregate
Cougar locations in Ottawa are a dime a dozen, but here's where our team found the most success.
Heart & Crown is for classic cougars and Nordic beers
@heartandcrownbyward
Perched in the heart of the Irish Village is Heart & Crown, a classic Irish pub that serves a range of beers with live entertainment. Start your night with its mouth-watering chicken tenders, which go with fresh-cut fries and the signature H&C sauce.
Personally, Heart & Crown's smoked chicken quesadilla is a great option if you want some grilled flour tortillas. Also, try its wide selection of drinks such as Stella Artois, Budweiser, Bud Light and Boddingtons. What we recommend is the draught Smitchwick Ale, which captures the unique Irish flavor and combines it with deep malt, aromatic fruits and roasted barley notes.
While any time is always a good time at Heart & Crown, coming to this Irish Pub daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. will put the odds on your favor, especially in hunting cougars in Ottawa. More often than not, cougars in Ottawa stop by during these hours for Heart & Crown's half-price appetizers. So, comb your hair, flash a smile and buy her a drink to show your growing interest in her company.
What Other People Are Saying About Heart & Crown
Jennifer Fernyc - Google Maps
“One of the biggest fish and chip portions I have ever seen! Good quality food at a fair price in the heart of a touristy area, which will exceed your expectations. If you have a big group, this is an ideal location as it is huge with many smaller areas where you can enjoy a section to yourself.”
If you just want bedroom fun AFF is your best bet (try it free)
“Canadian dating apps can help singles cover a lot of ground and meet new people from all walks of life,” says dating expert Amber Brooks. “That’s a valuable tool to have in a pocket or purse.”
Indeed, cougars lead busy lives. Some are engrossed in their careers while others have kids to take care of. In all the hustle, they barely have time to maintain a relationship. Despite this, cougars still want a little somethin’ somethin’ to keep them warm on cold nights. So what do they do? They go to AFF (which has a great free trial).
AFF is one of the biggest sites of its kind. It’s not for dating or finding love. Instead, AFF helps you meet like-minded people who just want to get down and dirty. Yes, it’s for casual sex, and yes, lots of cougars love using this site.
We have tried a lot of different options and have yet to find a faster or easier way for most guys to meet a lot of single cougars who just want a physical relationship!
Most of the women we’ve met on AFF are in their 30s and 40s. This makes for the perfect site to meet a sexy, sultry cougar who’ll drive you wild in bed. And don’t worry too much about gussying up your profile. The women here want to make a connection with you based on how to talk to them. They aren’t too focused on a killer smile and washboard abs.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review. If you want to get a sexy older woman in bed, AFF is the way to go.
What people think of AFF
Mike T. - SiteJabber
“I enjoy my membership with AFF as much as I do it with couple other sites I use to have a guaranteed success. But guys, stop complaining that there are so many fake members on the site! Yes, dating industry is suffering from Nigerian scam and cam girls. Keep your mind clear and don't send any money to the members of the site. None of real members would ask money from you. And if hot looking girls inviting your to another site to have a private chat - report them straight away!”
u/CelebrationOk7819 - Reddit
“Been on AFF as a couple looking for married/single men. It is completely legit, have met many good people. Mostly milfs. That's correct. The problem that I have dealt with, that makes ALOT of guys think it's a scam, is they are not gold members. As a couple, if you can't afford gold, then you can't see our pics or actively chat with us... so, we will not bother. Then, the some that pay, get pushy and expect, because a woman is on there, they are expected to hook up just because they are asked. Women don't want little dicks, guys that don't take care of themselves etc.... with that being said, the positive reviews from men looking for females, are the guys that know how to talk, approach, bathe and have a package to offer.”
Enjoy fun activities with Ottawa cougars at the Rideau Canal
narcity.com
Tucked in the heart of Ottawa is the Rideau Canal, which threads its way delicately through the city's downtown core. Rent a bike under Plaza Bridge or the nearby Sparks Street and explore the hidden beauty of the Rideau Canal. Depart early in the morning to take pleasure in the crisp air during autumn or to avoid the heat in the summertime.
Guys need to learn how to have fun and meet cougars at the same time. The more fun you have together the more likely she is to become attracted to you!
