Ottawa’s Best Areas for Walking – Top 5 Most Walkable Ottawa Neighbourhoods when Living in Ottawa
Looking for Ottawa’s Best Areas for Walking? You’re in luck as Ottawa has some amazing walkable neighbourhoods, in various parts of the city that boast both history and beautiful architecture. From exploring the historic ByWard Market to venturing through Manotick’s quaint village streets, these five super-walkable Ottawa neighbourhoods take pedestrians on a scenic journey through old and new alike.
Whether you’re looking for ethnic eateries or unique shopping experiences, some of the best spots can be found in these urban hubs that our friends over at Walkscore.com have suggested as the best most walkable neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Great walkable neighbourhoods like Britannia Village, Old Ottawa East, Wellington West, Old Ottawa South, New Edinburgh and so many more could have certainly made the final cut for these top neighbourhoods which are super walkable in Ottawa.
Living in the most walkable neighbourhoods in Ottawa is a great way to experience the city. These neighbourhoods are often bustling and filled with amenities, perfect for anyone who enjoys going on leisurely strolls or simply wants to take care of errands without needing a car.
The residential streets are safe and wide enough for pedestrians, while many crosswalks throughout the area make crossing busy intersections easy. In these secure and convenient areas, local businesses thrive as customers can easily and safely access their storefronts. The opportunity to live in one of Ottawa’s most pedestrian-friendly areas allows you to experience the city’s energy firsthand, no car necessary! So let’s dive in!
#5 Centretown
Walk Score – 79
Centretown is one of the most conveniently located neighbourhoods in the city. Downtown Ottawa can be easily accessed by walking, biking or taking public transit, providing residents with access to government buildings, corporate office towers, museums and cultural attractions just steps away from your front doorstep. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes just around the corner. In terms of safety, there are ample bike paths and sidewalks to get around conveniently and safely. On top of all that, living in Centretown gives you the opportunity to discover hidden gems tucked away on quiet side streets that aren’t usually visible from downtown. Overall, the convenience of living in this neighbourhood makes it a great place for those seeking an urban lifestyle that offers lots to explore.
It’s one of the most walkable neighbourhoods in Ottawa, with a Walk Score of 79. The area’s pedestrian-friendly grid pattern allows you to take advantage of all it has to offer, such as boutique shops, popular restaurants and cafes, art galleries, and local theatres. Centretown is also located close to the iconic Rideau Canal and some great parks like Dundonald Park and Confederation Park just to name a few. This centrally-located neighbourhood offers plenty of opportunities to get your steps while enjoying the sights.
#4 Vanier
Vanier is an excellent neighbourhood for those looking for convenience in a lively city. Located near downtown Ottawa and the Byward Market, Vanier has easy access to public transportation, making it quick and simple to get around town with two major local bus routes and multiple bike lanes in the area. Stores like LCBO and Superstore are not far from the centre of the neighbourhood, minimizing both travel time and cost for residents. If you’re looking for nightlife or entertainment there is something for everyone nearby; from bars, restaurants and theatres, to galleries, parks and even a music school.
Walk Score – 80/100
Vanier Ottawa is a great neighbourhood to live in for those who love to walk. Located close to parks, local amenities, and transit routes, the neighbourhood boasts a Walk Score of 80/100 – meaning most errands can be completed without needing a car. What’s more, Vanier is located just a short distance from downtown Ottawa to add to your walking journey. Whether you’re looking for convenience, leisurely walks through vibrant neighbourhoods or both, Vanier Ottawa has a lot to offer!
#3 The Glebe
Living in the Glebe neighbourhood of Ottawa is an excellent choice for those who appreciate convenience. Located steps away from the downtown core, residents of the area are able to easily access all of the advantages that come with city life. This includes access to an abundance of shopping options as well as easy access to transit lines and bicycle paths. The amount of cafes, restaurants and shops along Bank Street and the newly finished Lansdowne Park with Market Fresh, Movie Theatre and large chain restaurants gives residents the best of both worlds! There are also plenty of parks and green spaces within walking distance, so you can enjoy all that nature has to offer without ever having to jump in your car! Additionally, with its small-town charm and historic architecture, it has something to offer everyone!
