Emma WhiteOttawa’s liveliness makes it the perfect destination for team-building activities. From solving cryptic puzzles to completing adrenaline-inducing activities, the capital features various opportunities to help create a stronger bond for you and your team!
The real challenge here is finding the activity that will suit you and your company—that’s where we come in! Whether you’re looking to improve communication, teamwork or overall camaraderie, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve rounded up some foolproof team-building ideas that you can do in Ottawa as well as some handy tips. Let’s jump in!
- Chuck axes at BATL Axe Throwing
- Shoot targets at Archery Games
- Solve cryptic puzzles in escape rooms
- Go whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River
- Tour the city on bikes
- Obliterate your foes at Commando Paintball – Action Centre
- Complete the spooky Haunted Walk of Ottawa
- Spend a funtastic day at Xtreme Trampoline Park
- Watch a murder mystery unfold
- Score hole-in-ones at Mini Golf Gardens
- Blow off some steam at Smash Room Ottawa Inc.
- Enrol for a cooking class
Chuck axes at BATL Axe Throwing
Website: https://batlgrounds.com/axe-throwing-ottawa/
Address: 2615 Lancaster Rd #29, Ottawa, ON K1B 5N2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-686-6642
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $$
We all know work and life, in general, can be quite stressful, right? What better way to blow off some steam and build rapport with your workmates in the process than by chucking axes at a wooden stump?
BATL Axe Throwing offers a great package for this kind of activity, as they also feature a bar that serves different kinds of drinks—just don’t get too drunk. Don’t worry about safety though, as you’ll be coached by a professional beforehand.
What’s great about this activity too is that no one is immediately good at it, so you can just chuck axes on the targets without trying hard. Of course, keeping score can add that competitive nature but hey, you can always do this for pure dumb fun.
| Pro tip: If you want to add more to your day aside from throwing hatchets, stop by the Science and Technology Museum nearby. This way, you’ll get to learn something new before you turn off your brain for a thrilling time at BATL Axe Throwing. |
Shoot targets at Archery Games
Website: https://www.archerygames.ca
Address: 1860 Bank St #3b, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Z8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-523-2282
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Sometimes, the best way you can improve your workspace’s rapport is by pitting them against each other. One of the best ways to do this is by entering a bow and arrow arena in Archery Games!
Don’t worry though, as the arrow that you’ll use here won’t have arrowheads but instead these dull marshmallow-like tips that won’t hurt your opponent—hopefully. Fortunately, the overall feel of the bow is still the same, from winding it up to aiming it at your targets.
This activity will bring out the teamwork in your group, as you need to communicate effectively to defeat the other team. Win or lose, however, the important thing is that you’ve created a bond and of course, had fun!
| Pro tip: After determining the winning team, you can spend the rest of the day talking about your game over some delicious food at Playback, Archery Games’ in-house bar. There are also some games here like cornhole and beer pong! |
Solve cryptic puzzles in escape rooms
– Media credit: roomescapeottawa
You can’t have a list like this and not include escape rooms. Some may find it a cliche at this point, but we’re still all for these fun little puzzle rooms, as they bring out the best in your team, both physical and thinking-wise.
Plus, these rooms are just cool to explore, as they often feature creative themes that will either leave you spooked or impressed—or both! From haunted houses to spaceships, murder scenes and more, these themes will add to the overall escape room experience.
It’s also one of those activities where you can fail and still have fun! Of course, it would still be better if you, you know, ESCAPE.
| Pro tip: If you don’t know which escape room to check out, start your search with the best ones like Jigsaw Escape Rooms, Room Escape Ottawa and Escape Manor. |
Go whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River
– Media credit: owlrafting
If you and your group are looking for something thrilling to do for your team building, then whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River should be right up your alley! This activity will force you to work together if you want to conquer the crazy rapids that you’ll go through.
Plus, the views of Ottawa are worth seeing from this perspective as well! Although we don’t think you’ll have much time to admire them, as you’ll be too busy powering through the waves of the river.
Some raft trip outfitters will also let you choose from different levels of difficulty, ranging from family-friendly to all-out crazy. The latter of the two has a higher chance of making your raft go overboard so choose wisely!
| Pro tip: If you’re having trouble picking which raft trip outfitter to choose, check out Wilderness Tours and OWL Rafting. They’re two of the highest-rated providers in the city and they offer an extensive range of activities. |
Tour the city on bikes
– Media credit: bike_ottawa
Although it’s a touristy thing to do, exploring the beautiful city of Ottawa never gets old thanks to its magnificent views. One thing that can make this activity that much better and more appropriate for team building, however, is to ride a bike!
Also, with the hustle and bustle of your daily life, when was the last time you could honestly say that you stopped and admired the city’s views? By doing this activity for your team building, you can appreciate the city you live in together with your co-workers!
Who knows, maybe doing this will also give you a newfound appreciation for Ottawa. Plus, there are some hidden gems in the city that you can visit that you don’t necessarily pay attention to, whether it be restaurants, cafes, bookstores, etc.
| Pro tip: Since this activity is basically an exercise disguised as a tour, we recommend wearing active clothes. This way, your movement won’t be hindered and you’ll get to stay comfortable throughout the ride. |
Obliterate your foes at Commando Paintball – Action Centre
Website: https://commandopaintball.ca
Address: 4565 Dunning Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1J1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-835-1729
Operating hours: Weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $$
Paintball is another team-based combat game that’s perfect for building morale and establishing rapport with your workmates. If this sounds like something you and your group would love to do, there’s no better place to choose than Commando Paintball – Action Centre.
