Living in Queensway Terrace South & Nearby Ottawa Neighbourhoods

Living in Queensway Terrace South & Nearby Ottawa Neighbourhoods: Looking for a neighborhood that blends the best of suburban charm with city convenience? Welcome to Queensway Terrace South and its surrounding communities—where tree-lined streets, accessible transit, and community spirit come together in a mid-century modern style.  Whether it’s the family parks or the local gems, these neighbourhoods offer something special.

Today, we’re diving into four connected neighbourhoods: Queensway Terrace South, Iris, Parkway Park, and Ridgeview. Located in Ottawa’s west end, these communities offer a little bit of everything—from well-regarded schools and green spaces to great shopping and quick transit options. So, let’s break down what makes these neighbourhoods ideal for families and professionals alike!

History and Location

Queensway Terrace South and its neighboring areas of Iris, Parkway Park, and Ridgeview are part of Ottawa’s west end and are rich in mid-century charm. This area began developing in the 1950s and 60s, attracting families and professionals with its accessible layout and proximity to downtown Ottawa.

Bordered by Baseline Road, Greenbank Road, and Highway 417, this area is just a quick drive or bus ride from central Ottawa. Each neighborhood has its unique feel: Queensway Terrace South is primarily residential, featuring a variety of single-family homes and townhouses, while Iris, Parkway Park, and Ridgeview offer more diverse housing with townhouses, condominiums, and semi-detached homes. Residents here enjoy the perks of city living without the downtown bustle, making it a great area for families, first-time buyers, and retirees alike.

Education

These neighbourhoods are known for several strong schools that cater to students of all ages, each with unique strengths:

• Severn Avenue Public School located in Queensway Terrace North, just across Highway 417, serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 and is known for its focus on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. The school emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and is active in community-building events.
• Woodroffe High School, located just north of the neighborhood in Woodroffe, is popular for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This high school also has a reputation for its arts and music programs and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from competitive sports to drama and debate clubs.
• St. Paul Catholic High School in Ridgeview provides a faith-based education for Grades 7–12. It’s known for its strong academic record and community involvement programs, as well as its wide array of sports and student clubs, helping students develop leadership and teamwork skills.

Families in these neighbourhoods have access to diverse educational programs, from advanced high school courses and bilingual learning environments.demic and personal development, Bridlewood’s schools provide families with options that align with their values and goals.

Parks and Recreation

The Queensway Terrace South area offers a variety of parks and green spaces that provide year-round recreational options:

• Frank Ryan Park in Queensway Terrace North is a local gem, featuring a baseball diamond, play structures, and large open fields perfect for sports and picnics. In the winter, the park transforms into a popular spot for tobogganing and ice skating.
• Pinecrest Recreation Complex is a well-loved community hub in Ottawa’s west end, offering a variety of activities for residents of all ages. Established in the 1970s, the complex was designed to serve Ottawa’s expanding suburbs and provide a dedicated space for health, wellness, and recreation. Over the years, Pinecrest has been upgraded and expanded, but it still retains its welcoming, community-centered feel. The facility includes an indoor pool, ice rink, fitness center, and several multipurpose rooms that host a range of programs, from swimming lessons and public skates to fitness classes and family-friendly events. It’s the kind of place where generations of local families have come to learn, play, and stay active together.
• Families especially appreciate Pinecrest Recreation Complex for its variety of programming and family-friendly amenities. The indoor pool is popular year-round, with lessons for all ages and a shallow area perfect for introducing young children to the water. The ice rink is another highlight, offering free skate times, hockey programs, and lessons that attract children, teens, and adults alike. The complex also has a childcare service, which many parents find helpful while they participate in fitness classes or other activities. With its accessible location, ample parking, and dedicated staff, Pinecrest Recreation Complex serves as a welcoming place for families looking to stay active, try something new, or simply spend quality time together.

