As more people prioritize lifestyle, transit access, and ease of living, Ottawa’s most walkable neighbourhoods are seeing strong interest from buyers and renters. Walkability has become one of the leading factors people consider when choosing a home. Instead of relying heavily on a car, many want to live within minutes of cafés, grocery stores, fitness studios, transit lines, and parks.
Ottawa has a wide range of walkable communities, each offering its own mix of character, convenience, and daily comfort. Whether you are moving to the city or simply choosing a new neighbourhood, the following areas consistently rank among the best for walkability, transit access, and lifestyle.
Why Walkability Matters in 2025
Walkability affects more than just where you buy groceries. It influences your routine, health, social life, and even long term property value. Highly walkable neighbourhoods tend to maintain strong demand because they offer easy access to essentials and reduce overall living costs.
People who live in walkable areas often enjoy:
Lower transportation expenses
Shorter commutes
More time spent outside
Strong neighbourhood identity
Higher resale demand and stable property values
Ottawa’s walkable neighbourhoods continue to attract professionals, downsizers, students, and young families who want convenience and lifestyle without sacrificing community.
Centretown
Centretown remains one of Ottawa’s most walkable neighbourhoods. Residents can access grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, gyms, parks, and government offices within minutes. The grid layout makes it easy to navigate, and transit options are strong, especially for people working downtown. Centretown appeals to buyers who want a vibrant urban experience without relying on a car for daily errands.
The Glebe
The Glebe has long been one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Ottawa for walkability and charm. Bank Street provides endless shopping, dining, and local businesses. Whole Foods, Lansdowne Park, the Rideau Canal, and year round events make the neighbourhood a lively and convenient place to live. Many residents walk or bike everywhere and rarely need a car except for longer trips.
Hintonburg
Hintonburg combines character, convenience, and creativity in one of Ottawa’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. With easy access to the LRT, thriving local cafés, bakeries, restaurants, galleries, and parks, Hintonburg offers an active urban lifestyle. Its popularity continues to rise due to walkability and the short commute to downtown.
Westboro
Westboro is known for a strong mix of shopping, outdoor recreation, and transit access. The neighbourhood’s walkability is anchored by Richmond Road, where residents can find boutiques, cafés, fitness studios, grocery stores, and essential services. Proximity to the Ottawa River pathways also makes it ideal for cyclists, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Little Italy
Little Italy offers one of the fastest growing walkable lifestyles in the city. With Preston Street at its core, the neighbourhood is filled with restaurants, bars, markets, and cafés. Access to the O Train makes commuting simple. New developments and improved streetscapes continue to enhance walkability and attract residents who want a lively, central neighbourhood.
Sandy Hill
Sandy Hill is well suited for students, professionals, and anyone who wants quick access to downtown without living directly in the core. With grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and easy transit connections, the neighbourhood is highly walkable. Proximity to the University of Ottawa increases demand for both rentals and ownership.
Old Ottawa South
Old Ottawa South is a walkable, family friendly neighbourhood known for its character homes and timeless charm. Bank Street provides local shops, cafés, and essential services, while the Rideau Canal and numerous parks create a relaxed, scenic environment. Residents can walk or bike to many parts of the city with ease.
ByWard Market
ByWard Market offers the highest concentration of restaurants, nightlife, shops, and cultural attractions in the city. It is one of Ottawa’s most walkable neighbourhoods and a major draw for people who want an active, urban lifestyle. Transit is widely available, and many residents rarely need a car.
Why These Neighbourhoods Stand Out
All of the neighbourhoods above share three core traits:
1. Daily essentials within minutes
Grocery stores, pharmacies, cafés, and services are easy to reach on foot.
2. Reliable transit connections
Most of these areas have strong access to the LRT, major bus routes, or both.
3. Strong lifestyle appeal
Local businesses, parks, fitness amenities, and social activities make each neighbourhood vibrant and livable.
As Ottawa grows, demand for walkable communities is expected to remain strong. Buyers continue to prioritize neighbourhoods that make life simple and enjoyable, and these areas offer some of the best balance between convenience and character.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a walkable neighbourhood in Ottawa can transform your day to day life. Whether you want a lively urban experience or a relaxed community with local shops and parks, Ottawa offers walkable options for every lifestyle. Understanding what matters most to you, from transit access to neighbourhood personality, will help you find the right fit.
If you are considering a move and want insight into how these neighbourhoods compare, exploring them with a local expert can help you decide where you will feel most at home.
