Living in Kanata Lakes in Ottawa

Living in Riverside Park, Revelstoke and Hunt Club Woods in Ottawa: Looking for a neighborhood with convenience, interconnected pathway network to those conveniences and plenty of park space? Welcome to Kanata Lakes—where upscale living meets family-friendly charm.

Today, we’re diving into Kanata Lakes, a highly sought-after neighbourhood known for its larger detached homes, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. Located in Kanata’s west end, this community has everything from high-end golf course to shopping and dining just minutes away. Let’s explore what makes Kanata Lakes one of Ottawa’s top neighbourhoods!

History and Location

Kanata Lakes, developed primarily in the 1990s and early 2000s, has become one of Ottawa’s most prestigious suburban communities. Located in Kanata’s north-west side, Kanata Lakes was designed with families in mind, offering ample green spaces, winding streets, and scenic lakes. The neighbourhood is conveniently close to Kanata’s high-tech sector and offers easy access to downtown Ottawa, making it ideal for both professionals and families.

Bordered by Terry Fox Drive to the West and North, Highway 417 to the South, Kanata Lakes provides an ideal location with quick access to most of Kanata and to Ottawa’s city center. This neighborhood is known for its spacious homes, landscaped yards, and proximity to daily conveniences.

Education

Families in Kanata Lakes have access to a range of top-tier schools, each with its own strengths and unique programs:

• Stephen Leacock Public School serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 and is known for its high academic standards and active involvement in community initiatives. With strong literacy and numeracy programs, Stephen Leacock offers a well-rounded elementary education, including programs in music, sports, and environmental awareness.
• W. Erskine Johnston Public School is another popular choice, especially for families interested in bilingual education. Known for its French immersion program, W. Erskine Johnston fosters a strong sense of community and academic achievement. The school also emphasizes STEM education, offering activities and clubs that encourage curiosity and innovation.
• Earl of March Secondary School is one of Kanata’s most respected high schools. With an extensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a range of extracurricular programs, Earl of March is known for its academic rigor and high university acceptance rates. The school offers everything from robotics to arts, allowing students to explore their interests in depth.
• All Saints Catholic High School, located nearby, offers Grades 7 through 12 with a faith-based curriculum and a strong emphasis on both academics and community involvement. Known for its sports teams and music programs, All Saints provides students with a well-rounded education in a supportive environment.
• Roland Michener Public School is a elementary school serving students from kindergarten to Grade 6. Known for its strong academic programs and inclusive environment, the school offers both English and French immersion, catering to a diverse student community
• St. Gabriel School in Kanata is a Catholic elementary school serving students from kindergarten to Grade 6. Offering English and French immersion programs, St. Gabriel fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging students to develop respect, compassion, and responsibility. 
• St. Isabel Catholic Elementary School is a vibrant, faith-based school serving students from kindergarten to Grade 6. The school offers English and French immersion programs, supporting a diverse student community with strong academic and spiritual foundations. With committed staff and active parent involvement, St. Isabel fosters a nurturing environment, helping students grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
• Kanata Highlands Public School is a modern elementary school that serves students from kindergarten to Grade 6. Known for its focus on innovation and environmental sustainability, the school provides a dynamic learning environment with a strong emphasis on STEM education and creative arts. Kanata Highlands offers both English and French immersion programs.
• École Élémentaire Catholique Saint-Rémi in Kanata is a French-language Catholic school serving students from kindergarten to Grade 6. With a curriculum entirely in French, Saint-Rémi supports language development and cultural engagement in a nurturing environment. Dedicated teachers and active parent involvement make it a valued part of Kanata’s Francophone community, helping students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Kanata Lakes’ schools are highly regarded, providing families with solid educational choices from elementary through high school.

Parks and Recreation

Kanata Lakes is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with beautiful parks, trails, and recreational facilities:

• Beaver Pond Park is a local favorite, featuring scenic trails that loop around the pond, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park’s trails connect to other pathways throughout Kanata Lakes, making it a great spot for walking, jogging, and cycling.
• Kanata Lakes Golf & Country Club is one of the area’s defining features, offering an 18-hole championship golf course surrounded by beautiful scenery. The golf club is a popular gathering spot for residents, offering everything from golf leagues to dining options with panoramic views of the course.
• Whalen Park is a lovely neighborhood park featuring a large playground, splash pad, and open green space. It’s a go-to for families, especially during the warmer months, and is often the setting for neighborhood events and gatherings.
• Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata is just a few minutes away and features a swimming pool, gym, and sports fields. This state-of-the-art facility offers fitness programs, community events, and children’s activities, making it a top choice for Kanata Lakes residents looking to stay active.

