Living in Merivale Gardens, Ottawa
Imagine a neighborhood where you are practically living in nature and yet still have convenient access to shops and schools. Welcome to Merivale Gardens—a little oasis just outside the city but not in suburbia BUT before we get into it – SHOW REEL – HIT IT!
Today, we’re taking a closer look at Merivale Gardens, a peaceful neighborhood in Ottawa’s west end. With its beautiful parks, easy access to shopping, and friendly atmosphere, Merivale Gardens offers a cozy lifestyle in a convenient location. Let’s explore what makes this community so inviting!
1. History and Location
Developed in the 1960s, Merivale Gardens has grown into a close-knit community with a quiet, suburban feel.
It was designed as a small, family-friendly enclave just outside Ottawa’s busy core—and it has stayed true to that vision. Spacious lots, mature trees, and a slower pace of life define the area.
Located just off Merivale Road and bordered by the Greenbelt, the neighborhood offers a rare mix of city access and natural beauty. It’s only minutes from major shopping areas, parks, and recreation facilities. Yet it still feels removed from the hustle and bustle. With Nepean and Barrhaven nearby, residents enjoy quick access to all the essentials while keeping that small-town charm.
2. Education
Families in Merivale Gardens have access to several reputable schools that provide a range of educational programs:
- St. Monica School offers a Catholic-based curriculum and serves elementary students, providing both academic and faith-based education. With a dedicated staff and close-knit community, St. Monica focuses on fostering a strong sense of values and teamwork.
- Merivale High School is the closest secondary school, offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) program as well as a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. With a focus on preparing students for post-secondary success, Merivale High also offers arts programs, sports teams, and student clubs.
3. Parks and Recreation
Merivale Gardens offers residents direct access to Ottawa’s vast Greenbelt, one of the world’s largest urban green spaces. Stretching over 200 square kilometers, the Greenbelt was established in the 1950s to preserve nature around Ottawa and has become a beloved retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Adjacent to Merivale Gardens, it provides a rare blend of suburban living and easy immersion in nature.
The Greenbelt features a wide network of well-maintained trails perfect for hiking, bird-watching, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Trails like Pine Grove, Jack Pine, and Stony Swamp wind through forests, wetlands, and fields, offering glimpses of local wildlife such as deer, turtles, and beavers. Stony Swamp, in particular, is a favorite among photographers and bird-watchers. For nearby residents, the Greenbelt offers a daily escape—an invitation to slow down, explore, and enjoy Ottawa’s natural beauty close to home.
Just minutes away, the Nepean Sportsplex stands as one of Ottawa’s leading recreation centers, serving residents of all ages. Built in the 1970s, it has grown into a multi-purpose hub focused on health, fitness, and community.
The Sportsplex includes multiple pools for leisure and competition, with swim lessons and Aquafit classes for all ages. A full fitness center offers cardio and weight training, along with group classes like yoga, spin, and HIIT. Team sports thrive here too, with leagues and drop-in hockey, basketball, and volleyball. In winter, skating rinks and a curling center keep the facility bustling. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for active fun, the Sportsplex provides year-round options to stay fit and connected.
With these parks and recreation facilities, Merivale Gardens residents can enjoy a well-rounded, active lifestyle with easy access to Ottawa’s outdoor spaces.
4. Amenities and Shopping
Living in Merivale Gardens provides easy access to a variety of shopping and dining options, thanks to its proximity to Merivale Road:
Merivale Mall is just minutes away and offers convenient shopping options.
It features stores like Farm Boy, Shoppers Drug Mart, and small specialty shops. You’ll also find cafes and dining spots for a quick bite.
Costco Nepean on Hunt Club Road is a short drive from the neighborhood.
It’s a favorite for families, offering groceries, home goods, and bulk items all in one place.
College Square at Baseline and Woodroffe adds even more options.
Major retailers like Walmart, LCBO, and PetSmart are located there, along with fast-casual dining for meals on the go.
For local eats, residents enjoy Thai Flame for authentic Thai cuisine
and The Brew Table for its cozy pub-style menu. These favorites add character to the area and make dining out a breeze.
With a variety of shopping centers and dining options close by, Merivale Gardens offers residents the convenience of city amenities without the downtown hustle.
5. Transportation
Merivale Gardens is well-connected to Ottawa’s major roadways, making it easy to get around the city by car or public transit:
OC Transpo buses run along Merivale Road and Hunt Club, offering access to downtown and other parts of Ottawa.
Several express routes serve commuters heading into the city center. However, Merivale Gardens’ private, secluded feel comes with limited transit access, making the area more car-dependent than some other neighborhoods.
For drivers, Merivale Road leads directly into Ottawa’s core.
Highway 416 is just minutes away, connecting easily to Highway 417 and the rest of the city.
Residents also enjoy quick access to Ottawa’s Greenbelt and the Ottawa River Pathway.
These trails are ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring the city’s natural beauty.
6. Healthcare
Residents of Merivale Gardens benefit from nearby healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality medical care is always accessible:Queensway Carleton Hospital is just a short drive away and offers full healthcare services.
This includes emergency care, specialized clinics, and surgical facilities.
Appletree Medical Centre on Merivale Road provides family medicine and walk-in appointments.
It also offers a range of specialist consultations, making everyday healthcare easy to access.
Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall are nearby,
located in Merivale Mall and along Merivale Road. They offer prescriptions, health products, and vaccinations.
These healthcare services provide Merivale Gardens residents with peace of mind, knowing that high-quality medical care is nearby.
7. Real Estate
Merivale Gardens is a quiet, private neighborhood that appeals to buyers seeking a peaceful, natural setting near the city.
Developed mainly in the 1960s, it’s known for its classic single-family homes on large, tree-lined lots. These generous properties offer a sense of space and privacy that’s hard to find closer to Ottawa’s core.
Many original homes feature traditional architectural styles. Over time, numerous properties have been updated with expanded layouts, renovated interiors, and energy-efficient upgrades.
A unique aspect of Merivale Gardens is that most homes use septic systems.
Despite its secluded feel, the neighborhood is well-connected to Nepean, Barrhaven, and downtown Ottawa. Residents enjoy easy access to shopping, recreation, and essential services.
Merivale Gardens offers a blend of classic charm and modern customization. Its peaceful setting and strong investment potential make it a distinctive and desirable part of Ottawa.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for small-town charm with city convenience, Merivale Gardens could be your ideal neighborhood.
It offers top-rated schools, scenic parks, and quick access to shopping and transit. Located in Ottawa’s west end, Merivale Gardens delivers a welcoming lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.
And if you are thinking of relocating to Ottawa feel free to reach out to us. Give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email—we’re here to help. Moving to Ottawa or anywhere in Canada? We’ve got your back. You can even wrap it in a bow and send it first class—we’ll be ready!
You can learn more about the city of Ottawa by visiting its official website: https://ottawa.ca/en.
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