As a local business that’s been part of the Ottawa community for 20 years, we take pride in knowing our city and supporting the people who live and work here. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the nation’s capital, Ottawa offers incredible summer experiences tucked into each of its unique neighbourhoods. From the East to the West end and urban strolls to hidden green spaces, there’s something for everyone if you know where to look.
Check out our latest blog for a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide to making the most of summer 2025 in the capital.
Kanata: Major Shopping + Outdoor Adventures
Located in the city’s west end, Kanata and the surrounding areas are perfect for those looking to pair nature with shopping and entertainment. It combines suburban calm with events and activities that are particularly well-suited for families.
- South March Highlands Conservation Forest is a must for mountain biking, shaded hikes and bird watching. It is well-maintained and includes a mature sugar maple forest, multiple outlooks, small ponds, rugged terrain and steep slopes.
- Carp Farmers Market – Just past Kanata, the Carp Farmers Market is in their 35th season for good reason! Every Saturday, shop from 100 of the best local vendors in the city. While you’re in that neck of the woods, follow up your shopping spree with a lunch at the infamous Cheshire Cat Pub or ice cream at the Carp Custom Creamery.
- Tanger Outlets – Individuals from all over the city make their way to Tanger for unbeatable deals on major brands and a wealth of popular dining options.
- Splittsville – Ottawa’s newest bowling alley and entertainment centre in the Kanata Centrum that boasts eighteen 10-pin bowling lanes, a full arcade, and plenty of on-site food and drink options. Perfect for a rainy afternoon or day where you want to beat the summer heat.
Orleans: Family Fun + Riverfront Views
Head east to Orleans for a mix of outdoor recreation and community charm! If you’re seeking a laid-back summer day with local events and traditions sprinkled in, the city’s East End provides some great options.
- Petrie Island – How can you not have this at the top of the list? Stroll or cycle along the scenic Petrie Island, which is a picturesque riverside gem with beaches, trails, and turtle spotting. It’s super easy to make a day out of this with a picnic packed and friends/family in tow.
- Shenkman Arts Centre – With a wide mix of performances and summer workshops, enjoy local arts and outdoor movies in a welcoming and engaging environment for all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking for additional cultural experiences and events in Orleans, check out their own Canada Day celebrations and community markets held throughout the season.
- Princess Louise Falls – Who doesn’t enjoy a waterfall? For a short and sweet nature escape, check out this beautiful scenic spot that is right in the middle of Orleans. Grab your favourite local coffee and check it out!
- Orleans is also home to some of the city’s most popular and recognized breweries! Stray Dog Brewing Company, Orleans Brewing Co., and Broadhead Brewing Co. are all in the East End and are known for phenomenal events/entertainment, cute decor, and friendly staff.
The Glebe: Summer Festivals + Urban Energy
With our team’s head office located in the heart of the Glebe, we might be biased…but it’s one of Ottawa’s most beloved neighbourhoods for a reason! Known for its walkability and charm, it’s easy to spend an entire summer day strolling through the various parks, hitting up local patios, and popping into upscale stores that have been around for decades.
- Lansdowne Park buzzes all summer long with events at TD Place, including concerts, festivals, and sporting matches (football, soccer, hockey) and the Ottawa Farmers’ Market every Sunday. If you’re hitting up Landsdowne any day of the week in the summer months, you can be sure there is something going on that has the energy up and the park alive! Their restaurant patios are also some of the cities most coveted (LOCAL, Joey, etc.).
- Rideau Canal – We can think of no better way to spend a summer day than to bask in the glory of the historic canal. Start by grabbing a snack/beverage at Umbrella Bar at Dow’s Lake Pavilion. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the canal via water, or if that isn’t your cup of tea, take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the designated paths. In 2025, the NCC introduced floating docks where you can sit peacefully in an Adirondack chair with a book in hand.
- Explore Bank Street – Patio-hop along the Glebe portion of Bank Street where there are ample options for gelato, cocktails, and lattes. What makes the Glebe so special is that there are tons of options for shopping and dining, but if you go a block or two east or west, you’re bound to stumble upon lush parks and beautiful bodies of water.
Westboro/Wellington Village: Beach Days + Boutique Browsing
Trendy Westboro and Wellington Village are your go-tos for chic summer outings that bring together nature and upscale leisure, making it ideal for couples and solo adventurers who want to make the most out of their weekends.
- Westboro Beach – Set to reopen this summer with new and improved facilities and landscaping, hit the sand at this beloved local beach, where sunsets and picnics go hand in hand!
- An adventurer’s dream, hop on the Kichi Zībī Mīkan multi-use pathway for cycling and walking along the Ottawa River!
- Shopping and Dining – Richmond Road becomes Wellington Street and makes up a long stretch of next-level shopping and dining. You can easily spend an entire day exploring artisan shops that you won’t find anywhere else, yoga and fitness studios, and trendy coffee/brunch spots. Some particular favourites include the Ottawa Bagel Shop (a local staple for decades), Chesterfields for a truly spectacular brunch, and Flowers Talk Tivoli for one of the city’s most beautiful floral shops.
Centretown: Arts, Eats + Culture
Centretown is THE place for foodies and art lovers. If you’re in the mood for creativity, culture, and a bit of people-watching, this central neighbourhood is where summer really comes to life!
- Festivals and parades – From Ottawa Jazz Festival to Capital Pride, these vibrant celebrations bring together locals and tourists and are highly anticipated throughout the year.
- Jack Purcell Park – Catch pop-up street performances, shop at artisan markets, or enjoy a cool evening walk through this well-maintained and central park. There are several other green spaces dispersed throughout Centretown to enjoy!
- Centretown is home to many of the city’s favourite museums including the Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, and Bytown Museum. These are great options for those rainy summer afternoons or days when you want to beat the heat.
It’s clear that Ottawa has no shortage of big events and natural escapes, but its real charm is found in the local neighbourhoods! We’re so proud to call this city home, and whether you’re beach-hopping in Westboro or wandering the markets in The Glebe, each area offers a piece of summer that’s uniquely its own.
