Gloucester Gems: How to Best Explore This Exciting Neighborhood in Ottawa
Listen up, explorers! We’ve just snagged the inside scoop on the thrills and frills of Gloucester, an exciting east-end neighborhood with endless exploration opportunities.
By the end of this article, we guarantee that you’ll feel the urge to immediately pack your bags and plan a visit. Nothing’s stopping you though, because you already have the best guide to show you around!
1. Play a round of golf at The Meadows Golf & Country Club
Website: https://www.meadowscc.org
Address: 4335 Hawthorne Rd, Gloucester, ON K1G 3N4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-822-2582
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 7 PM
A significant portion of Gloucester in Ottawa consists of large, green spaces, some of which are tailor-made especially for golf enthusiasts.
One personal favorite of ours is The Meadows Golf & Country Club, providing a thrilling 36-hole golf course complete with a dazzling array of services.
However, you need to become a member to unlock the privileges they offer such as the fitness center, Olympic pool, tennis court, and more.
Fret not, it’s easy to apply for a membership! Just give their website a visit for the complete detailed information.
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1PLveVjUmzuHdVdV8
Address: 1295 Colonial Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1N1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-835-2066
It’s not a true Ottawan neighborhood without a dedicated hockey area, that’s for sure. If you ever find yourself in Gloucester with a craving for some time on the ice, try visiting the Navan Memorial Centre & Arena.
The rink is well-maintained, which is why you’d also be able to catch thrilling games of hockey if you’re lucky.
Aside from this well-loved sport by Canadians all over the globe, you can also practice your ice skating skills here to perfect a graceful triple axel.
3. Play a game of chance at Rideau Carleton Casino
Website: https://www.rideaucarletoncasino.com
Address: 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester, ON K1X 1A3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-822-8668
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Feeling lucky? Take a chance and drop by the Rideau Carleton Casino to play nail-biting games of slots, jackpots, baccarat, blackjack, and more.
The horse races are also an entertaining spectacle! Just a warning though – they’re pretty addicting!
Aside from the game of thrills, you can also indulge in a dining experience in one of their fascinating restaurants like Caffé Italiano and Sushi and Tempura Bar.
4. Watch live performances at Shenkman Arts Centre
Website: https://shenkmanarts.ca/en/events
Address: 245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans, ON K1E 0A1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-580-2700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8:30 AM to 8 PM
Shenkman Arts Centre is a haven for creators and art appreciators with its exciting programs that focus on exhibits and live performances spanning various art forms ranging from theatre, films, and music to dance, music, and youth programming.
Want to immerse yourself in creating art? They also have classes and camps you can join!
They currently partner with Gloucester Pottery School, Ottawa School of Art, and other art communities.
5. Go back in time at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ojt5Bw2RLSSFE8e3A
Address: 2940 Ch. Old Montréal Rd, Cumberland, ON K4C 1G3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-580-2988
Considered a living history museum, the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is dedicated to showcasing life in the 20th century through preserved heritage buildings, artifacts, and more.
Their permanent exhibition includes an array of interesting discoveries including The Vars Train Station, vintage vehicles, a general store, and so on. History buffs need to include this in their itinerary.
6. Go on a hike at Pine Grove
— Media credit: @patburilliphotos
Website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/pine-grove
Address: Pine Grove Trail, Ottawa, ON K1G 3N4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
One of our favorite things about the Gloucester neighborhood is how rich it is in green landscapes. If you want to indulge yourself in an outdoor adventure in Ottawa, you know where to go.
Anyway, there are a lot of areas to choose from in Gloucester if you want to go on a hike, with Pine Grove being one of the most enchanting locations.
Here, there are about 18.4 kilometers worth of trails with enchanting tall pine trees as the background.
7. Explore the wilderness at Dewberry Trail
— Media credit: @raw_wildlife_
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4STfc2D46d9gtgKb6
Address: Dolman Ridge Rd, Orléans, ON K1C 7G4, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Still need more outdoor adventures? Try the Dewberry Trail at Gloucester, which offers a lot of opportunities to spot the rich wildlife in the city.
Expect to see plenty of birds and squirrels, so make sure to be equipped with your trusty binoculars!
The trail is generally easy with mainly flat paths that only take 14 minutes to complete, so you can focus on enjoying the views around you.
8. See breathtaking views at Ottawa River Lookout
— Media credit: @munhohchan
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JhJVWz2kSgC2vvys6
Address: Unnamed Road, Orléans, ON K1C 2X6, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
The Ottawa River Lookout is a hidden gem that offers a fantastic viewpoint of the river. We highly suggest going here to see the sunset.
