Shopping in the Ottawa Region
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Ottawa Region, Ontario.
It’s no secret that the city of Ottawa rates highly on the Canadian shopping scene. The country’s exciting capital boasts big-city shopping that measures up well against other world-class destinations. Downtown Ottawa is an electrifying mesh of sophisticated malls (such as the Rideau Centre near the Rideau Canal), swanky international-brand stores, old-world yet trendy markets (like the famous Byward Market, which is also centrally located near the canal), and distinctive shopping districts. The latter includes the historic Sparks Street—home to more than 150 unique retailers—and the Bank Street Promenade (or Downtown Bank)—with approximately 200 shops and restaurants jam-packed into 15 blocks.
While the city more than satisfies any shopper’s need for a little or a lot of retail therapy, it is also worth exploring beyond central Ottawa’s borders for some equally rewarding, and often unique, shopping experiences.
NEARBY NEIGHBOURHOODS
Orleans
The Ottawa Region is home to scores of major shopping centres and one of the most popular of these is located in Orleans, a sprawling suburb just 15 km (9 mi) east of downtown Ottawa. The Place d’Orleans shopping mall is a fashion hub filled with international- and national-brand stores and specialty shops, and is one of the key reasons for Orlean’s exponential growth.
Nepean
Just 15 minutes southwest of downtown Ottawa, shoppers will find another of the region’s major malls. Nepean is home to the Bayshore Shopping Centre, a vast fashion and lifestyle Mecca anchored by retail giants such as The Bay, Zellers and Winners. Those in need of a wardrobe update or some clothing staples can also check out the various outlet stores (such as Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and LaSenza) at the College Square shopping plaza on the corner of Woodroffe Avenue and Baseline Road.
Kanata
A few minutes farther southwest (22 km/14 mi from downtown Ottawa), the high-tech hub of Kanata boasts Ottawa’s third largest shopping centre—the Kanata Entertainment Centrum. Located smack-bang in the heart of this sprawling suburban community, the Entertainment Centrum features numerous big-box stores, a massive movie theatre and a shopping mall. Kanata also stakes claim to the Hazeldean Mall.
WORTH THE DRIVE
There’s something particularly rewarding about seeking out locally grown and produced goods—from fruit and vegetables to arts and crafts—and the wider Ottawa region offers bountiful lovely spots in which to do so.
Carp
The bustling village of Carp is a half hour west of Ottawa and provides an authentic local shopping experience in a charming rural setting. The heart of a large farming community, Carp holds one of eastern Ontario’s largest farmers’markets from May to October. Browsing the stalls of over 100 vendors, shoppers will delight at the quality products grown and produced right here.
Embrun & Russell
Embrun, located approximately 40 km (25 mi) southeast of downtown Ottawa, is another worthwhile destination for fresh local produce. Boasting a significant agricultural economy, the rapidly developing community is home to markets that are stocked with produce, meat and dairy products from surrounding farms. A little farther west of Embrun, Russell provides a picturesque village setting in which to while away an afternoon, browsing the independent shops that dot the streets.
North Grenville
Old Town Kemptville is the star attraction on North Grenville’s shopping scene. The commercial centre of the area since the 1800s, Old Town Kemptville sparkles with revitalized 19th-century charm. This bustling downtown district straddles the Rideau River and is home to more than 65 restaurants and shops, including plenty of bookstores, specialty shops, cafes and pubs. North Grenville is also very much worth a mention for the Kemptville Kinsmen Farmers’ Market, held in pretty Riverside Park on Sunday afternoons from June to Thanksgiving. These appealing shopping experiences of yesteryear are approximately 40 km (25 mi) south of downtown Ottawa.
Almonte
Located within the wider Mississippi Mills area, 46 km (29 mi) southwest of central Ottawa, Almonte offers the novel experience of shopping without parking metres. This leafy, small town on the banks of the Mississippi River is adorned with Victorian homes and limestone downtown buildings housing antique and collectible stores, art galleries, gift shops and organic markets. And as it was once a major centre for textile production, Almonte features some quality textile and clothing stores, such as Textile Traditions and Terpe Wear, too.
