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 for year-round recreation.

Frank Ryan Park, located in nearby Queensway Terrace North, is a local favorite. It features a baseball diamond, play structures, and large open fields for sports and picnics. In winter, it becomes a popular destination for tobogganing and ice skating.

Pinecrest Recreation Complex is a well-loved community hub in Ottawa’s west end. Built in the 1970s, it was designed to serve growing suburbs and offer a space for health and recreation. Today, it includes an indoor pool, ice rink, fitness center, and multipurpose rooms that host programs for all ages. From swimming lessons to public skates and fitness classes, the complex provides activities that keep families engaged and active.

Families especially value the variety of programs and the welcoming atmosphere. The indoor pool is a year-round draw, with lessons for all ages and a shallow area for young children. The ice rink offers free skates, hockey programs, and lessons for every age group. Onsite childcare is available, giving parents time to enjoy classes or activities.

With its convenient location, ample parking, and friendly staff, Pinecrest continues to be a place where generations come to learn, play, and stay active.

Thanks to its well-maintained parks and recreation options, Queensway Terrace South makes it easy for residents to stay connected to the outdoors and lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

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 major healthcare provider for Ottawa’s west end and surrounding communities. It opened in 1976 to meet rising demand for medical services. Since then, it has grown into a full-service acute care hospital with over 280 beds.
• QCH focuses on patient-centered care and handles a wide range of needs. Services include emergency care, orthopedics, mental health, and geriatrics. The hospital continues to expand with new wings and modern technology. This helps it keep pace with Ottawa’s growing population and advances in medical care.
• Families trust QCH for its comprehensive and compassionate services. It offers family-friendly amenities, including a birthing center that supports maternity care in a welcoming environment. Its west-end location and quick access from Highway 417 make it especially convenient for nearby residents.
• QCH is known for its dedicated staff and community-driven approach. It provides programs that involve patients and families, helping the hospital remain a cornerstone of health in the region.
• Appletree Medical Centre on Baseline Road adds another option for care. It offers family medicine, walk-in services, and specialist appointments.
• Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall are located in and around College Square Mall. They provide easy access to prescriptions and general health essentials.
• Together, these healthcare services ensure that residents have convenient, reliable access to quality medical care when they need it.

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.

Iris and Ridgeview offer a mix of affordable townhouses, single-family homes, and newer condos. These options appeal to young professionals and first-time homebuyers.

Homes range from cozy townhouses to larger family properties. Prices are often more accessible than in Ottawa’s central neighborhoods.

This variety makes the area attractive to a wide range of residents. From growing families to retirees, there’s something for everyone here.

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

So there you have it — Queensway Terrace South, Iris, Parkway Park, and Ridgeview each offer a unique mix of community charm, green spaces, and city convenience. These areas are great for both families and professionals. With strong schools, nearby shopping, excellent transit, and lots of parks, they’re ideal for anyone wanting 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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