Unveiling Ottawa’s Westboro Neighborhood: Your Essential Guide
Westboro is a vibrant neighborhood brimming with character and charm tucked within the city of Ottawa. This community is renowned for its eclectic mix of boutiques, diverse dining options, and scenic parks.
As you navigate its streets, you’ll discover a tapestry of history interwoven with modern urban living. From its quaint local markets to the rich cultural offerings, Westboro beckons visitors with its inviting ambiance and array of experiences to be explored.
Now, there are a lot of things many people don’t know about this thriving community, so we’ll gladly give you all the details on everything you should know about Westboro.
What is Westboro known for?
Westboro is known for its stunning twentieth-century buildings, which still stand today as a testament to its past and the beautiful architecture popular at the time. One example of this is the Former Nepean Town Hall.
It’s also one of Ottawa’s trendiest neighborhoods, thanks to its abundance of unique stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
From Zak’s Diner, with its vintage diner aesthetic while serving up Canadian comfort food 24/7, to Wedel, which offers authentic European goods right here in Ottawa.
The History of Westboro
Westboro traces its origins all the way to the late nineteenth century, marked by flyers inviting people to relocate to Westboro for “views of the Laurentian Mountains.”
This was in reference to the distant geological formation along the Eardley Escarpment, now famously recognized as the Gatineau Hills, and is seen across the Ottawa River.
Descriptions from the nineteenth century pinpointed its location along the Macadam Road to Bells Corners, presently known as Richmond Road. This road also forms the center of the village-like community, once the hub of the Nepean Township.
The historic Town Hall on Richmond Road housed a bell, which would later become a symbol of the former city of Nepean, now incorporated into Ottawa.
Maplelawn Garden, home to Ottawa’s second oldest building (constructed in 1831) and designated a National Historic Site, lies at the village’s western edge.
Churchill Avenue, formerly recognized as Main Street, underwent a name change post-World War II to honor Winston Churchill.
Not far west, River Road, initially named for its path through the neighborhood to the Ottawa River beach, transitioned to Roosevelt Avenue for similar reasons.
Westboro’s integration into Ottawa, which already boasted streets named River Road and Main Street, triggered further renaming of its streets. From 1903 to 1949, Westboro functioned as a police village until Ottawa annexed it.
An Ottawa streetcar line, now a narrow grass park along Byron Avenue, once ferried residents to this erstwhile cottage country. Many cottage-style residences still endure in the area to this day, particularly by the Ottawa River north of Scott Street.
In the same park between Richmond Road and Byron Avenue, the Westboro War Memorial Association erected a memorial cenotaph.
It was unveiled on June 8, 1985, and stands as a tribute to the fallen members of Westboro and the surrounding area. In particular, it’s for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in The Great War, World War II, and the Korean War.
How big is Westboro?
Westboro has a land area of about 2.1 square kilometers, and its borders stretch from the Transitway in the north to Tweedsmuir Avenue in the east. Then there’s Carling Avenue in the south and Denbury Avenue in the west.
Population of Westboro
According to the latest census, Westboro in Ottawa has a population of about 22,725 residents. The median age of residents in Westboro is around 41.8 years old.
Approximately 69% of its total population are married couples. Additionally, 42% of Westboro’s occupants are families with children at home, and 59.7% speak only English as a language.
Weather in Westboro
Throughout the year, Westboro experiences temperatures from 6-80℉, but rarely below -13℉ or higher than 88℉.
The warm season lasts about 3.9 months, from the end of May to September, with the hottest month of the year being July.
Meanwhile, the cold season generally lasts for around 3.3 months, starting around early December until March, with average daily temperatures below 33℉. The coldest month of the year in Westboro is January.
Is Westboro a good place to live?
Westboro is a good place to live if you’re planning on moving to Ottawa or relocating within the city.
Aside from its beautiful homes, easy access to places like downtown Ottawa, schools, trendy restaurants, and unique boutiques make it a great choice!
Those who love the classic styles of early-twentieth-century homes are in for a treat when it comes to real estate options.
