Introduction
Centretown is bounded on the north by Gloucester St. and Lisgar St., on the east by the Rideau Canal, on the south by Hwy. 417, and on the west by Bronson Ave. This is the only place in Ottawa where suits from Parliament Hill rub elbows with students on a budget at the local bars.
Lifestyle
Centretown is an interesting mix of young professionals, upper-end Parliament workers, students and retirees. One thing that all these people have in common: they want to live close to everything, and they don’t want to waste any time. Residents enjoy all that Centretown has to offer, from fine dining along Elgin and Bank St, to the shows at the NAC.
The Vibe
Residents of Centretown live here because they can walk everywhere. The sidewalks are always lined with pedestrians and the bikes hustle around the city with ease in the blockaded bike lanes. This is not the neighbourhood for the lazy! Centretown residents head home to sleep and that’s about it. The rest of their time is spent touring the streets, meeting up with friends, and enjoying the outdoors – rain or shine.
Meet the Neighbours
This neighbourhood offers and eclectic mix of residents. From young to old, anyone who wants to be in the centre of the action lives in Centretown. Because of the busy streets and constant flow of people, it’s not a popular area for young families. Most residents are Hill workers or university students. Don’t bother smiling and waving at your neighbours because they probably aren’t even looking in your direction!
In the Area
Centretown is a mix of your budget friendly, $2 coffee at McDonalds, to your $6 latte at Starbucks. Most civil servants line up out the door to buy their morning Starbucks, while the students stop by Tim Hortons or McDonald’s for their caffeine fix. All this to say, there’s something for every budget.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
There is no lack of transportation options in Centretown. Bike, walk, drive or ride the bus. Almost all bus routes travel through Centretown, so you won’t have to wait long to get where you want to go, especially during rush hour. There is also quick and easy access to Hwy. 417 and the Greyhound bus station is located on Catherine St.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
There are a wide array of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and all other kinds of entertainment. Places are often crowded, which means reservations would be wise. Residents in the area battle for seats at the local pubs with the civil servants who work next door and the tourists visiting Parliament Hill. For those who prefer to dine in, there’s a Loblaws and an LCBO.
Dollars & Sense
Centretown is the heart of Ottawa. Located only steps from Parliament Hill and City Hall, this neighbourhood attracts many civil servants. During the day, the streets are lined with people in suits carrying briefcases. What does this mean for residents? This area is congested, noisy and busy. There are always lines of buses along the streets, and the highrise buildings create wind tunnels that carry a lot of noise.
Featured Homes for Sale in Centretown
A hand-picked selection of new home and condos for sale in Centretown. For those who love the thrill of anticipation of getting into a brand new home or condo.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Canadian Museum of Nature
Anyone who has grown up in Ottawa has been to the Museum of Nature, otherwise known as the Dinosaur Museum to the local children. A great learning experience for kids and adults alike.
more infoNational Art Centre
Home to English and French shows alike, the NAC draws in some of the world’s best shows. From theatre and dance, to singers and the orchestra, there is something for everyone.
more infoJack Purcell Community Centre
From yoga classes to badminton games, this community centre offers many different programs for residents. There’s also a great off-leash dog park that is fenced in, keeping your furry friends safe.
more infoWorld Exchange Plaza
This mall is in the heart of Centretown and has everything from shops, restaurants and private businesses. On the weekend, park for free in the underground parking!
more infoSparks St.
Home to the famous Rib Fest, the outdoor Sparks St Mall attracts tourists and locals alike. This bricked walkway is for pedestrians only!
more infoThe Manx Pub
This always popular pub serves anything from beer on tap to specialty gluten-free options. With great food and an even better atmosphere, this place is often packed.
more info