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A Walk Through Time: Ottawa's Historic Neighbourhoods

  • July 30, 2025
Dining in Ottawa

Why embark on a historical walking tour of Ottawa? It's a fantastic way to truly connect with the city's heritage, appreciate its architectural evolution, and discover the local flavor that lies beyond the main tourist hubs. Walking allows you to notice the intricate details, stumble upon hidden squares, and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.

 

Ottawa, Canada's capital, is much more than just Parliament Hill and national museums. Its rich history is woven into the very fabric of its diverse and charming neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character, architectural gems, and captivating stories. Lace up your walking shoes and prepare to look into the past of Ottawa's most captivating historical areas.

 

Your Self-Guided Tour of Ottawa's Historical Neighbourhoods:

Your journey begins in the vibrant BYWARD MARKET. Established in 1826, this is one of Canada's oldest public markets and a designated heritage conservation district. Its heart is the BYWARD MARKET BUILDING, a Classical Revival-style brick structure built in 1928, the fifth market building on this historic site. While here, be sure to visit the magnificent NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL BASILICA, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and a national historic site. As you wander through the market’s bustling streets, take note of the mix of 19th-century residential and commercial buildings that tell the story of the city's early development. You can find more information about the area's rich history and heritage at the ByWard Market Neighborhood Authority.

 

Next, make your way into Sandy Hill, just east of the ByWard Market. Once home to Ottawa's political and business elite, this neighbourhood is a treasure trove of grand Victorian and Edwardian mansions, many of which now serve as embassies or stately heritage homes. Strolling down tree-lined streets like Wilbrod Street feels like stepping back in time. You can also find the Laurier House National Historic Site here, the former residence of two Canadian prime ministers, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. This area’s quiet elegance provides a fascinating contrast to the lively Market.

 

Continuing your tour, head south from downtown to The Glebe, a charming and leafy neighbourhood with a distinct community feel. Originally clergy lands granted to a local church, The Glebe developed into a residential and commercial hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The main artery, BANK STREET, is lined with well-preserved brick buildings housing an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. As you wander the side streets, you'll see a diverse range of architectural styles, from Queen Anne to Arts and Crafts. Lansdowne Park, with its historical origins as the Central Canada Exhibition grounds, is also a key landmark that anchors the neighbourhood.

 

A short trip west from The Glebe will take you to Centretown West, the heart of Ottawa's Little Italy. This area has a rich working-class history and a strong Italian cultural influence. Your walk here should focus on Preston Street, the main thoroughfare, which is known for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic arch entrance. While the street is a modern hub of Italian restaurants and shops, it's anchored by the impressive St. Anthony's Church, a longtime spiritual and cultural centre for the Italian-Canadian community. The area's side streets still contain the mix of Victorian-era homes and modest dwellings that tell the story of its immigrant past. For more on the area, visit the Preston Street BIA.

 

Finally, venture to the picturesque village of New Edinburgh, northeast of downtown. Founded in the 1830s, this historic neighbourhood retains a distinct village feel with its charming streets and 19th-century homes. Walk along Beechwood Avenue for its shops and cafés, and find your way to the scenic Rideau Falls for a stunning view where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River. A must-see here is the Fraser School House, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area, dating back to 1837. The tranquil atmosphere and historical homes make it a perfect spot for quiet reflection.

 

Tips for Your Ottawa Historical Walking Tour:

  1. Wear Comfortable Footwear: This is a key tip for a walking tour. Ottawa's historical streets and sidewalks can be uneven, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must.
  2. Check the Weather and Dress in Layers: Fall weather in Ottawa (August-November) can be unpredictable. Be prepared for anything from warm, sunny days to a cool, crisp autumn breeze or even a surprise rain shower.
  3. Grab a Coffee & Fuel Up: Each of these neighbourhoods has excellent, highly-rated cafés. Grab a coffee at a local spot in The Glebe or a pastry in the ByWard Market to fuel your journey.
  4. Take Public Transit: While many of these spots are walkable, Ottawa's public transit (OC Transpo) is an easy way to get from one neighbourhood to another, saving your energy for the walking tours themselves.
  5. Look for Historical Plaques: Keep an eye out for the green and white plaques installed on many of Ottawa's heritage buildings.

 

These plaques provide fascinating details about the history of the structures and the people who lived and worked in them. Embark on this captivating journey through Ottawa's past, one fascinating neighbourhood at a time. Return to the comfort of Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre after a fulfilling day of historical discovery.

 

At Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre, you have the ideal starting point for your historical explorations. Our central location provides easy access to public transportation and is within comfortable walking distance of several key historical neighbourhoods. Ready to uncover Ottawa's fascinating history? Book your centrally located stay at Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre today and start your self-guided historical adventure!

 

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