It’s a lively community that’s surrounded by some of the best cafes, patios, art galleries, bakeries, and gourmet restaurants in the Ottawa region. There are also great views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills that you can see here!
Housing in Westboro
The average rent for a 1BR apartment in Westboro as of December 2023 is around $2,108, a 22% increase compared to 2022.
In comparison, places like the Glebe only have an average rent of $1,900 or $2,015 in downtown Ottawa. Overall, Westboro is one of the more expensive areas to live in Ottawa.
Despite this, it’s still one of the most popular areas to move to, which isn’t surprising because its homes are architectural marvels that have withstood the test of time.
Healthcare in Westboro
Residents of Westboro are entitled to free healthcare because they’re covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
This means they can have visits to their family doctors or specialists, plus most of the primary and emergency healthcare services covered by OHIP.
What’s more, because Westboro is within Ottawa, all the city’s medical providers are easily within reach.
Education in Westboro
When you relocate to Westboro, education is the least of your problems because it has easy access to the top universities in Ottawa and has its own schools!
Currently, there are three schools located within Westboro: Centre Jules-Leger, Hilson Avenue Public School, and Westboro Montessori School.
So, you don’t have to worry about your child having to go too far from home to get their education!
Industries in Westboro
The main industry in Westboro is retail and hospitality work, thanks to the abundance of outdoor & sports stores, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops.
So, if you’re looking for work in the area, your options are mostly limited to the retail and hospitality industries.
It’s actually thanks to these particular businesses that Westboro underwent gentrification in the 2000s.
Transportation in Westboro
The main mode of transportation in Westboro, aside from having your own private vehicle, is getting around via bus.
The OC Transpo Bus has two stations serving the area: Westboro and Dominion. Its Routes 11 and 16 also provide frequent bus service along Richmond Road.
You can also use Light Rail station to get to Westboro, but the nearest station, which is Tunney’s Pasture, is around a 49-minute walk away. So, it’s generally advised to go for the bus instead unless you’re trying to get some exercise that day.
Pros and Cons of Living in Westboro
Now, we’ve covered several aspects of Westboro, from its history, the cost of living, its main industry, etc.
All of these aspects make Westboro the wonderful community that it is, but to help you out, here’s a summarized guide on the pros and cons of living in Westboro:
Pros
- Stunning architecture
- Rich in history and monuments/landmarks
- Covered by OHIP
- Lively & vibrant community
- Abundant stores & restaurants
Cons
- Expensive rent
- Limited job options (Main industry is retail & hospitality/management)
Communities in Westboro
Aside from Westboro Village itself, the area of Westboro is made up of several tightly-knit communities, which include the following:
- Westboro Beach
- Golden Manor
- Dovercourt
- Hampton Court
- Scott Hill
The best thing about the local community of Westboro is that they know how to have fun because there are always awesome events planned in the area.
For example, a Christmas photoshoot event with your furry pals, a charity drive to spread the season’s cheer, or even a mystic market filled with all sorts of goodies!
If you ask us, you should definitely always keep an eye out for whatever Westboro’s local community is up to so that you can join in on all the good times happening!
Things to Do in Westboro
As one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Ottawa, there’s a lot you can do in Westboro. Here’s all the fun stuff waiting for you — take your pick, or try and do them all if you can!
From having brunch at one of the best smokehouses in Ottawa to getting some awesome photos for your social media at the beach, there’s something for all!
1. Grab brunch at Lexington Smokehouse & Bar.
Address: 344 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5C6, Canada
Website: http://lexingtonottawa.com/
Contact Details: +1 613-218-8209
Must-order Menu Items: Seoul Food, Brisket Stack, Hail Caesar, Shrimp Toast
Price Range: $$ (Average)
At Lexington Smokehouse & Bar, Southern-style cuisine and smokey barbecue take center stage.
Here, you can delight your taste buds with specialties such as chicken and waffles, pork pulled Benny, and an array of other tempting options. We recommend that you try an evening visit for a dinner affair paired with expertly crafted cocktails!