It’s been the capital’s premier paintball arena for over 30 years now, and it’s not hard to see why! For starters, the arena that they provide players is massive, giving you the freedom to run around and gain advantageous angles on your opponents.
Also, the paintball guns themselves are updated and have low chances of jamming when you’re on the battlefield. This being said, consider this the opportunity to squash your beef with someone from the other team!
| Pro tip: If you’re looking for something more tactical than your regular game of paintball, try their airsoft arena too! This game requires more strategy than just plain running and gunning, so you’ll have to work closely as a unit. |
Complete the spooky Haunted Walk of Ottawa
Website: https://hauntedwalk.com/ottawa-tours/
Address: 46 1/2 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8, Canada
Contact details: +64 21 438 549
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $$
Another way you can make a city tour more exciting for your team building is by simply doing it at night! The Haunted Walk is the original provider of this night tour with a twist, which is why they’re the best ones to check out for this activity.
During this tour, you and your group will venture into the night and explore different spots in Ottawa that are believed to be haunted. If that’s not enough to send chills down your spine, the tour guide will also tell some ghost stories that occurred on these spots—spooky!
This experience isn’t just for the scares too, as it also allows you to be closer to your colleagues.
| Pro tip: Follow their official Instagram page to see their latest posts about their special offers! |
Spend a funtastic day at Xtreme Trampoline Park
– Media credit: christine_wardle_moulaison
Website: https://www.xtpark.com
Address: 50 Frank Nighbor Pl, Stittsville, ON K2V 1B9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-591-8889
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $$
Team buildings are also great for moving around, especially if most of your work glues you down to your seat most of the day. This being said, one of the best ways you can spend this day is by visiting Xtreme Trampoline Park!
You can think of this place as an adult playground where you and your colleagues can feel like kids again! The massive trampolines here will hold your weight and give you enough bounce so that you can reach crazy heights.
There are also various ball and cushion pits around the park so that you can land safely after gaining so much height from the trampolines.
| Pro tip: If you have some grip socks lying around in your wardrobe, bring them! This way, you don’t have to rent the park’s socks, which costs around 3 CAD. |
Watch a murder mystery unfold
– Media credit: theprescottottawa
Website: https://www.murdermysteryottawa.com
Address: The Prescott, 379 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-723-8900
Cost: $$
If you’re looking to be entertained, one of the best things you can do is attend one of Murder Mystery Ottawa’s live shows. It’s one thing watching a murder mystery on TV but it’s a whole other experience seeing it unfold in front of your very eyes!
This show will leave you intrigued by the mystery, and you and your colleagues can work together and solve the mystery yourselves! By working as a team, you need to find out who the killer is and their motive.
As for the show itself, it’s also entertaining, as it features a comedic tone rather than a dark and gritty mystery. It makes for a fun and thrilling night, especially with free-flowing drinks from the bar!
| Pro tip: If you can’t find a time when everyone is free, you can also check out their virtual mystery shows. These shows are conducted via Zoom, and they feature the same entertainment and interactivity as their live counterparts. |
Score hole-in-ones at Mini Golf Gardens
– Media credit: adamabraham15
Website: https://www.minigolfgardens.com
Address: 2 Colonnade Rd, Nepean, ON K2E 7M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-723-5359
Operating hours: Check the website for updated schedules and hours.
Cost: $
Mini Golf Gardens is the perfect destination for those slow days when you want to do something fun that isn’t too extreme. It’s your quintessential mini-golf course, complete with 18 holes, maintained gardens and some obstacle courses.
This activity is also the perfect example that creating a bond with your colleagues doesn’t always have to involve crazy over-the-top moments. Here, you can converse while you’re trying to score hole-in-ones or engage in some friendly banter—regardless of which, you’ll have fun!
After finishing the game, you can chill by the manicured gardens and grab a bite to eat while catching up with your colleagues.
| Pro tip: While you’re here, make sure to stop by the famous Rideau River! It’s only a couple of minutes away from the course on foot, and it’s one of the most iconic sights in Ottawa, so make sure to take a picture! |
Blow off some steam at Smash Room Ottawa Inc.
Website: https://www.smashroomottawa.com
Address: 889 Lady Ellen Pl, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7S8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-724-3013
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cost: $$
Smash Room Ottawa Inc. is perfect for team building. A place where people can freely smash bottles, old TVs, vases, and other breakable objects seems like the best thing to do to release all the accumulated stress from work.
Whether it’s your problem with your workload, your colleague or even your boss, this is the place to blow off some steam. Also, it’s just satisfying to hit different kinds of objects and see how they break.
Speaking of objects, you can also choose from their packages, each of which features a unique mix of objects that you can break with your bat—pretty neat!
| Pro tip: This can also be a great date idea if you’re looking to do something different with your partner! You can opt for their Double Trouble package, which is perfect for two pax. |
Enrol for a cooking class
If you’ve always wanted to be promoted from being a house chef, you can sign up for a cooking class with your workmates! Tons of culinary classes are available in Ottawa, all of which will turn you into the Gordon Ramsey of your household.
It may not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about team building, but think about it, you and your colleagues will get to learn something new together outside of work! Unless of course, you’re working in a restaurant.
| Pro tip: You can choose from a myriad of cooking classes in Ottawa but you should check out the highest-rated ones like C’est Bon Ottawa and Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute. |
