Food Scene
Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant
700 Sussex DrFine French Cuisine and Bistro Atmo
Red Velvety Atmo and offers fine dining, cocktails and more lively weekend eves
34 locals recommend
Social
537 Sussex DrRed Velvety Atmo and offers fine dining, cocktails and more lively weekend eves
Fine South Asian Menu... There is a talk of other Asian restaurants having trouble because of this relative newcomer! And please don't mind the appearance... We have all seen those signs that leave much to be desired... Just go in and enjoy your South Asian menu!
13 locals recommend
Kochin Kitchen
271 Dalhousie StFine South Asian Menu... There is a talk of other Asian restaurants having trouble because of this relative newcomer! And please don't mind the appearance... We have all seen those signs that leave much to be desired... Just go in and enjoy your South Asian menu!
Small plates, Spanish style. Favourite place of some Vancouver and Philadelphia friends.
55 locals recommend
Play Food & Wine
1 York StSmall plates, Spanish style. Favourite place of some Vancouver and Philadelphia friends.
Good food and some social events, including film talks and reviews. See their website for more.
28 locals recommend
Das Lokal
190 Dalhousie StreetGood food and some social events, including film talks and reviews. See their website for more.
This is our favourite neighborhood bakery. Just around the corner of our block it has fresh pastry, buns and breads every day. Click on their website to see their selection. http://portuguesebakery.ca
Portuguese Bakery and Syrian Kitchen
48 Nelson StThis is our favourite neighborhood bakery. Just around the corner of our block it has fresh pastry, buns and breads every day. Click on their website to see their selection. http://portuguesebakery.ca
This is one of those restaurants which has a constant flow of ethnic eaters, Korean here. Good sign for the food quality. Have tried it as well and liked it. Also only one block away from our TopDuplex.
15 locals recommend
Alirang Restaurant
134 Nelson StThis is one of those restaurants which has a constant flow of ethnic eaters, Korean here. Good sign for the food quality. Have tried it as well and liked it. Also only one block away from our TopDuplex.
All chocolate and crepes, for brunch and dinner. Decadent and delicious. Best to check availability, as the establishment has been seen full many times...
19 locals recommend
CACAO 70 Eatery
53 William StAll chocolate and crepes, for brunch and dinner. Decadent and delicious. Best to check availability, as the establishment has been seen full many times...
If you arrived late in the evening and don't want to venture out, dinner can be ordered from this King Edward Ave. diner, as well as several others listed in the book.
7 locals recommend
Champa Thai Food
193 King Edward AveIf you arrived late in the evening and don't want to venture out, dinner can be ordered from this King Edward Ave. diner, as well as several others listed in the book.
The closest location of the famous Beaver Tail chain... Best consumed after a skate on the Canal (with 2 or 3 Beaver Tail locations there also), but is a staple food at any time of the day in winter.
59 locals recommend
BeaverTails Byward Market
69 George StThe closest location of the famous Beaver Tail chain... Best consumed after a skate on the Canal (with 2 or 3 Beaver Tail locations there also), but is a staple food at any time of the day in winter.
If you are visiting gatineau Park try this traditional French cuisine restaurant in Chelsea. Excellent food!
45 locals recommend
L'Orée du Bois
15 Chem. KingsmereIf you are visiting gatineau Park try this traditional French cuisine restaurant in Chelsea. Excellent food!
Small restaurant with excellent French cuisine in picturesque and artist-filled Wakefield.
18 locals recommend
Chez Éric
28 Chem. de la Vall. de WakefieldSmall restaurant with excellent French cuisine in picturesque and artist-filled Wakefield.
A proud first North American location of an Italian Transplant Mantovani 1946. On offer: PASTRICCERIA ITALIANA, BISCOTTI ARTIGIANALI, PASTICCERIA DEL GELATO, crepes, coffees, and much more... Only a few weeks old. Come and support European delicacies in Ottawa!
6 locals recommend
Mantovani 1946
87 Murray StA proud first North American location of an Italian Transplant Mantovani 1946. On offer: PASTRICCERIA ITALIANA, BISCOTTI ARTIGIANALI, PASTICCERIA DEL GELATO, crepes, coffees, and much more... Only a few weeks old. Come and support European delicacies in Ottawa!
Into Gluten-free? How many localities can boast having their own gluten free bakery... Why go to Wholefoods in the Glebe, Pete's Gluten Free is already on the list of suppliers, but is just 3 minutes away walking!!! On offer are dinner, dessert, pizza and other menus, but need to hurry after you settle in your apartment, usually close before 5 or 6pm during the week! And don't forget to check out Lowertown canning company's canned goods - jams, sauces, preserves, etc. And yes, that same place you are staying in has it own canned goods producer...
