The Most Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

Published on 24 March 2025 in Barrhaven Blog Gloucester community information Kanata Kanata neighborhood information Ottawa Ottawa Families by Jenn Chamberlain

Last updated on March 27th, 2025 at 10:04 am

There are a variety of things that make a neighbourhood family-friendly. For instance, being family-friendly can mean that the home is near other families with children, close to public services, has friendly nearby schools, and more. Location is everything. When deciding where to move with your family in or around Ottawa, finding the most family-friendly neighbourhoods will make your life easier and give your children an advantage growing up. With that in mind, let’s take a moment to review seven communities you will want to consider.

Bridlewood

Diverse, friendly, and safe, Bridlewood has many schools (including public, French, and Catholic), playgrounds, and parks. Green spaces like Deevy Pines Park are scattered around the neighbourhood and are relatively quiet. The community generally consists of single-family homes and townhomes with plenty of space for a household to grow. In addition, local sports and organizations provide year-round entertainment and fun for children of all ages. Because of its southern location, living in Bridlewood also cuts 20 to 30 minutes off your drive time compared to downtown Ottawa. This is ideal for spending summer weekends camping or cottaging in the Rideau Lakes region.

Island Park

Along its iconic namesake drive, Island Park is a peaceful place to raise a family. Walk the dog in Hampton Park, jog along the Byron bike path, or sign the children up for lessons at the Elmdale Tennis Club or T-ball at Fisher Park. Situated in the heart of trendy shopping districts of Westboro and West Wellington, you can dine on delicious cuisine (Petit Bill’s), shop for fresh fruit (Herb & Spice), pick up some world-famous bagels (the Ottawa Bagelshop & Deli), and savour fresh pasta (Parma Ravioli). To discover if this neighbourhood is right for you, why not visit an open house this weekend and explore? Click here if you’re interested.

The Glebe

The Glebe is a trendy downtown neighbourhood near Dow’s Lake and one of the oldest communities in Ottawa. It is a fantastic launching point for the rest of the city, with easy access to the Rideau Canal and bike and trail paths stretching throughout the city. A family-friendly place to raise children, this eclectic and vibrant region, bursting with colour and culture, should be a top consideration if you want something a little more urban with plenty of character. Being a part of downtown, The Glebe offers nearby access to grocery stores, numerous parks, and local attractions such as the Lansdowne flea market. Moreover, urban convenience comes from plentiful access to public transportation, such as buses and the LRT. The Glebe is also home to many schools, including:

Immaculata High School
Glebe Montessori School
Glashan Public School

Orleans Village-Chateauneuf

If you prefer the east end of Ottawa, there’s no better place to raise children than Orleans Village. It is a friendly, safe neighbourhood with excellent house prices and a diverse community. Bordered by Innes, Jeanne D’Arc, and Orleans Boulevard, there is easy access to shopping, restaurants, recreation facilities, parks, the public library, and much more. Orleans-area open houses are a great way to get a better feel for a community and whether you would enjoy everyday life in this suburban paradise. Recent residential developments include townhomes with interconnected streets. This gives the area a distinctly suburban feel, with traffic-calmed spaces perfect for families.

Barrhaven

Matching all the best qualities of the places discussed above, Barrhaven is one of Ottawa’s most reputable and fastest-growing suburbs. Throughout the area, you’ll find many French and English schools, including:

Chapman Mills Public School
École élémentaire publique Michaëlle-Jean
St. Joseph High School

Besides academics, Barrhaven is also home to many parks and green spaces where families love to spend time making memories. Convenience is at your doorstep, and there are plenty of great places for shopping, dining, and entertainment, such as four main shopping centres like the Barrhaven Town Centre. Everything from movie night to ticking errands off your to-do list is made more streamlined. With a strong community feel, Barrhaven also plans for events throughout the year that bring residents from all walks of life. These include, but are not limited to:

Santa Claus Parade
Easter Egg Hunt
Oktoberfest

Kanata

Kanata, a suburb in Ottawa West with over 40 parks and plenty of daycares, is considered one of the safest places to raise children. It’s also a fun-loving community offering various recreational activities for youths of all ages.

Facilities like the Xtreme Trampoline park and Kid’s Kingdom indoor playground are perfect for celebrating birthdays.
In the summertime, there’s no better place to be than the Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool.
Bring your children to the tobogganing hill and skating rinks at the Kanata Recreation Complex in the winter.
Then there’s Kanata Centrum, which has various shopping and dining options and Landmark Cinemas, perfect for a family outing.
Nearby is the expansive and beautiful Tanger Outlets Ottawa complex for those who prefer upscale designer clothes and special treats.
Beaverbrook Park has a splash pad, skating rink, and walking trails, providing fun all year long.

Many families seek out Kanata for its proximity to Ottawa with less hustle and bustle of city living. As a Kanata buyer, you’ll have no shortage of home options to choose from.

Stittsville

Also, in Ottawa West, Stittsville constantly expands and develops to welcome new families, yet it hasn’t lost its small-town charm. In the summer, local volunteer groups hold movie nights in public parks. One of the most popular eateries is Papa Sam’s Pizzeria on Main Street. It serves delicious pizza and an assortment of ice cream. Stittsville is filled with single-family homes, townhouses and duplexes, apartments and condos to match every lifestyle and budget, all within walking distance of quality schools. There are plenty of clubs and after-school activities for youth of all ages and work opportunities for teenagers looking to pad their wallets. Close to your new home in Stittsville is the Canadian Tire Centre, where you can watch hockey games, concerts, and events such as Disney on Ice or Cirque du Soleil. The numerous walking trails in this community make it a quaint and welcoming place to live, surrounded by natural beauty.

Riverside South

Riverside South is a beautiful neighbourhood that combines urban convenience with outdoor greenspaces. It is a standout choice for growing families that love spending time together with:

Outdoor walking trails in Claudette Cain Park and Champan Hills Conservation Area
Local eateries like Broadway Bar and Vittoria Trattoria
Local libraries and community events hosted by the Riverside South Community Association (RSCA).

Alta Vista

Love tree-lined streets? Alta Vista is calling. Prized for safety, larger lot space, and plenty of single-detached homes, this neighbourhood is family-friendly yet a stone’s throw from downtown Ottawa. Alta Vista is well-established and well-connected, with ample elementary and secondary schools. and close proximity to CHEO and Ottawa General Hospital.

Hunt Club

A diverse and well-established neighbourhood in Ottawa’s south end, Hunt Club is a favourite for families looking for comfort, convenience, and community. The area features a wide mix of housing options—from spacious single-family homes to townhouses and condos—making it easy to find the right fit for your family’s needs. Hunt Club is known for its green spaces, walking and cycling paths, and proximity to excellent schools and recreational facilities. The neighbourhood is also home to several parks and is just minutes from the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.

How to Find the Perfect Home

Whether your heart is set on a specific neighbourhood or you want to shop around to find your perfect match, our MLS tool can lend a hand with your home search. Here, you can narrow down your search based on property type, price, bedrooms and bathrooms. Further, filtering is easy, showing you hidden gems that might take weeks to find otherwise.

Property Type: Residential listing, multi-family, or vacant land
Building Type: Apartment, duplex, or townhouse
Price: A threshold on what you are comfortable spending

While it might seem straightforward to find your dream home, having a realtor by your side can make the journey that much easier. Let our team guide you to the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa that suit your lifestyle and needs. From the Glebe to Kanata and beyond, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our Results Realty team today. We’d love to hear from you and help you enter a new chapter in Canada’s Capital!