The Most Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

Published on 15 October 2021 in Barrhaven Blog Gloucester community information Kanata Kanata neighborhood information Ottawa Ottawa Families by Jenn Chamberlain

Last updated on September 29th, 2023 at 12:51 pm

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 nice nearby schools, and more. Location is everything. In 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. In general, the community consists of single-family homes and townhomes with plenty of space for the household to grow. In addition, local sports and organizations help to provide year-round entertainment and fun for children of all ages in the community. 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

Located along its iconic namesake drive, Island Park is a peaceful place in which to raise a family. Walk the dog in Hampton Park, go for a 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 find out if this neighbourhood is right for you, why not visit an open house this weekend and go exploring?

The Glebe/Dow’s Lake

A trendy downtown neighbourhood, also known as the Glebe, the Glebe/Dow’s Lake area is one of the oldest communities in Ottawa. A fantastic launching point for the rest of the city, it includes easy access to the Rideau Canal along with bike and trail paths that stretch 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.

Orleans Village-Chateauneuf

If you prefer the east end, there’s no better place to raise children than Orleans Village. It is a friendly neighbourhood that’s safe, has 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.

Barrhaven

Matching all the best qualities of the places discussed above, Barrhaven is one of Ottawa’s most reputable and fastest-growing suburbs. With many French and English schools, Barrhaven has excellent academics and is home to many parks and fields that your children will enjoy. There’s also plenty of great places for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so everything from movie night to ticking errands off your to-do list is made more streamlined.

Kanata

Kanata, a suburb in Ottawa West with over 40 parks and plenty of daycares, is considered one of the safest places in which to raise your children. Not only that, but it’s a fun-loving community offering a wide range of 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, and in the winter, bring your children to the tobogganing hill and skating rinks at the Kanata Recreation Complex. Then there’s Kanata Centrum, which comes with a variety of shopping and dining options as well as a 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.

Stittsville

Also in Ottawa West, Stittsville is constantly expanding and developing 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 located on Main Street, which serves up delicious pizza and a wide assortment of ice creams. 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. Are you interested in exploring local communities in Ottawa? From the Glebe to Kanata and beyond, we’re here to help. Get in touch with the Results Realty team today. We’d love to hear from you and help you cross the threshold into a new chapter in Canada’s Capital!