Here’s How to Enjoy Chapman Mills in Ottawa Like the Locals Do!
Ottawa has many nice neighborhoods where you can easily spend a whole day strolling. I, for one, felt like visiting the suburban sprawl of Barrhaven a little down south.
Prior to going there, I didn’t really have a specific activity in mind. I knew I loved nature walks, but I also do a fair bit of shopping and cafe-hopping.
I was thinking out loud during this time, so my friend reacted with “You need to check out Chapman Mills.” Another said, “I second that!”, so I had to know what the hype was about because it sounded like a brand of artisanal cheese.
They went on to explain that I’ll easily fall in love with its Conservation Area and Marketplace, and they were so right. It was like nature’s way of saying, “Yes, you’re in the suburbs, but don’t forget I exist.”
Just a word of advice: be careful around the geese, or else you’ll be in for an unplanned cardio session.
Where is Chapman Mills?
Chapman Mills Drive is located in the Barrhaven suburb in Ottawa. It’s situated between Longfields Drive in the west and Woodroffe Avenue in the east.
The Chapman Mills Conservation Area is located off Winding Way and beside the Rideau River.
How to Get to Chapman Mills
By Car: If coming from downtown Ottawa, you can head south on Woodroffe Avenue until you reach Barrhaven. Go past the intersection with Strandherd Drive, then take the next right onto Chapman Mills Drive.
By Bus: You can take the #75 bus line from Tunney’s Pasture station in downtown Ottawa to Jockvale/Longfields station in Barrhaven. Once off, walk north along Longfields Drive until you arrive at the T-junction with Chapman Mills Drive.
Things to Do in Chapman Mills
Hike the Conservation Area boardwalk trail
– Media credit: james.peltzer
One of the Chapman Mills Conservation Area’s main highlights is its scenic boardwalk trail, which allows you to walk along the shorelines of the Rideau River.
The trail spans a total of 1.5 km from the main parking lot to the merging point with Lodge Road, so a return trip will have you hike a total of 3 km.
The main wooden boardwalk is about 500 m long and stretches across a small island section on the river. It has two connecting bridges and several benches to rest on along its length.
Some people choose to jog the trail, while others even cycle it. I personally took my time so I could better take in the natural scenery while still getting my daily steps in.
After hiking the boardwalk section, I continued following the route under the Vimy Memorial Bridge. I suggest being a bit more careful along this part when on a bike, since there’s no fencing between the trail and the river, which is filled with rocks.
Do some bird watching
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The conservation area is home to a wide array of feathered species, making it a great place to go bird watching.
Due to its diverse habitats along the Rideau River and surrounding forests, the area welcomes species such as Canada Geese, Belted Kingfishers, Rock Pigeons, Mallards, and Ring-billed Gulls.
In the middle of my walk near the river, I managed to spot a couple of great blue herons, which are known to be great at catching fish.
Go kayaking at the accessible dock
– Media credit: just_jenni_1981
The accessible dock makes it possible to go kayaking on the Rideau River, and it’s completely free to use!
The launch dock is located near the parking lot, just past the main picnic shelter. It’s suitable for safely launching both kayaks and canoes.
We recommend doing your kayaking during the summer for optimal water conditions, just like we did. Just be prepared to see many others who have the same idea.
We’ve even seen some people using their paddle boards for some yoga sessions in shallower areas, which is another interesting activity you can consider.
Have a picnic at the picnic shelter
– Media credit: mjharrisonz
If you’re looking for a nice resting spot to enjoy a meal or a packed lunch while taking in the scenic views, then check out the picnic shelter at the Conservation Area.
Located near the entrance, the picnic shelter has several long tables and benches that are perfect for families and friend groups.
If you prefer a closer view by the water, there are also multiple benches scattered around the boardwalk trail, as seen on this map.
In my experience, the main picnic shelter is best to shield you from the sun during the hotter months, while the benches along the river make for a nice and breezy place to hang out.
Go fishing by the Rideau River
– Media credit: volykcore
If you like going fishing, then it’s a great idea to make the Chapman Mills Conservation Area your next fishing spot, since it’s by the Rideau River, after all.
While you can use the designated fishing platform near the parking lot, it tends to get crowded with people pretty fast, so you need to arrive early.
An alternative would be making use of one of the benches located on the boardwalk. They’re placed near the water, making them a nice fishing spot.
Once you’re all set, you can expect a variety of fish species such as pike, musky, and bass.
While I’m not a pro angler by any means, I once caught a catfish within five minutes of casting the fishing line on one of the benches.
Spend time with the kids at Water Dragon Park
– Media credit: frassawala
Just along Chapman Mills Drive is a popular and fairly sizable recreational area called Water Dragon Park, which is perfect for a day out with the kids.