There’s a cozy bench facing the river that’s enough to entice you to take a seat and wait as the beauty of nature unfolds in front of you.
By the way, you can reach this path in numerous ways including walking and biking.
9. Experience the natural wonders at Princess Louise Falls
— Image credit: @iris.the.dalmatian
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d8KAfisM6ZS4Zp4B6
Address: St Joseph Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1C 1T1, Canada
Contact details:
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Princess Louise Falls is a captivating spot, featuring a gorgeous stream that would make a great backdrop for your photos.
The path is extremely easy, making it suitable for the whole family – yes, that includes your fur babies!
Oh, make sure to wear your swimwear if you’re planning a dip during the warmer months.
10. Discover new artists at One World Bazaar
Website: https://www.oneworldbazaar.ca
Address: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd, Manotick Station, ON K4M 1B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-822-4038
If you have an affinity for handmade goods, a visit to One World Bazaar is a must. Offering crafts from different parts of the world, a visit here ensures an opportunity to immerse you in the coolest and most unique items in the city.
Expect to discover a plethora of furniture, art pieces, home decorations, jewelry pieces, and more.
You can also buy some of their stuff on their website! However, if the bazaar is open, it’s incredibly worth the visit.
It’s jam-packed with a lot of fascinating products, and before you know it, you’ve been exploring for hours.
11. Shop for plants at Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses
Website: https://www.robertplantegreenhouses.com
Address: 228 Navan Rd, Orléans, ON K4B 1H9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-835-9266
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Want to elevate your space with a nice touch of green? Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses certainly has something you’re looking for, especially with the variety of products they offer.
You can choose from a plethora of categories including hanging baskets, succulents, fruit plants, indoor plants, and many more.
12. Try delectable Greek meals at Kallisto Greek Restaurant
Website: https://kallisto.ca
Address: 2950 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1T 1N8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-260-2111
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, & Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
If you’re looking for a Greek dish, chances are, you’ll find it at Kallisto Greek Restaurant. Serving a multitude of Greek favorites, they have one of the greatest selections in the city.
That said, the lamb souvlaki certainly steals the spotlight. Tender and marinated with special spices, make sure to order this during your visit.
13. Try delicious freshly baked goods at The Black Walnut Bakery
Website: https://blackwalnutbakery.ca
Address: 979 Cameron St, Cumberland, ON K4C 1A1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-884-6976
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, & Sunday – closed
- Wednesday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
If you want fresh, hearty meals that will transport you to a cozy cabin in the woods, make sure to give The Black Walnut Bakery a visit. Their baked goods exude a level of comfort reminiscent of the warmth of home.
Their most outstanding bakes are definitely the croissants, butter tarts, and muffins. The soups are also a must-try.
14. Let your kids experience an indoor playground at Cosmic Adventures
Website: https://www.cosmicadventures.ca
Address: 1373 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester, ON K1J 7P5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-742-8989
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 8:30 PM
Cosmic Adventures is the largest indoor playground in the city, ensuring several play structures kids are guaranteed to find fun and challenging. There are also arcade games where they can win prizes.
We suggest avoiding going on a weekend if you can because it’s when their crowd’s at its peak.
Oh, and for other exciting activities in Ottawa for kids, read all about it here.
15. Enjoy the craft beers at Hunter’s Public House
Website: https://www.hunterspublichouse.ca
Address: 4750 Bank St Unit 1, Gloucester, ON K1T 0A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-822-7171
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, & Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday- 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Hunter’s Public House is a vibrant pub with a relaxing atmosphere, tailor-made for intimate conversations over their delicious craft beers.
Speaking of craft beers, it’s one of the must-try while you’re here. They have an assortment of flavors, so the world is your oyster.
Don’t miss out on their delicious meals too though. The nachos, served in extremely generous portions, are one of the most popular orders.
16. Sign up for wine tours at Domaine Perrault
Website: https://www.domaineperrault.ca
Address: 1000 Perrault Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-853-3860
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, & Saturday – closed
- Friday – 3 PM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Domaine Perrault is an Ottawan winery with delightful drinks you can try by signing up for their wine tastings. While they offer a variety of wine-tasting options, we highly recommend signing up for the Sommelier Select for the ultimate experience.
Included in this exciting package worth CA$45 is a guided tour of the vineyard and a sommelier’s selection of their premium products, cheeses, charcuterie, and bread.
By the way, their tasting rooms also have a gorgeous view of the vineyard.