This diverse downtown neighbourhood is located south of Parliament Hill and is characterized by older homes mixed with new developments, condos, and eclectic businesses in the two main commercial areas of Bank and Elgin Street.

Families, students, and young professionals all live in the neighbourhood. Centretown has excellent transit links, two parks, a Curling Club and the Canadian Museum of Nature as just a few of its exciting amenities.

The area is bustling with activities and is also home to some of Ottawa’s best restaurants, cafes, and more. 

What’s It Like to Live in Centretown?

Centretown residents enjoy a highly walkable lifestyle. With most amenities concentrated within several city blocks, Centretown is downtown living at its finest. Many local residents also work in the area, striking an excellent work-life balance as the area has plentiful gyms, cafes, and more. 

Imagine your day starting by grabbing a coffee at the trendy Arlington Five. Perhaps you join a fitness class at Iron North Studio in the morning. You walk through Dundonald Park to get to work, and after clocking out at the end of the day, you’re within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in the city.

Take your pick, will you enjoy some southern-inspired dishes at Union 613? Visit North & Navy for an Italian-style cinq à sept? Will you savour the famous meatballs at Citizen or its sister restaurant Town? Or enjoy a crisp cider and platter of fresh oysters at The Whalesbone? In Centretown, the options are endless. 

Bank Street itself has had significant investment over the last eight years and this has attracted an incredible variety of shops, services, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and more. And the area continues to develop as one of Ottawa’s go-to destinations for lifestyle amenities. In fact, many exciting festivals and events take place here including Glow Fair, Fire & Ice Festival, Ottawa Capital Pride, and Beyond the ART to name a few. 

At the same time, Centretown is convenient. Close to cafes and casual eateries like Colonnade Pizza (an Ottawa institution!) you’ll find dental offices, health clinics, Shoppers Drug Mart, LCBO, and a great selection of grocery stores including the iconic Massine’s Your Independent Grocer on Bank, and an impressive Farm Boy at Lisgar and Metcalfe. Busy professionals can even get delicious pre-made meals from local favourite, Red Apron. 

With proximity to the 417 and with access to major OC Transpo routes and considerable bike infrastructure, Centretown is an easily accessible, dynamic, exciting neighbourhood. 

Thinking about moving to Centretown? Get in touch with us today and let us show you around!