These parks and recreational facilities give Kanata Lakes residents access to a variety of outdoor activities and community events year-round.ess to the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, a prestigious club with world-class golfing, tennis, and dining facilities. parks and recreation facilities, these neighborhoods make it easy for residents to stay active and connected to the outdoors.

Amenities and Shopping

Kanata Lakes residents have a wealth of shopping, dining, and entertainment options right at their doorstep:

• Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre is just minutes away and offers a wide variety of stores, including big-box retailers like Walmart and Winners, along with specialty shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. This shopping center is a go-to for everything from groceries to evening entertainment.
• Signature Centre on Kanata Avenue provides additional shopping options, with a mix of stores and restaurants including Starbucks, Shoppers Drug Mart, and various dining spots.
• For dining, Central Bierhaus in Kanata Centrum is a popular choice, offering German-inspired pub fare and an extensive beer selection. For Italian cuisine, La Dolce Vita provides a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with classic Italian dishes, perfect for a night out.

With shopping centers and diverse dining options close by, Kanata Lakes residents have plenty of options for everyday essentials and weekend outings.

Transportation

Kanata Lakes is generally well-connected, making it easy for residents to commute or explore Ottawa. OC Transpo’s Terry Fox Station and several bus routes run through the area, linking residents to the O-Train Line 1 for relatively efficient downtown trips. For drivers, Highway 417 provides a direct route to Ottawa’s city center, and with Terry Fox Drive and March Road bordering the neighborhood, access to Kanata’s tech hub and nearby amenities is convenient.

However, commuting to and from Kanata during rush hour can become challenging, with bumper-to-bumper traffic common during peak times and further intensified on nights when the Ottawa Senators have home games. If possible, adjusting your daily routines or commuting times can help avoid the heaviest traffic and make for a smoother journey.

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities and sports rehabilitation services are conveniently accessible for Kanata Lakes residents. Just a 15-minute drive away, Queensway Carleton Hospital provides emergency services, specialty clinics, and comprehensive care. For primary healthcare needs, Appletree Medical Centre and Kanata Lakes Medical Clinic offer family medicine, walk-in appointments, and specialist consultations. In addition, several sports physiotherapy and training centers, like Kanata Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic and Pro Physio & Sport Medicine Centres, provide specialized care for injury recovery and athletic training. Pharmacies such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall are also nearby, making it easy to access prescriptions and health products.

These healthcare facilities provide peace of mind, ensuring residents have quick access to quality medical care when they need it.

Real Estate

Kanata Lakes is known for its upscale real estate market, with homes that range from large single-family houses to townhomes and condos.

The neighborhood’s architectural styles include everything from modern designs to classic, contemporary homes of the 1990s design aspect, many of which feature a mix of lot sizes from 30 feet, 40 feet and some areas 50 feet in new build areas. Single-family homes dominate the market, making Kanata Lakes especially popular among families and professionals seeking space, privacy, and a suburban feel. But there are sections of townhouse complexes as well offering diverse options for most budgets. 

Kanata Lakes features a distinct residential architecture reflective of its 1990s origins, with homes that balance traditional layouts and functional family spaces. Many homes in the area showcase classic two-story designs with formal dining rooms alongside eat-in kitchens or cozy breakfast nooks, a layout popular with families for its spaciousness and versatility. A common feature of these homes is a front reception room, often used as a formal sitting area or living room when originally built, though many homeowners now repurpose these spaces as home offices or main-level guest bedrooms to suit modern needs. Large windows, generous backyards, and ample living space characterize the homes in Kanata Lakes, offering both charm and flexibility for growing families and those looking for practical, adaptable layouts.

Townhouses and condos provide additional options for young professionals and retirees, making it a neighborhood that offers something for everyone. With rising property values, Kanata Lakes is also considered a smart investment for buyers looking for long-term value and a high standard of living.

Conclusion
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers convenience, and community spirit, Kanata Lakes is hard to beat. From its top-rated schools and beautiful parks to the easy access to shopping and transportation, this neighborhood has a lot to offer. Whether you’re a family, professional, or retiree, Kanata Lakes provides a lifestyle that balances nature, comfort, and sophistication.

And if you are thinking of 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. And each and every week we are bringing brand new videos just like this one so make sure to tap that subscribe button and click the bell so you are notified each and every time we drop a brand new video. Until next time – take care!

And if you are thinking of relocating 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.

You can learn more about the city of Ottawa by visiting its official website: https://ottawa.ca/en.

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