Discover Ottawa : Ottawa Neighbourhoods

Located some 200 kilometers west of Montreal, Canada's capital city covers an area of approximately 2,800 km2 and is made up of 11 former municipalities that were amalgamated in 2001. This large city is mainly composed of urban areas but also suburbs and rural areas. Consequently, there are many neighborhoods that we cannot list in their entirety. We have therefore divided a part of the city into three main areas and included the sub-neighborhoods that cannot be ignored, without forgetting those that are real destinations to "live" the city like a local. For the neighborhoods further from the center, like Kanata or Carp, we preferred to put them aside. And we couldn't leave out Gatineau, a Quebec city that faces Ottawa, across the Ottawa River, and is included in the National Capital Region.

Le Parlement du Canada © Maurizio De Mattei - Shutterstock.Com.jpg

Parliament, Byward Market and the East

This is where many of the city's hotels and landmarks are located, starting with Parliament Hill, home to the federal government. This is also where the city, once known as Bytown, originated. We have delineated this area to the north by the Ottawa River, to the south by Laurier Avenue, to the west by Booth Street and to the east by the Rideau River. To this is added the area comprising New Edinburgh, Vanier and Rideau-Rockcliffe, which is just east of the Rideau River and the neighbourhoods of Parliament, Byward Market, Lowertown and Centretown. It is bounded on the north by the Ottawa River, on the south by Highway 417 (Queensway), on the west by the Rideau River and on the east by Blair Road

Parliament Hill. Home to the three magnificent Gothic federal government buildings. The largest, located in the center, usually houses the Senate and the House of Commons. However, with major restoration work underway in the Centre Block until 2030-31, the House of Commons has moved to the West Block and the Senate to the former Ottawa train station. Parliament hosts many tours that not only provide an appreciation of the architecture of the buildings, but also an understanding of the division of powers among Canada's various institutions. The Library of Parliament, which was spared by fire in 1916, remains the only remnant of the original monument. Its armored door saved its 650,000 books. The Peace Tower, which dominates the complex, provides a view of up to 25 km around and its daily concert of chimes (53 bells) can be heard throughout the downtown area. Please note that the library and the tower are not accessible during the construction. In summer, at 10:00 a.m., the changing of the guard is performed with the seriousness that befits this strange and unchanging ceremony. It is in the vicinity of Parliament that you will have the chance to meet the famous Mounties, in full ceremonial uniform.

Downtown Rideau. A hub of culture and art, shopping and dining, this area spans dozens of blocks around Rideau Street, east of the canal. It includes the canal and the massive Rideau Shopping Centre, as well as the Byward Market, the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Bytown Museum, Confederation Park, Major's Hill Park and Ottawa City Hall.

ByWard Market. The ByWard Market retains the look and vitality of more than a century and a half ago, and remains one of the city's liveliest and most joyful places. In summer, it is the most cosmopolitan part of Ottawa. Restaurants, bars and all kinds of pretty stores surround an indoor market (open year-round, plus an outdoor farmer's market in season) selling gourmet foods and snacks, arts and crafts, souvenirs and more. As in Toronto, you can also take a picture in front of the large "Ottawa" sign at the corner of York and Sussex.

Lowertown , or la Basse-Ville in French, was historically the French and Irish quarter of the city, in opposition to the old Upper Town of the English and Scots. Today it is a cosmopolitan neighborhood that stretches from Sussex Drive in the west and north, to the Rideau River in the east and Rideau Street in the south.

New Edinburgh. Located between Rockcliffe Park and Vanier, New Edinburgh is one of the city's coolest neighbourhoods. Only a 40-minute walk from Parliament Hill, its trendy pubs, cafes and restaurants, mostly clustered on Beechwood Avenue, make for a great walk.

Rideau-Rockcliffe. A mostly residential area, there are some beautiful, well-to-do homes, especially along Sussex Drive (which becomes Rockcliffe Parkway further east). It is on this road that you will find, among others, the French Embassy, the house of the Prime Minister of Canada and the house of the Governor General (Rideau Hall). Continuing along this beautiful parkway, you will pass Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries, before arriving at the RCMP College and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

Vanier. Historically French-Canadian and working-class, Vanier has diversified culturally and remains primarily a residential area. Independent businesses and banners have set up shop, notably along Montreal Road and on Beechwood Avenue to the north, the dividing line with the New Edinburgh neighbourhood

Centretown, The Glebe and the South

Rideau Canal. This river axis crosses the city and serves as a splendid walkway. In winter, its frozen waters become the world's longest skating rink (7.8 km), while in summer it is a popular spot for kayakers, cyclists and strollers. The Rideau Canal was built following the War of 1812, between 1826 and 1832, to transport troops and supplies from Montreal to the Great Lakes. It originated in Kingston, on the shores of Lake Ontario, and winds its way through the region before reaching Ottawa. Today it is used only for pleasure boating

Centretown. We have defined this area as the large central portion of the city between Laurier Avenue to the north and Highway 417 (Queensway) to the south. Centretown is located south of Parliament Hill and is home to many businesses and offices, the Canadian Museum of Nature, etc. Bounded on the west by Bronson Street, where the ethnic neighbourhoods begin, Centretown's attractions are mainly concentrated up to Queen Elizabeth Drive and the Rideau Canal. The portion between the canal and the Rideau River to the east (Sandy Hill, Ottawa East), from Laurier Avenue to the Queensway, is also part of Centretown. On this side of the canal, you will find the University of Ottawa, Laurier House National Historic Site and Strathcona Park, among others. Take a stroll down Sandy Hill to see the beautiful historic homes

The Glebe and the South. This portion of the city runs south from Highway 417 (Queensway) to Walkley Road (Ottawa Road 74) much further south. It is bounded on the west by Fisher Avenue and on the east by Highway 417 (the highway branches off to the south just past downtown). The Rideau Canal runs through the area, which includes several large parks and vibrant neighbourhoods such as The Glebe. It's one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in the city, with its old houses and undeniable character. But it's also a trendy area where good places to eat are springing up. From the Queensway to Queen Elizabeth Drive, it is always good to stroll, especially on Bank Street, the heart of the neighborhood. Note that at the southwest end of the Glebe is Lansdowne Park, a large urban site with restaurants, a movie theatre, a farmers' market, a sports stadium (Canadian soccer), etc. Just south of the Glebe is the charming little historic district of Old Ottawa South. Cafes, bars, restaurants and other businesses line Bank Street. To the west of this area, across Bronson Avenue, lies the Carleton University campus.

Chinatown, Little Italy and the West

The ethnic districts and the western part of the city are always bustling with activity and are mostly frequented by locals. A good place to take the pulse of the capital!

Chinatown. On Somerset Street, in the west end of the city, between Bay and Preston, lies Ottawa's little Chinatown. Numerous storefronts and restaurants attract Ontarians of Asian descent, but also lovers of this fascinating culture. Note that in 2010, to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and China, a new Chinese arch was installed on Somerset.

Little Italy. Along Preston Street, from Albert Street in the north to Carling Avenue in the south, you will find Little Italy with its delicatessens and restaurants offering authentic Italian cuisine.

Hintonburg. This is THE trendy area of the city. Everyone talks about it. Everyone goes there. And it's here that many new trendy addresses decide to make their home. Wellington Street is the epicenter.

Wellington West and Westboro Village. These neighborhoods should be on your itinerary if you have a little time. Stores of all kinds, trendy cafes and restaurants, hip bars and pubs, craft breweries and other businesses line the streets of these neighborhoods just west of Hintonburg.