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Gondola dining has arrived on the Ottawa River this winter, bringing a whimsical new experience to Westboro Beach — and it’s already one of the city’s most talked-about cold-weather attractions. What might have been just another seasonal idea has instead transformed the shoreline into a glowing row of ski gondolas, each one offering the kind of cozy escape that feels almost transported from the Alps.
The owners of the Westboro location of The Grand Pizzeria didn’t set out searching for gondolas. In fact, the idea fell into their laps. “We kinda chanced upon the opportunity to purchase the gondolas,” the co-owner explains. A friend of his business partner wanted to buy a single ski gondola, but the manufacturer only sold them in sets of six. “We pondered it and decided to roll the dice and purchased the other five. We had never seen this before and thought it would be a unique winter dining experience.”
That spur-of-the-moment decision set the stage for something Ottawa didn’t know it needed. Since launching, the gondolas have quickly become a winter sensation — charming, cozy, and booked solid through the season.
A Winter Oasis on the Beach
Each gondola dining booth has been retrofitted with heating, banquette seating, interior lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and blankets, creating a surprisingly luxurious cocoon against the cold. The effect is immediate: the moment the door swings shut, the outside world disappears. The wind, the snow, the grey — all replaced by a soft glow, warm air, and the intimacy of a private room that just happens to be sitting on a sandy beach.
Guests order from the regular restaurant menu using a QR code, a system that keeps the experience relaxed and uninterrupted. Staff bundle up in coats, scarves, and gloves to run dishes back and forth from the kitchen, using special food warmers to ensure meals arrive piping hot — even on the coldest nights. It’s an unusual setup, but one that works smoothly.
“They are stationary and balanced and completely safe. There are no liability or insurance issues,” the owner notes, adding that despite Ottawa’s tough winters, the setup came with “no logistical issues other than delivery.” That ease has helped the team focus on what matters most: creating an experience that feels both fun and genuinely memorable.
Inside the gondolas, the ambiance ranges from romantic date-night glow to fun gatherings for couples or small groups. The lighting, the compact space, the novelty — it all comes together to make even a simple dinner feel special. And based on early demand, the gondolas’ appeal has far exceeded mere curiosity.
Huge Local Buzz — and a Lot of Dogs
“So far, they are hugely popular. We are booked up for most of January and feedback is 99% positive. Everyone loves them.” Reservations have flooded in from all age groups, from young couples trying something new to older guests marking anniversaries, birthdays, or just enjoying the change of pace.
One unexpected trend? Pets.
The restaurant’s Instagram is full of cheerful photos of dogs tucked inside gondolas beside their humans — happy faces, tails wagging, and the occasional tongue pressed adorably to the warm interior window. “Very popular with dog owners,” the owner says with a laugh. But popularity comes with boundaries: “We had to restrict three of the five units to dogs due to allergies and irresponsible dog owners. We draw the line at dogs eating at the table.”
Even with the new rules, the dog-friendly gondolas remain a hit and have added a playful touch to the whole experience. For many guests, the gondolas are as much about making memories — including with their pets — as they are about the food.
A Highlight of Sunset Dining
If there’s one moment that captures the magic of the gondolas, it’s sunset. The owner describes the view as unmatched: “The ideal experience in the gondolas — and inside the restaurant — is sunset dining. Dusk is spectacular at our location.”
As the sky shifts from gold to rose to deep winter blue, the river reflects every colour, and the gondolas glow like small lanterns lined up against the shoreline. It’s the kind of setting that makes people stop mid-meal just to take a picture. And those photos — shared widely across social media — have helped fuel the gondolas’ growing popularity.
As part of the promotion, the team has been working with Ottawa Tourism and the NCC, showcasing the gondola dining experience as a highlight of the Westboro Beach redevelopment — a stretch now growing into a lively winter destination on the river. The gondolas have become both an attraction and a symbol of the area’s evolving identity.
A Seasonal Pleasure
The gondolas are a winter-only installation and will be removed in the spring, but their impact is undeniable. They’ve given Ottawa a burst of creativity at a time when people crave something special — something that breaks the monotony of long, dark months and gives residents an excuse to embrace winter rather than endure it.
What started as a spontaneous decision to “roll the dice” has become one of the most charming, imaginative dining experiences of the season. And in a city where winter stretches on, maybe a little Alpine magic is exactly what people were waiting for.
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