The Best Guide Out There for the Top Things to Do in Barrhaven (Yes, We Checked!)
I decided to get my act together and hit the gym last month.
Naturally, I picked a class only to find out it was already full – typical, right? But, as luck would have it, I managed to snag the last spot at the Barrhaven location.
After my workout, I took some time to explore the neighborhood, which isn’t exactly my regular stomping ground. And wow, did I stumble upon some hidden treasures!
I had so much fun exploring that I practically moved in for a week, diving into every nook and cranny.
After weeks of exploring Barrhaven’s hidden gems, I’ve crafted the ultimate guide to its delightful surprises. To make things easier for you, I divided this article into sections to help you quickly find what piques your interest.
Indulge in outdoor recreational activities
A lot of people move to Barrhaven because of the wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities right at their fingertips.
Nature lovers will surely enjoy visiting this suburban neighborhood, brimming with parks, trails, and green spaces.
1. Chapman Mills Conservation Area
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EyY6K9XekjwD7Vjz8
Address: 253 Winding Way, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-692-3571
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Chapman Mills Conservation Area is a popular spot among nature lovers, especially those who love birdwatching.
In this massive 23-acre land, it’s impossible not to want to stop and enjoy the stunning array of twittering creatures that make this haven even more enchanting.
There are even viewing towers to help spot and appreciate the local birdlife from a perfect vantage point.
Chapman Mills Conservation Area is also an exceptional location if you want to take a breather from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the picturesque trails that wind through the Rideau River.
And for all the dog lovers out there, yes, your furry friends are welcome here too!
2. Stonebridge Trail
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ms8T54PiPogJghME8
Sometimes, all you need is to unplug and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Luckily, there’s the Stonebridge Trail in Barrhaven that offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. Its gorgeous trails wind through lush landscapes and serene settings, inviting you to take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty all around.
This charming nature haven also provides ample space for your dogs to romp and enjoy the expansive area, so be sure to let them tag along for the adventure!
3. Beryl Gaffney Park
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vvhc61eVEUKkd4th8
Address: 3889 Rideau Valley Dr, Nepean
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Beryl Gaffney Park offers laid-back trails that only take an hour to finish. The path is generally easy, thanks to its gentle slopes and well-maintained surface.
This gives you ample time to enjoy its picturesque offerings and serene ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a quick nature escape.
Folks love it for birding too, while in the winter, it transforms into a delightful destination for snowshoeing.
Oh, and good news for fur parents – you can bring your dog along, just be sure to keep them on a leash.
Experience the best culinary adventures
Barrhaven’s culinary scene is criminally underrated. Sure, they don’t have a buzzing nightlife, but they make up for it with an impressive array of delightful eateries that serve up mouth-watering dishes.
1. Browns Socialhouse
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Website: https://www.brownssocialhouse.com/
Address: 1055 Greenbank Rd #1
Contact details: +1 613-440-2010
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
From sweet treats to savory delights, it seems that Browns Socialhouse can do no wrong. They’ve managed to give classics their well-deserved justice, which is why it’s the go-to spot for a hearty meal that never disappoints.
It sounds like I’m totally hyping them up right now, but once you get a bite of their nachos, and fish and chips, you’ll see why I’m raving about them so much.
The nachos are a crispy, cheesy dream topped with just the right amount of ingredients, creating the perfect chip-to-topping ratio. Meanwhile, the fish and chips boast a perfectly crispy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside – just the way I like it!
2. The Barley Mow
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Website: https://barleymow.com/
Address: 1481 Greenbank Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-823-8028
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Who said the lovely suburban neighborhood of Barrhaven doesn’t have its fair share of excitement? Clearly, they just didn’t know where to find all the good stuff!
After all, there’s The Barley Mow, a vibrant pub where people in the neighborhood flock to enjoy mouth-watering bar fare alongside live music.
They have almost every dish imaginable – wings, gyoza, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more, ensuring that you can satisfy your cravings all under one roof.
3. Greenfields Gastro Public House
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Website: https://greenfieldspublichouse.com/
Address: 900 Greenbank Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-823-9900
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Greenfields Gastro Public House is a charming destination where you can enjoy delicious, hearty meals, live music, and a cozy ambiance that just hit the spot.
The nachos definitely own the show here, with layers of fine ingredients like salsa verde, salsa fresca, and more. The ultimate scene-stealer? It’s none other than the sour cream, which adds a creamy, tangy finish that elevates every bite.
Oh, and don’t miss out on their burgers. While I have yet to try everything on the menu, the ones that I have completely blew me away!