Address: 418 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0G2, Canada
Website: https://www.clocktower.ca/menu/
Contact Details: +1 613-680-5983
Must-order Menu Items: Fish & Chips, Tuna Poke Bowl, Maple Bacon Wings, California Buddha Bowl
Price Range: $ (Cheap)
At the Clocktower Brew Pub, Ottawa’s longest-established full-service craft brewery, you can share a refreshing pint with friends.
This establishment prides itself on crafting exceptional beer in-house and serving fresh, original food within a comfortable and vibrant atmosphere.
A staple in Ottawa since 1996, the Clocktower is an ideal locale to reconnect with friends over a well-crafted pint. During the summer, be sure to take advantage of the expansive front patio—a perfect setting to savor the warmth of sunny days!
3. Indulge in Italian cuisine at Fratelli.
Address: 275 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3, Canada
Website: https://fratelli.ca/
Contact Details: +1 613-722-6772
Must-order Menu Items: Ravioli, Pizza, Fried Calamari, Chicken Penne
Price Range: $$ (Average)
If you’re feeling a little fancy or just want some authentic Italian food, Fratelli’s Westboro is the place to be.
This establishment, which is a cherished neighborhood gem, beckons with its warm and inviting ambiance, characterized by rustic, cozy timber-lined surroundings.
It’s ideal for a romantic date night and offers a menu of Italian classics that promises a delightful experience for your taste buds. From savory dishes to a selection of fine wines, immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Italy at this charming locale!
Address: 400 Winston Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 1Y5, Canada
Website: https://thepiggymarket.com/
Contact Details: +1 613-371-6124
Must-order Menu Items: Beef Patties, Jerk Chicken Patties, Deli Sandwich, Rib Eye Steak
Price Range: $$ (Average)
Piggy Market is a culinary haven in Westboro where you can get a quick and satisfying lunch, a ready-made dinner, pantry essentials, and expertly butchered cuts. You can also ask for assistance in crafting a charcuterie board!
This establishment exists as a bakery, deli, and craft butcher shop and is on a mission to collaborate with local farmers to foster a sustainable food system. Its dedication extends to reviving the passion and excitement embedded in food culture and traditions.
At Piggy’s, you’ll discover an array of culinary delights, from fresh and frozen lunch and dinner options catering to all tastes, including vegetarians. You’ll also find peanut and nut-free bakery items like tarts, scones, donuts, bread, pies, and more.
Be sure not to miss the chance to indulge in the rich world of charcuterie with its in-house pates, terrines, and rillettes. Cheese lovers can explore the rotating selection of artisanal and local cheeses showcased in the cheese cooler.
For those who appreciate precision in their cuts, Piggy’s Market offers made-to-order butcher cuts. An extensive selection of meats awaits you, from beef, chicken, duck, and lamb to pork, rabbit, goose, pheasant, and Cornish hens.
5. Stroll along Westboro Beach.
Address: 745 Ottawa River Parkway, Ottawa, Ontario K2B 5L7 Canada
If you’re already tired from having so much fun and excitement in your day, you can wind down by strolling along Westboro Beach. This scenic spot is a haven for both summer beach days and year-round captivating sunsets.
Here, you’ll get the opportunity to immerse yourself in the laid-back ambiance complemented by the offerings of the Westboro Beach Cafe. You can indulge in a tropical vibe with a tiki bar, relish grilled delights, and groove to the rhythm of live music.
This waterfront destination is a perfect retreat for those seeking a blend of relaxation and vibrant experiences!
6. Take stunning photos at the Remic Rapids Park.
Address: Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
You can capture the allure of the Ottawa River and the distant Parliament Hill with stunning photos right here at Remic Rapids Park.
This scenic location not only offers a panoramic view but also showcases the remarkably balanced rock structures crafted by John Felice Ceprano since 1986.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of these river-edge installations that have become an iconic feature of Remic Rapids. These installations have created a visual spectacle that’s perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!