Pete's Gluten Free
Into Gluten-free? How many localities can boast having their own gluten free bakery... Why go to Wholefoods in the Glebe, Pete's Gluten Free is already on the list of suppliers, but is just 3 minutes away walking!!! On offer are dinner, dessert, pizza and other menus, but need to hurry after you settle in your apartment, usually close before 5 or 6pm during the week! And don't forget to check out Lowertown canning company's canned goods - jams, sauces, preserves, etc. And yes, that same place you are staying in has it own canned goods producer...
This is a store that not only carries organic items, which is a bonus, but also sells in bulk, so you decide how much to buy - whether you stay for a few days or a week! Specialty items - flour or other ingredients for your cooking - they'll have it! Try their huge and very sweet dates - next to the cash... - as well as several types of award-winning Hummingbird chocolate, as this is the closest location where you can get your chocolate fix from them!
20 locals recommend
Market Organics
126 York StThis is a store that not only carries organic items, which is a bonus, but also sells in bulk, so you decide how much to buy - whether you stay for a few days or a week! Specialty items - flour or other ingredients for your cooking - they'll have it! Try their huge and very sweet dates - next to the cash... - as well as several types of award-winning Hummingbird chocolate, as this is the closest location where you can get your chocolate fix from them!
Hummingbird Chocolate makers have just been awarded the 2016 Academy of Chocolate Golden Bean Award for their chocolate Hispaniola! About 40 minutes away by car from Ottawa. This chocolate maker offers factory tours - usually on Saturday, and has a tasting room. Please, visit their website to book the tour, since it absolutely needs to be done in advance. There is a 3CAD ticket reservation fee, but if you buy something in their site's store, you will get the money back as a discount on your purchase. Tasty! Check for address and directions on their website...
8 locals recommend
Hummingbird Chocolate
476 Houston DrHummingbird Chocolate makers have just been awarded the 2016 Academy of Chocolate Golden Bean Award for their chocolate Hispaniola! About 40 minutes away by car from Ottawa. This chocolate maker offers factory tours - usually on Saturday, and has a tasting room. Please, visit their website to book the tour, since it absolutely needs to be done in advance. There is a 3CAD ticket reservation fee, but if you buy something in their site's store, you will get the money back as a discount on your purchase. Tasty! Check for address and directions on their website...
Like your chocolate to look like a piece of art? Try Cylie's stunning-looking chocolate creations. Note that they are not open on Mondays or Tuesdays... And by the way, don't forget to ask about the secret of their name, who is Cylie? You can take your time enjoying the story-telling with a collection of freshly-steeped teas on location!
Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers
1071 Bank StreetLike your chocolate to look like a piece of art? Try Cylie's stunning-looking chocolate creations. Note that they are not open on Mondays or Tuesdays... And by the way, don't forget to ask about the secret of their name, who is Cylie? You can take your time enjoying the story-telling with a collection of freshly-steeped teas on location!
Off the Market path, this is an excellent Italian restaurant in Centertown... Vegetarian options are delicious, but so are those for all other types of eaters...
24 locals recommend
North & Navy
226 Nepean StOff the Market path, this is an excellent Italian restaurant in Centertown... Vegetarian options are delicious, but so are those for all other types of eaters...
A new restaurant by the owners of El Camino. Experimental Asian cuisine, so don't be shy to try...
43 locals recommend
Datsun
380 Elgin StA new restaurant by the owners of El Camino. Experimental Asian cuisine, so don't be shy to try...
Oz Kafe will be moving to the Byward Market by the end of this summer and will be located in the National Capital Commission Heritage designated building that is being customized especially for this popular local restaurant. Tucked away in the Clarendon Lane courtyard behind the Side Door and a neighbor to Social and the Moscow Tea Room.
21 locals recommend
Oz Kafe, ByWard Market
10 York StOz Kafe will be moving to the Byward Market by the end of this summer and will be located in the National Capital Commission Heritage designated building that is being customized especially for this popular local restaurant. Tucked away in the Clarendon Lane courtyard behind the Side Door and a neighbor to Social and the Moscow Tea Room.
Don't like chains, here is your one of a kind independent coffee-shop.
