Urban Picnics in Every Season: How I Turn Eating Outdoors Into a Little Ritual
For some reason, food always tastes better when it’s eaten outdoors. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s the change of scenery, maybe it’s just the joy of pausing in the middle of a busy city. Whatever it is, I’ve learned to treat even the simplest meal outside as a little ritual.
I call it urban picnicking. Some people might say I’m just “eating outside,” but to me, it’s so much more—it’s a way to make a memory out of lunch. Whether I’m home in Ottawa or exploring another city, I’m usually the one who doesn’t mind looking a little like a tourist, perched on a bench or picnic table, unzipping my small backpack and setting up my meal.
Why I Love Urban Picnics
Every meal becomes an adventure. A simple sandwich feels special when it’s paired with sunshine, people-watching, or a city view.
It’s flexible. I picnic in all four seasons—even on a sunny February!
It slows me down. Sitting with a warm drink or a crisp salad outside makes me notice my surroundings in a different way.
My Picnic Backpack Essentials
Over time, I’ve created a little kit for my small backpack. It means I’m always ready for an impromptu picnic. When I'm on an urban adventure, here’s what I never leave home without:
Compact foldable seat cushion or mat. I’m not one for sitting on the ground, so I look for benches or picnic tables. A cushion makes any spot more comfortable—and in winter, it’s essential to keep a frozen bench from numbing you in seconds.
Utensils and napkins. I don’t rely on takeout spots to remember them, and I prefer to avoid plastic when I can. (Tip: I wrap my cutlery in a pretty tea towel that I can use as a placemat if I'm at a picnic table.)
Drinks:
Warm seasons: a refillable water bottle for walking breaks or lunch.
Cold seasons: add a lightweight insulated bottle. By lunchtime, my tea, apple cider, or hot chocolate is still steaming, which feels like such a treat.
Small garbage bag. I keep a roll at home and slip one into my backpack—perfect if there isn’t a bin nearby.
Sunscreen. Even in winter or after a morning indoors at a gallery, the sun can be bright and strong at lunchtime. A quick dab means I can enjoy it without worry.
Sourcing the Food
One thing I don’t pack? The food itself. Part of the joy of urban picnicking is discovering what’s nearby:
Food trucks serving up quick bites with big flavor.
Little bakeries where a croissant or tart feels like pure indulgence.
Hole-in-the-wall restaurants with steaming curries and comfort in a paper bag.
Neighborhood delis that pile sandwiches high and wrap them just right for a park bench lunch.
For me, sourcing food locally is part of the adventure and ties the picnic to the place I’m in.
Seasonal Picnic Moments in My Hometown
Winter: Benches along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa during Winterlude—thermos of hot cider and Beavertail in hand, watching skaters glide by.
Spring: Commissioners Park bursting with tulips, the flower beds a riot of color while savouring an Italian deli sandwich in the sun.
Summer: A shaded picnic table at Westboro Beach on a hot day, with a gourmet pizza, the lake breeze and laughter of swimmers all around.
Autumn: A bowl of curry in Majors Hill Park under a canopy of brilliant foliage, crunchy leaves underfoot and sweeping views of Parliament, the National Gallery and the Ottawa River.
Each season has its own flavor, and having my backpack ready means I can enjoy them all.
The Ritual of the Picnic
To me, an urban picnic is more than just eating outside. It’s about making space in the day to enjoy where you are. It’s about noticing details: the view, the sounds, the way food tastes when you’re not rushing. It’s about carrying a few little tools that turn a haphazard outdoor meal into something intentional, comforting, and fun.
Whether it’s a quick solo lunch or a shared snack with a friend, calling it a picnic elevates it. It’s a reminder that travel isn’t always about big destinations—it’s also about the little rituals you can carry with you anywhere.
Food really does taste better outside
The next time you grab a takeout lunch, I hope you’ll find a bench or picnic table and make a little occasion of it.
I’m working on my first Songwood Travel guide (starting with Ottawa!) and I’ll be including some of my favorite benches, picnic tables, and outdoor spots that are perfect for this ritual. If you’d like to know when it’s released, follow me on Instagram or Facebook for updates and sneak peeks.