Carleton Place
A little farther southwest along the Mississippi River, Carleton Place is another scenic town filled with historic stone buildings and quaint shopping experiences. Numerous unique stores—from fashion boutiques to gourmet food shops—pepper the streets and a seasonal weekly farmers’ market is conveniently held in the heart of town. Local art is also available at various galleries and gift shops as well as at the annual Bridge Street Bazaar in July.
While the city more than satisfies any shopper’s need for a little or a lot of retail therapy, it is also worth exploring beyond central Ottawa’s borders for some equally rewarding, and often unique, shopping experiences.
NEARBY NEIGHBOURHOODS
Orleans
The Ottawa Region is home to scores of major shopping centres and one of the most popular of these is located in Orleans, a sprawling suburb just 15 km (9 mi) east of downtown Ottawa. The Place d’Orleans shopping mall is a fashion hub filled with international- and national-brand stores and specialty shops, and is one of the key reasons for Orlean’s exponential growth.
Nepean
Just 15 minutes southwest of downtown Ottawa, shoppers will find another of the region’s major malls. Nepean is home to the Bayshore Shopping Centre, a vast fashion and lifestyle Mecca anchored by retail giants such as The Bay, Zellers and Winners. Those in need of a wardrobe update or some clothing staples can also check out the various outlet stores (such as Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and LaSenza) at the College Square shopping plaza on the corner of Woodroffe Avenue and Baseline Road.
Kanata
A few minutes farther southwest (22 km/14 mi from downtown Ottawa), the high-tech hub of Kanata boasts Ottawa’s third largest shopping centre—the Kanata Entertainment Centrum. Located smack-bang in the heart of this sprawling suburban community, the Entertainment Centrum features numerous big-box stores, a massive movie theatre and a shopping mall. Kanata also stakes claim to the Hazeldean Mall.
WORTH THE DRIVE
There’s something particularly rewarding about seeking out locally grown and produced goods—from fruit and vegetables to arts and crafts—and the wider Ottawa region offers bountiful lovely spots in which to do so.
Carp
The bustling village of Carp is a half hour west of Ottawa and provides an authentic local shopping experience in a charming rural setting. The heart of a large farming community, Carp holds one of eastern Ontario’s largest farmers’markets from May to October. Browsing the stalls of over 100 vendors, shoppers will delight at the quality products grown and produced right here.
Embrun & Russell
Embrun, located approximately 40 km (25 mi) southeast of downtown Ottawa, is another worthwhile destination for fresh local produce. Boasting a significant agricultural economy, the rapidly developing community is home to markets that are stocked with produce, meat and dairy products from surrounding farms. A little farther west of Embrun, Russell provides a picturesque village setting in which to while away an afternoon, browsing the independent shops that dot the streets.
North Grenville
Old Town Kemptville is the star attraction on North Grenville’s shopping scene. The commercial centre of the area since the 1800s, Old Town Kemptville sparkles with revitalized 19th-century charm. This bustling downtown district straddles the Rideau River and is home to more than 65 restaurants and shops, including plenty of bookstores, specialty shops, cafes and pubs. North Grenville is also very much worth a mention for the Kemptville Kinsmen Farmers’ Market, held in pretty Riverside Park on Sunday afternoons from June to Thanksgiving. These appealing shopping experiences of yesteryear are approximately 40 km (25 mi) south of downtown Ottawa.
Almonte
Located within the wider Mississippi Mills area, 46 km (29 mi) southwest of central Ottawa, Almonte offers the novel experience of shopping without parking metres. This leafy, small town on the banks of the Mississippi River is adorned with Victorian homes and limestone downtown buildings housing antique and collectible stores, art galleries, gift shops and organic markets. And as it was once a major centre for textile production, Almonte features some quality textile and clothing stores, such as Textile Traditions and Terpe Wear, too.
Carleton Place
A little farther southwest along the Mississippi River, Carleton Place is another scenic town filled with historic stone buildings and quaint shopping experiences. Numerous unique stores—from fashion boutiques to gourmet food shops—pepper the streets and a seasonal weekly farmers’ market is conveniently held in the heart of town. Local art is also available at various galleries and gift shops as well as at the annual Bridge Street Bazaar in July.
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