Walk up to the main entrance gate, and you’ll be greeted by some dragon statues on either side that hint at the overall theme of the park.
Once you’re inside, you’ll come across two rows of benches, some paved pathways, and a big soccer field with lots of room for activities.
Just further down the right pathway is the reason why the park is named that – a playground area and splash pad featuring a green water dragon.
My niece and nephew loved playing around the dragon, which acts as the main shower with the push of a button. It’s also surrounded by other sprinklers, making for a very wet yet fun experience.
Shop at the Chapman Mills Marketplace
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The Chapman Mills Marketplace is an outdoor shopping center that features many chain stores like HomeSense and Winners, and big-box stores like Walmart Supercentre.
This is where the Barrhaven Town Centre is located as well, which we’ve discovered is quite a busy area with shops like The Home Depot and Best Buy nearby.
We were surprised to see recreational establishments like Anytime Fitness, Barrhaven Martial Arts Centre, and Cineplex Odeon Barrhaven Cinemas in the mix.
You can also expect tons of restaurants here that serve anything from Asian to Greek cuisine. One of our favorite picks here is an Italian restaurant called Via Cibo along Marketplace Avenue.
Where to Eat and Drink in Chapman Mills
Heart & Crown – Barrhaven
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Address: 3161 Strandherd Dr #300, Nepean
Contact Number: +1 613-440-3906
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:00am – 2:00am
Heart & Crown is Ottawa’s popular Irish pub that combines great food with live music, all within reach along Chapman Mills Drive.
There are many notable Irish-inspired dishes to choose from. For instance, the Irish Spice Bag we ordered is Dublin fried chicken with a side of chips, onions, peppers, and chili oil.
As a lover of spicy food, I was quite satisfied with the level of heat that the dish had. You can even order a side of curry sauce for just $2 if you’re feeling more adventurous.
The drinks are also top-notch, with a wide array of draft beers, bottled beers, wines, whiskeys, and cocktails. The Peachy Lychee Margarita I had was a refreshing blend of sweet and slightly sour goodness.
State & Main
– Media credit: stateandmain
Address: 4235 Strandherd Dr Unit 11
Contact Number: +1 613-695-0963
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 11:00am – 11:00pm
- Thu – Fri: 11:00am – 12:00am
- Sat: 10:00am – 12:00am
- Sun: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Albeit just slightly farther away along Strandherd Drive, State & Main is a great restaurant pick that we think is well worth the extra travel time.
They have a mix of everything here, from burgers and pastas to barbecue ribs and chicken fingers. There are also several salad options with generous servings, in case you want to eat healthy.
Since I like trying out what the people love, I decided to order their Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer. The tempura-battered shrimp was perfectly crispy, while the spicy sriracha sauce was an explosion of flavor (in a good way).
This location is also quite notable for its patio dining experience. It’s a very relaxing spot where it’s neither too hot during the summer nor too cold during the winter, thanks to the heating system.
Via Cibo Barrhaven
– Media credit: viacibo_barrhaven
Address: 3181 Greenbank Rd, Nepean
Contact Number: +1 613-825-2345
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Wed: 11:00am – 11:00pm
- Thu: 11:00am – 12:00am
- Fri – Sat: 11:00am – 2:00am
Via Cibo Barrhaven delivers the most authentic Italian street food experience to the local stomach.
This Italian restaurant within the Chapman Mills Marketplace has a diverse menu selection of pastas, pizzas, piadinas, panini, entrees, and many more.
We had one of their Sausage & Broccolini pastas, and the ingredients are so fresh. The tomato sauce was tangy with a bit of spice, and the parmesan cheese added just the right amount of saltiness.
Their Shrimp Risotto is also to die for. They didn’t skimp out on the shrimp at all, and the rice was very aromatic and creamy to the taste.
Where to Stay in Chapman Mills
Hampton Inn & Suites Ottawa West
– Media credit: hamptonbyhilton
Address: 125 Lusk St, Nepean
Contact Number: +1 613-216-7829
Hampton Inn & Suites in Ottawa West is by the global brand, Hilton, so you know that you’re getting top-notch service and great amenities in one.
Conveniently located on Lusk Street just off Strandherd Drive, the hotel is only a few minutes away from Chapman Mills Marketplace, the surrounding residential suburbs, and even the Conservation Area.
The guest rooms are nice and spacious for families, and they’re designed to let a lot of natural light in (unless you close the blinds, of course). The beds are neat and cozy, and there’s even a sofa bed that’s great for kids.
A stay in this accommodation also includes free breakfast, free WiFi, and access to the indoor pool and fitness center.