With accessible, well-maintained parks and recreation facilities, these neighbourhoods make it easy for residents to stay active and connected to the outdoors.

Amenities and Shopping

The Queensway Terrace South area provides plenty of convenient shopping and dining options that cater to a variety of tastes and lifestyles:

• IKEA Ottawa on Pinecrest Road is a favorite for home furnishing needs and is an attraction in itself for its in-store café and unique products. The area around IKEA also hosts several big-box retailers, including Canadian Tire, Home Depot, and Costco, making it easy to find everyday essentials and specialty items alike.
• College Square Mall at Baseline Road and Woodroffe Avenue offers a range of shops, from grocery stores like Loblaws and Walmart to cafes and fast-casual dining options. It’s a go-to spot for quick errands and family meals.

This area combines convenience with a mix of independent shops, larger retailers, and dining options, so you’ll have everything you need within a few minutes’ drive.

Transportation

One of the best features of Queensway Terrace South and surrounding neighbourhoods is the easy access to public transit and major roadways. OC Transpo’s Baseline Station connects residents to the new O-Train Line 1, making trips downtown quick and efficient. Plus, multiple bus routes run throughout these neighbourhoods, connecting to key areas of the city.

Highway 417 and Baseline Road provide efficient routes for those who prefer to drive. With the Queensway running along the area’s north side, trips to the downtown core or west end of Ottawa are fast and straightforward.

Whether commuting by car, bus, or train, residents in this area benefit from excellent transportation options.

Healthcare

Healthcare services are readily available for residents, with several clinics and hospitals nearby:

• Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH) is a key healthcare institution serving Ottawa’s west end and surrounding communities. Opened in 1976, QCH was established to meet the growing demand for medical services in the region and has since grown into a full-service, acute care hospital. With over 280 beds and a strong focus on patient-centered care, it’s equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, from emergency services to specialized programs in orthopedics, mental health, and geriatrics. The hospital has been continuously updated with modern facilities and expanded to include new wings and technologies, ensuring it keeps pace with Ottawa’s growing population and advancing medical practices.
• Families in Ottawa trust Queensway Carleton Hospital for its comprehensive and compassionate approach to healthcare. Known for its community-driven philosophy, the hospital offers family-friendly amenities such as a family birthing center, which provides maternity services in a comfortable and supportive environment. The hospital’s proximity to major west-end neighbourhoods and easy access from the 417 make it a convenient option for residents in need of medical services. QCH is also known for its supportive staff and programs that engage patients and their families, making it a cornerstone of community health in Ottawa.
• Appletree Medical Centre on Baseline Road provides family medicine, walk-in appointments, and specialist consultations, making it convenient for primary care and check-ups.
• Multiple pharmacies, including Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall, are available within College Square Mall and nearby, offering both prescriptions and general health services.

These healthcare facilities ensure that residents have easy access to quality medical care when they need it.

Real Estate

Real estate in Queensway Terrace South and the surrounding neighbourhoods offers a mix of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.

In Queensway Terrace South and Parkway Park, you’ll find a blend of classic mid-century homes with spacious yards and character. These homes are ideal for families who appreciate mature landscaping and established community vibes. Many homes have been renovated, bringing modern interiors to these charming, vintage exteriors.

The Iris and Ridgeview areas offer a mix of affordable townhouses and single-family homes, as well as some newer condominium developments, appealing to young professionals and first-time homebuyers. The properties here range from cozy townhouses to larger family homes, with prices generally more accessible than in Ottawa’s more central areas.

This variety in housing makes the area attractive to a wide demographic, from growing families to retirees, ensuring something for everyone.

Conclusion
So there you have it—Queensway Terrace South, Iris, Parkway Park, and Ridgeview offer a unique mix of community vibe, green spaces, and city convenience, perfect for families and professionals. With strong schools, convenient shopping, excellent transit, and plenty of parks, these neighbourhoods are fantastic options if you’re looking to balance urban access with suburban peace.

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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