Thanks to their kitchen that’s open until 1 AM daily, you can indulge in delicious late-night bites whenever the craving strikes.
4. Mad Radish
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Website: https://www.madradish.com/
Address: 34 Highbury Park Dr Unit 2, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-440-0480
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Eager foodies seeking out nourishing bites in Barrhaven will feel right at home at Mad Radish. With a fantastic rejuvenating spin on classic favorites, this spot crafts delicious burritos, sandwiches, soups, and a lot more.
The piri-piri bowl is a popular choice – a dish that can easily be made vegan by opting for tofu instead of chicken.
Aside from your protein of choice, it’s packed with other ingredients like sweet potato, carrot, cabbage slow, brown rice, etc., creating a nutrient-rich meal that feels so good to eat.
Move your beautiful body
Another great thing about Barrhaven is the wide array of opportunities for one to stay active. You can sign up for fitness classes or head over to the sports centre if you’re in the mood to break a sweat with a more structured workout.
Whatever your fitness vibe is, there’s something here to keep you moving and motivated. Now, let’s move that beautiful body of yours!
1. Movati Athletic
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Website: https://movatiathletic.com/barrhaven/
Address: 15 Crestway Dr
Contact details: +1 613-515-2663
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday and sunday – 6 AM to 9 PM
Movati Athletic is a state-of-the-art gym in Barrhaven equipped with the finest gear and amenities for your fitness journey.
You can expect top-notch exercise zones like those for cardio and free weights. There’s even a women’s area for added comfort and privacy, along with a recreational pool, steam room, dry sauna, cardio and weights areas, and many more.
But wait – this is just a taste of what you can expect at Movati Athletic gym. They also have thrilling group fitness sessions where you can enjoy activities like yoga and cycling.
Open until midnight on weekdays, even night owls will have ample opportunity to fit in a workout whenever it suits their schedule.
2. Orangetheory Fitness
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Website: https://www.orangetheory.com/
Address: 34 Highbury Park Dr Unit C6
Contact details: +1 613-519-2884
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 5 AM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday – 6:15 AM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday – 5 AM to 7:15 PM
- Friday – 6:15 AM to 7:15 PM
- Saturday – 7:30 AM to 1 PM
- Sunday – 8:45 AM to 1:15 PM
Orangetheory Fitness is a cutting-edge studio, offering equipment for rowing, strength training, and cardio, designed to meet a range of workout needs.
If it’s your first time stepping into the gym, I know it can feel a bit daunting, but here’s something that might put you at ease: Orangetheory Fitness welcomes all levels.
In fact, even someone like me who sits in front of the computer all day managed to get through one of their sessions. I mean, it wasn’t a walk in the park, but I survived – and even enjoyed it!
3. Walter Baker Sports Centre
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nL74QnxCw1mREMLA6
Address: 100 Malvern Dr
Contact details: +1 613-580-2788
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Walter Baker Sports Centre is a lot of locals’ go-to spot for both fitness and fun.
Their fitness centre is packed with all the essentials: treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rowing machines, and stair climbers, plus cable machines and free weights.
And for those who like a bit of entertainment while working out, there are independent sound systems and TVs.
If you’re looking for something more refreshing, you can dive into their 8-lane, 25m pool. There’s also a warm teaching pool complete with ramp access and a preschool pool for the little ones.
Walter Baker Sports Centre is known for its hockey rink where you can hit the ice yourself or watch the action unfold.
Attend community events and activities
Just when you thought Barrhaven had run out of surprises, here’s another one: the neighborhood’s calendar is packed with events that celebrate the spirit of the community.
From lively to delicious events, there’s a multitude of things worth looking forward to in this suburban neighborhood.
1. Barrhaven RibFest
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/barrhavenribfest/
Barrhaven RibFest is where your inner carnivore gets to party! This annual event is basically a mecca for rib lovers, where a sea of food trucks compete with each of their own smoky, tender offerings.
I once spent an entire afternoon devouring ribs so juicy that I needed a nap afterward.
And of course, it’s not just about the ribs – there’s live music that makes you want to dance with a rib in hand and tons of activities to keep everyone entertained. Trust me, if you haven’t been, you’re missing out on the rib-tastic experience of a lifetime.
2. Movie in the Park
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Website: https://sequoiachurch.org/movieinthepark
Movie in the Park by Sequoia Church is a summer event where you and your loved ones can indulge in an outdoor movie experience.
Kicking off just after sunset, this event transforms your evening into a cozy, cinematic adventure. Make sure to bring your own blanket and chairs to fully enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Snacks are usually provided so there’s no need to worry about that!
For the updated movie schedule, make sure to check out their website.