You can also try guided Rideau Canal cruises. Not only do boat adventures provide a unique perspective of Ottawa, but it also gives you significant time to chat with a cougar. Ottawa cougars come here over the weekend to explore the iconic locks in the lower end of the canal. In several cases, you can see them enjoying a picnic while watching boats pass by one bolt at a time.
Casually approach her for directions to break the ice. If she’s responsive, invite her for a quick stroll at the Rideau Canal Skateway or a drink at The Moon Room.
What Other People Are Saying About Rideau Canal
Kiet TT - Google Maps
“Amazing scenic trail to walk along in Ottawa. You get a river view and you can also see the Parliament. Very peaceful and not much people at the time I went.”
eHarmony has been the best way to meet cougars if you want a relationship (try for now)
Times are indeed changing. You used to be able to meet all the women you want in bars and pubs. But these days, a lot of women (including the more mature ones) prefer to take their search online. So if you keep running into the same singles who just aren’t your type, it’s time to use your phone to meet women you actually want to be with!
Of all the apps and sites we’ve tried for meeting cougars, eHarmony has been able to consistently deliver the best results for us. When it comes down to it the reasons are pretty simple: they have a ton of women on the site (30 million+ members, many of whom are in Ottawa), the women are way more engaged than other sites, and they have an amazing record of success.
We haven't found a site that has more responsive women or gave us better relationship-oriented results!
Since eHarmony has a more involved signup and matching process it does a fantastic job of filtering out all the women who would be attention seekers, time wasters, or message black holes. All of those women fall out during the initial signup and don't end up as possible matches. They don't want a bunch of women on their site that aren't even interested in meeting up and it shows. We have yet to find a more responsive group of women on any app or site. That means more and better results for you even if you struck out on other sites and apps. Need more info on how eHarmony works for a regular guy? We’ve created an eHarmony review where you can see how the site works, how you can meet people, and how you might one day find love online!
Check out their proven trial and see what we're talking about. It takes a bit of time but it's well worth it.
What people think of eHarmony
Isaak Loeppky (Eyes) - Google Play
“Although I have not been successful as of yet, this sight by far exceeds any other. Security levels are quite suffic, and everyone is really friendly. I appreciate all the feedback eharmony gives, allowing a high level of success when a person finds the right one. A person should never be discouraged if they do not receive results immediately. Positive progress requires patience in most situations. Success is likely if you remain eminent in your search.”
Bill - Google Play
“eHarmony is safe and reliable. No additional hidden fees and no "partner" sites adding to confusion and more fees. I feel safer here with no surprises. No auto renewals without reminders and consent.”
Visit the Canadian War Museum to meet fellow history lovers
@warmuseum
If you think that a lady's only place in a museum is in a mounted sketch smiling modestly and sitting beautifully, then you've never been into the Canadian War Museum. Located in 1 Vimy Pl, the Canadian War Museum is apparently a bedrock for cougars–and no we don't mean passionate fans of the Ottawa Cougars soccer team. Hot, single ladies aged 30 and up frequent at the Canadian War Museum thanks to the full range of fun activities.
Impress a cougar nearby with your smarts and join the museum's French and English trivia challenges. Alternatively, show your cheekiness and try on a sporran and a bonnie kilt for the place's Highland Dress Up activities. Better yet, watch exhibitions detailing Canadian life from the Cold War to the present.
Come on Thursdays and get free admissions from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. And if things go according to plan, you can invite her to nearby restaurants like Chez Fatima or Le Cellier for a quick bite.
What Other People Are Saying About Canadian War Museum
Will - Google Maps
“Hands down my favorite museum in Ottawa and a must-see for history buffs! I love the layout of the eras covered by the museum where you are actually walking through mock trenches in the WW1 section, as an example! Highly recommend visiting every couple of years or when they have special exhibits!”
Find a fit cougar at Movati Athletic
@MovatiAthletic
With hundreds of weekly fitness, aquatics and yoga classes available, Movati Athletic provides you with countless ways of meeting swanky cougars in Ottawa. Movati Athletic is a luxury fitness club that caters towards fit and sexy women. Mature women often go here for high-intensity workouts and activities like yoga and cycling.
Plus, the lodge-like charm that surrounds its cozy walls and spacious areas evoke serenity, calmness and a particular ressentir that attracts only the most prestigious and well-off cougars in Ottawa.