Walk Score – 88
The Glebe neighbourhood in Ottawa earns its high walk score of 88 for good reason. It boasts wide, tree-lined streets and plenty of parklands, not to mention all the small indie shops, boutiques, cafes and local businesses that have been steadfast along Bank Street over the years.
It’s easy to run errands on foot in The Glebe, as there is a grocery store, pharmacy and hardware outlet just steps away from many homes. For those who commute, it’s an ideal location – bus stops are conveniently placed and access to major arterial roads is straightforward. With its delightful mix of independent businesses and close proximity to nature and green spaces, The Glebe is an attractive place to live for people who prefer an urban lifestyle with a suburban feel.
#2 – Hintonburg
Hintonburg neighbourhood in Ottawa is a great location to call home! It offers a variety of local amenities such as recreation centres, galleries, and parks, plus great restaurants, trendy stores and pubs. It’s also conveniently located with easy access to the 417 main transitway and the Ottawa River Parkway allowing getting around super easy. If you are without a car – the new LRT station at Baysview makes commuting around Ottawa effortless. The neighbourhood has a strong sense of community too; it is friendly, safe and great for getting to know your neighbours. The vibrant diversity of Hintonburg makes for some unique experiences unlike anywhere else in Ottawa.
Walk Score – 90
Hintonburg in Ottawa is an ideal neighbourhood for those that love to walk. With an awesome Walk Score of 90, it can be said that nearly all daily errands can be accomplished on foot – whether it’s to the grocery store, the post office, or out for a night on the town. Offering convenient access to high-end boutiques, first-rate restaurants, cafes and more, Hintonburg has become one of Ottawa’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Whether it’s meandering through the colourful streetscape or taking part in a special event at Laroche Park or Hintonburg Park, there are plenty of reasons why this vibrant part of Ottawa is an ideal destination for pedestrians. All this combined with its central location makes living in Hintonburg an attractive choice for those looking for convenience and a community vibe.
#1 – Westboro
Living in Westboro neighbourhood in Ottawa is incredibly convenient for its residents. The area offers a unique combination of suburban tranquillity, vibrant urban energy and easy access to public transportation. Car commuters can get downtown quickly by taking the nearby Queensway, and an array of bus services connects the area to all corners of the city with multiple routes from Westboro or Dominion Stations along the new LRT line. The Ottawa River Parkway also offers easy access to West or Downtown. Furthermore, plenty of bicycle paths are available for eco-conscious riders with a great network of dedicated bike paths across the city that can easily be accessed near Westboro Beach, there is also an incredible selection of amenities ranging from green spaces, parks and trails to shopping, outdoor markets and recreational facilities, making everyday life a pleasure in this great neighbourhood.
walk Score – 90
Westboro offers residents a uniquely high quality of life thanks to its near-perfect Walk Score of 90. This means that, for most errands and everyday tasks, Westboro residents can easily and quickly get around on foot. The picturesque setting of Westboro makes all this convenient transportation even more desirable; living in Westboro gives you the beauty and serenity of a small town-village feel along with instant access to big urban amenities.
With its near-perfect Walk Score, modern infrastructure and tranquil atmosphere, Westboro is an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle between town and country living. With all these advantages, it’s no wonder why Westboro attracts so many people looking for a convenient and enjoyable home!
CONCLUSION
Ottawa is an amazing city, and downtown has some of the most walkable, welcoming neighbourhoods anywhere. Not only are these areas feature all of your everyday necessities like banks, pharmacies, grocery stores and restaurants – they also have interesting attractions like parks, art galleries and music venues that help keep life exciting. Plus shopping can be made even more convenient by exploring the various neighbourhoods and local boutique shops. Living in one of these highly rated walkable neighbourhoods in Ottawa allows you to take full advantage of all it has to offer.
Imagine never having to worry about traffic or needing to make long car trips from one end of the city to another: with all your destinations within walking distance living in a walkable neighbourhood provides a level of convenience that simply isn’t available elsewhere. And with the shifting pandemic where people relocate back to the city, you can still have a great living experience living in the downtown area in a walkable neighbourhood without needing a car.
Speaking about relocating – if you are thinking about moving to Ottawa feel free to reach out to us. Give us a call – shoot us a text – send us an email – or even wrap it in a bow and send it first class because we got your back when moving to Ottawa or anywhere across Canada.
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