November 26th, 2025 | Community
Is Kanata in Ottawa?
If you live anywhere near Ottawa, you have undoubtedly been hearing a lot about Kanata. What is the deal with this modern community that everyone keeps talking about? As Ottawa real estate agents, we get so many questions from clients and acquaintances who are curious about the area.
Is Kanata a city? Is Kanata part of Ottawa? Perhaps most importantly, is Kanata a good place to live and buy a house?
Today, let’s explore Kanata (aka “Canada’s largest tech park,” aka “Silicon Valley North,” aka “Home of the Senators”) in even more detail.
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Where Is Kanata in Ottawa?
Kanata is both separate from Ottawa and a celebrated part of the city. This distinction is completely understandable! Kanata was once an independent municipality until 2001 when it amalgamated to become a major suburb within the City of Ottawa.
Today, it retains its separate identity, full of unique character and a lifestyle that is impossible to match. Kanata is located approximately 25 km southwest of downtown Ottawa. On a good day, you can get back and forth from Kanata to downtown Ottawa within 20 to 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the best of both locations.
Kanata is also just outside the National Capital Commission Greenbelt, which accounts for at least some of its beautiful topography and scenery. With easy access to the Queensway (Highway 417), it’s also an ideal location for commuters.
Not that you have to travel far to find opportunities, however. The job market is nearly always strong in Kanata, thanks to the tech park and the presence of countless employers.
Do you want to get to know other Ottawa communities even better? Check out some of our other neighbourhood spotlights below:
- Ottawa’s Civic Hospital Neighbourhood; Make it Your Home Too!
- Is Barrhaven a Good Place to Live?
- Everything You Need to Know About the Village of Greely In Suburban Ottawa
What Is Kanata?
As you probably gleaned from the introduction, Kanata is many things, all of them great! It’s a major hub of technology and development, hence one of its nicknames, “Silicon Valley of the North. Many people are often shocked to discover that the tech park in Kanata, Ottawa is even larger than what you’ll find in Toronto and Waterloo!
Kanata also boasts the Canadian Tire Centre, a major stadium for concerts and sporting events. Most famously, it’s where the Ottawa Senators tear up the ice as they battle other teams in the NHL, including long-time rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens.
Who Lives in Kanata?
As a newer, upscale community, Kanata has a high concentration of highly educated professionals and relatively affluent families. Unsurprisingly, there’s the “tech crowd,” the innovators behind some of Canada’s fastest-growing companies.
You’ll also find plenty of families with young children, thanks in large part to Kanata’s family-friendly environment and access to top schools. Kanata also attracts many newcomers to Canada, including skilled workers and highly specialized professionals.
Thinking about making the move to Ottawa? Start by browsing a few of our active listings.
Kanata Neighbourhoods
The vast suburb of Kanata can be broken down into distinct communities. The area is primarily divided into Kanata North and Kanata South, separated by Highway 417.
Kanata North features notable areas such as Kanata Lakes, Beaverbrook, Morgan’s Grant and Rural Kanata.
Kanata Lakes continues to be a top-tier choice for those seeking premium suburban living, with a collection of larger homes and high-end estates. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, Kanata Lakes offers residents access to tranquil walking paths, parks, and protected green corridors.
Beaverbrook features established homes on large lots, often surrounded by the lush greenery associated with a mature neighbourhood.
Morgan’s Grant is one of the newest subdivisions in the north end. Here, you’ll find a wider mix of housing structures ranging from condos and townhouses to larger, detached family homes.
Kanata South neighbourhoods include popular areas such as Katimavik-Hazeldean, Bridlewood-Emerald Meadows and Glen Cairn.
Katimavik-Hazeldean, a relatively established area with houses constructed between the 1970s to the 1990s. The neighbourhood offers quiet streets and mature trees. Residents enjoy nearby parks, schools, and convenient shopping, making it a strong choice for families seeking a settled community.
Bridlewood-Emerald Meadows offers a range of older and newer homes, giving buyers a variety of styles and price points. Its network of trails, playgrounds, and local amenities makes it particularly family-friendly.
Glen Cairn is a mature area known for more affordable homes without compromising on convenience. Glen Cairn provides easy access to parks, schools, and retail hubs, making it a practical option for first-time buyers and young families.
Kanata real estate is varied and diverse to suit buyers from different backgrounds. The landscape includes both new and upscale neighbourhoods whereas others are more established and accessible.
Planning to make the move to Ottawa? The posts below can help you plan:
- Questions to Ask When Buying a House
- How to Buy a Home in Ottawa
- Are Older Homes a Good Investment in Ottawa?
Things to Do in Kanata
You will find a ton of fun Kanata activities regardless of your age, background, or lifestyle preferences. During inclement weather, you have your choices. Get out there and make the most of it by grabbing your cross-country skis, snow shoes, or a toboggan. The Walter Baker Park hill is legendary around here! Alternatively, you could bundle up and take a walk and enjoy the pristine scenery. Canadian winters can be chilly, but they are also beautiful, and Ottawa (and Kanata) residents are here for it!
If you prefer to stay warm and cozy, you can still get your exercise in through a variety of exciting activities. Rock climbing or indoor trampolines come immediately to mind! Or you could relax at one of the many restaurants or cafes sprinkled throughout Kanata and Stittsville. If you can’t wait to hit the stores, Tanger Outlets boasts some of the best deals in the city. Plus, Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre offers more than 60 shops, restaurants, and services.
For those who love spending every possible minute in the great outdoors, Kanata just might feel like paradise! The South March Highlands offers 15 km of breathtaking trails.
Some are quite challenging, taking you through rugged terrain over the Canadian Shield. Others, like the Beartree and Rockhopper Loops, are easy, yet no less scenic as you wind your way through peaceful wooded areas.
There’s also an access point to the Trans-Canada Trail, where you can ride your bike for hours or enjoy a relaxing stroll. The adventures are endless, and they’re all right close to home in Kanata!
Do you want to know more about the lifestyle you can enjoy here in Ottawa? Reach out to the Chell Team anytime at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com to learn more.