Come here for comprehensive yoga classes and learn all about inner peace, proper breathing and correct posture. A positive, smiling staff encourages a welcoming environment, perfect for mingling with other members. Afterward, you can bond over some juice at the built-in café post-workout.
What Other People Are Saying About Movati Athletic
Liz Macdonald - Google Maps
“I can't say enough positive things about my experience at Movati. From the moment I walk through the doors, I'm greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere that sets the tone for an excellent workout.”
Find a food-loving cougar at The Urban Element
@The-Urban-Element-171126996238403
Cooking classes are always full of cougars looking for a fun way to spend their evenings. And The Urban Element can attest to that. Even the busiest, most career-driven cougars end up taking classes here, as The Urban Element takes pride in catering to any and all schedules.
Come here and learn intensive hands-on courses on specific cuisines, cooking techniques and seasonally-inspired menus. Try the Basic Fundamentals workshops to gain confidence and skills in the kitchen or better yet, ask a cougar nearby for help.
Urban Element's organized, clean and elegant decor helps draw these sophisticated women in. Plus, the friendly teachers also do wine pairings once the food has been made, which helps get the conversation flowing.
What Other People Are Saying About The Urban Element
Mike - Google Maps
“Great experience. Friendly staff and great selection of menus to cook.”
The Apps Dating Coaches Recommend Most To Meet Cougars
More and more older women are only using apps and sites to meet guys, especially younger guys. You need to be on at least one or two apps now if you want to get the best results you can. These are the apps that give normal guys the best success meeting cougars:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Cougars | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Best For Relationships | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try eHarmony |
2nd Best For Hookups | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How to stay safe on dating apps in Ottawa
Canadians lost a combined $59 million to online romance scams in 2022, according to data published by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC). Follow these tips to ensure you stay safe when searching for cougars online in Ottawa.
- Keep your personal data safe. If you give away information such as your full name, address or any financial details, you could put yourself at risk of identity fraud.
- Watch out for catfish. Some 53% of Canadians have lied on their dating app profile, according to an EHarmony poll. What’s more, around half of dating app users say it’s “very common” to encounter fake scam profiles. So, make sure to complete a reverse image search on a user’s pictures if you’re suspicious about them. Ask them for a video call before agreeing to speak further too.
- Watch out for love bombing. Romance scammers will whatever it takes to build a fast bond with their victims. “If you’re religious, they’re religious. If you love pets, they love pets. If you’ve just been through a devastating loss, they’ve just been through a devastating loss,” says Rhonda Perkinsan, FTC marketing practice attorney. “They’re really good at building those connections.”
- Don’t give money to online strangers. After building an online relationship, romance scammers will typically message their victims about an emergency siuation where they need to borrow money. If they receive it, they’ll never pay it back. In fact, they’ll usually ask for more some days later. “They have an unexpected medical bill, or they have a bank loan that's come through or something like that,” says Thomas Keenan, author of Technocreep. “That's a major red flag and if they want your money, they're not your honey.”
More of Our Favorite Cougar Bars In Ottawa
Need a few more cougar bars in Ottawa to check out? Here are some where we’ve found the most success.
Find a laid-back cougar at Atomic Rooster
@Atomic-Rooster-267649179945257
This relaxed and open-concept bar features a calendar of live music, which is obviously a draw. But it's the extensive menu of beers, cocktails and wine that make this one of the best cougar bars in Ottawa. With local art on the walls and daily specials on tap, the more mature population certainly takes a liking to this place. Plus, the bar area offers ample opportunity for mixing and mingling.
Come on Mondays for half-priced wings, Wednesdays for a burger and a beer and Sundays for a prime roast dinner. After a few drinks, you can invite a cougar to a full-course meal at one of the tables nearby. A conversation over upscale pub fare will surely make an impression that lasts.
What Other People Are Saying About Atomic Rooster
Tanner - Google Maps
“Came here with a couple friends for a few drinks and food on Boxing Day. A really cool place, I especially appreciate all the artwork. There are a ton of pieces on the walls for sale, the walls are all colourfully painted and even the tables have unique designs!”
The Ottawa cougar bar for sophisticated older women is Bacchus
casinos.lotoquebec.com
A recent study from the National Library of Medicine found that older single women are mostly seeking fun and companionship from their relationships. You’ll certainly find this breed of cougar at Atomic Rooster, anyway.
