Centrally located with a strong sense of community

Little Italy is an excellent choice for anyone buying a home in Ottawa who wants a great location and amenities on their doorstep.  Urban professionals, families and those downsizing have told the Chell Team that they chose this neighbourhood for its central location, nature, culture, and traditions. Established in the 1900s by Italian immigrants, this neighbourhood still embodies its welcoming feel and strong sense of community today.

A style of home to suit you

When looking to buy a house in Ottawa, whether you prefer a newer style of home, a condo with amenities, or a traditional property, Little Italy is one of Ottawa’s neighbourhoods that has it all. The newer homes offer the ability to move in and simply decorate to your taste, while many of the older homes offer large spaces, a yard, and the opportunity to add value with some renovations.

If you want something truly hassle free, close to everything, and with amenities on site, then one of Little Italy’s condos could be perfect for you. These amenities may include concierge services, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, guest suites, party room, gym, theatre, private wine cellar, and office facilities.

If you love culture and history

When clients relocate to Ottawa, they usually fall in love with Little Italy after exploring its art, history, culture, and food.

We always recommend that you start on Preston Street and head north towards where it connects with China Town, to the beautiful St Anthony’s Church, whose copper steeple is visible from many areas in Little Italy. From there, cross to Piazza Dante, then head back down Preston street to take a look at the 2021 Da Vinci mural, at Louisa Street. From there, pass under the highway and walk along the mural by Italian trained artist Karole Marois, which celebrates the entrepreneurs, festivals and milestones that make up Little Italy.

One of Ottawa’s top events and food scenes

Spending a weekend enjoying the many restaurants and cafes along Preston Street, feels as if you are on vacation. Grab a coffee at one of the boutique roasteries or at cozy little café. Enjoy some authentic gelato, eat a wood-oven–fired pizza in Roman or Napoli style, and round out the afternoon soaking up sun with a drink on one of the many patios. If you want to venture beyond authentic Italian food, you can enjoy Asian, Greek, Indian, Japanese, gourmet BBQ, and even award-winning molecular gastronomy, within a four block radius.

In June, the community celebrates Italian Week with live music, a cycling race, a Ferrari festival, and a car parade where you will see some incredible vintage and modern cars. For Winterlude, in February, you are a short walk to the skating and Beavertails along the canal.

It’s easy to get around with or without a car

Little Italy truly is a walkable community. You can easily access the city centre, Chinatown and Hintonburg on foot, or by the many bike trails or transit links. You are also minutes away from Dows Lake and the Rideau Canal, our UNESCO world heritage waterway.

The neighbourhood is served by many major bus routes, a short walk to the main Transitway, and with the O-train expansion you can ride in comfort across the city and connect directly to Carleton University.

Parks and community resources year round

Ottawa community resources are excellent in this neighbourhood. Activities can be enjoyed year-round; paddle boarding and canoeing in summer, and skating on the Rideau Canal in winter. Little Italy has three parks: the Plant Recreation Centre,  Plouffe Park, and Chaudière Park. Amenities include sports fields, an outdoor rink, a baseball diamond, a splash pad, and a pool. On Little Italy’s border with Carling Avenue is Commissioners Park where the Canadian Tulip Festival is held, and from here you can cross to Dows Lake, the Experimental Farm, and the Arboretum.

If you love to bike, this neighbourhood can connect you across the city and to beautiful parklands along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal. We recommend this route as a good way to see how easy it is to get from the city centre to Little Italy, along the river.

Great choices of schools

 Little Italy has five public schools, one Catholic school, and multiple private schools with both Francophone and bilingual options.

We acknowledge

We acknowledge that Little Italy, Ottawa, was built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory. To learn more about the Algonquin peoples and their history, go to Algonquins of Ontario website.

Get in touch

The Chell Team is just a phone call or email away. Contact us to arrange a meeting with Susan Chell, Patti Brown or Sarah Toll today for your free home market evaluation or check out the Chell Team real estate listings.