Lodged inside of the Hilton Lac Leamy Hotel, delectable drinks and soft beats are always thumping at Bacchus. It’s where you can flaunt your hot bod at the pool and at the bar at night. The vibrant atmosphere and cozy Victorian charm are enough to make even the most conservative middle-aged women let loose.
The menu of fine brandies, ports, cognac, wines and scotch helps keep the environment relaxed and casual. While the smoking room adjacent to the bar provides more opportunities for a wonderful conversation with hot mature women.
Plus, Bacchus also comes with an exquisite fireplace and exquisitely prepared food, making it one of the best Ottawa cougar bars.
What Other People Are Saying About Bacchus
RockFox! - Google Maps
“Went here for a Christmas party in one of their downstairs areas, was quite nice.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dating In Ottawa
Is Ottawa good for singles?
Ottawa gets cold in winter, but that’s the only real disadvantage to dating here. In any case, the locals are still mostly looking to get out and about and make the most of the fun venues in this capital city.
“The downside to living in Ottawa is that winters can be so cold that it feels like you may lose a toe,” says local blogger Nina Clapperton. “Luckily, it’s very sunny, so at least you’ll enjoy the brightness while huddling beneath your winter layers!”
Is there a hookup culture in Ottawa?
Hook-up culture is becoming an increasingly noticeable part of being single in a big North American city, and that includes Ottawa. Indeed, 33% of Canadian women who use dating apps have had sex on the first date, according to a recent eHarmony survey,
“For every good guy, theres 5 fvckboys,” says local blogger Courtney Lundy. “You must go through the hard process of all those shitty people who only want you for your body.”
“The phenomenon seems to be bigger because there are now more people in college and university than ever before (mostly due to postponement of marriage or entering the workforce),” adds Ottawa-based dating coach Irene Yarkoni. “Once out of college, as the needs for stability and belonging increase, young grads are actually embracing dating practices.”
What is the most popular dating app in Ottawa?
eHarmony
Zoosk
AFF
Hinge
Plenty of Fish
How do I meet older women in Ottawa?
EHarmony data suggests that one in five relationships in Canada now begins online.
Yet, Pew Research data suggests that older women remain less likely to meet partners online than their younger peers. So don’t ignore the huge helping of bars, nightclubs and other social venues that are popular with singles too.
Does Tinder work in Ottawa?
Tinder was actually voted as the most hated app in Canada, following a study of online sentiment by Electronic Hub. That’s because only a small percentage of the most attractive users tend to reap all the rewards. If you're looking for a relationship, eHarmony is the way to go in this city.
Is it expensive to date in Ottawa?
Ottawa was ranked as the third most expensive city to date in Canada. In a recent survey by Elite Singles. You’ll typically have to pay more to woo a woman here than in most other Canadian cities.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
References:
Anderson, M., Vogels, E. A., Turner, E. (2020). The Virtues and Downsides of Online Dating. Pew Research Center.
Brooks, E. (2024) How to find and meet single cougars in 2024. Heart Insider.
Brown, A. (2020) Nearly half of US adults say dating has gotten harder for most people in the last 10 years. Pew Research Center.
Clapperton, N. (2023) 25 pros and cons of living in Ottawa, Ontario 2024. Nina Out and About.
eHarmony (2021) 10 online dating statistics you should know.
Foran, P. (2023) Toronto woman ‘horrified’ after losing $95,000 to romance scam. CTV Toronto News.
Healey, J. (2021) Christmas season is also catfishing season. Los Angeles Times.
Lundy, C. (2016) 14 things living in Ottawa teaches you about dating. Narcity.
Ottawa Citizen (2018) Why is dating so awful - and other questions.
Senkus, T. (2024) 2024 eHarmony review. Heart Insider.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024. Heart Insider.
Statistics Canada (2016) Families, households and marital status: Key results from the 2016 census.
Stevens, M. (2024) Experts review and rank the best cougar dating apps and sites for 2024. Heart Insider.
Villani, M. (2022) ‘So heartbreaking’: Calgary senior warns of romance scam after losing nearly $800K. CTV News.
Watson, W. K., & Stelle, C. (2011). Dating for older women: experiences and meanings of dating in later life. Journal of women & aging, 23(3), 263–275.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
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