18 locals recommend
Bluebird Coffee
261 Dalhousie StDon't like chains, here is your one of a kind independent coffee-shop.
This is a branch of the famous French culinary school in Ottawa. In addition to their regular studies during the day, students run their own restaurant Signatures in the evenings. Check their website for menu and details of opening hours: www.signaturesrestaurant.com
20 locals recommend
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute
453 Laurier Ave. EThis is a branch of the famous French culinary school in Ottawa. In addition to their regular studies during the day, students run their own restaurant Signatures in the evenings. Check their website for menu and details of opening hours: www.signaturesrestaurant.com
Arts & Culture
Excellent Exhibits highlighting particular civilisations (e.g. Japan previously); indigenous Canadian always
545 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of History
100 Rue LaurierExcellent Exhibits highlighting particular civilisations (e.g. Japan previously); indigenous Canadian always
Magnificent dinosaur, bird, insect, whale and marine collection ...for all ages!
468 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod StMagnificent dinosaur, bird, insect, whale and marine collection ...for all ages!
Superb supersonic, hydroplaning, human-driven or space-faring collection of crafts, vehicles and planes! ...for the technologically-curious!
99 locals recommend
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation PkwySuperb supersonic, hydroplaning, human-driven or space-faring collection of crafts, vehicles and planes! ...for the technologically-curious!
Exquisite Permanent Canadian Art Collection, including the magnificent 7. Also welcomes beautiful temporary exhibits (e.g. previously Chagal and Picasso, Monet! Maman is waiting for you as well...
552 locals recommend
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex DrExquisite Permanent Canadian Art Collection, including the magnificent 7. Also welcomes beautiful temporary exhibits (e.g. previously Chagal and Picasso, Monet! Maman is waiting for you as well...
The museum tells the story of the original Ottawa, including the area where you are staying. Also find out about lumber trade in the area and the construction of the Rideau Canal, plus much more.
34 locals recommend
Bytown Museum
1 Canal LnThe museum tells the story of the original Ottawa, including the area where you are staying. Also find out about lumber trade in the area and the construction of the Rideau Canal, plus much more.
English speaking theater, which has seen many years, and continues to feature a good selection of plays.
19 locals recommend
Ottawa Little Theatre
400 King Edward AveEnglish speaking theater, which has seen many years, and continues to feature a good selection of plays.
This is a desacrated church which now features a number of activities, from Irish breakfasts and music to frindge concerts for the world's largestChamber Fest. http://saintbrigidscentre.com/events/
St Brigid's Centre for the Arts
310 St. Patrick StThis is a desacrated church which now features a number of activities, from Irish breakfasts and music to frindge concerts for the world's largestChamber Fest. http://saintbrigidscentre.com/events/
Come check out the new NAC conducter Alexander Shelley. He not only conducts but also plays piano, classical and jazz. Lots of great shows from orchestra to dance to English and French Theater... And if you have a student card and enjoy shows, what a treat - you can get your 15CAD rush tickets for any show starting at 10am the day before the performance. And, oh bonus, you get to choose your own seats. Want to sit in the orchestra or anywhere else for that matter, you got it as long as the seat is still available.
346 locals recommend
National Arts Centre
1 Elgin StCome check out the new NAC conducter Alexander Shelley. He not only conducts but also plays piano, classical and jazz. Lots of great shows from orchestra to dance to English and French Theater... And if you have a student card and enjoy shows, what a treat - you can get your 15CAD rush tickets for any show starting at 10am the day before the performance. And, oh bonus, you get to choose your own seats. Want to sit in the orchestra or anywhere else for that matter, you got it as long as the seat is still available.
The rebuilt French Theater has reopened on January 26, 2016... Enjoy a play and a drink/small bites in the building too...
La Nouvelle Scene Gilles Desjardins
333 King Edward AveThe rebuilt French Theater has reopened on January 26, 2016... Enjoy a play and a drink/small bites in the building too...
Find out all about our currency in this spectacular museum which offers tours and has a store, where one can buy commemorative issues of coins as well as other souvenirs...
70 locals recommend
Royal Canadian Mint
320 Sussex DrFind out all about our currency in this spectacular museum which offers tours and has a store, where one can buy commemorative issues of coins as well as other souvenirs...
You can check out your books at the library, as well as tickets to museums and park (need to be a member of the library, so this would be helpful for people staying over a longer time period).
11 locals recommend
Ottawa Public Library
120 Metcalfe StYou can check out your books at the library, as well as tickets to museums and park (need to be a member of the library, so this would be helpful for people staying over a longer time period).
Left your trumpet or ukulele at home and need a replacement, or want to pick up sheet music for our keyboard upstairs, this is the store for you.
Steve's Music Store
308 Rideau StLeft your trumpet or ukulele at home and need a replacement, or want to pick up sheet music for our keyboard upstairs, this is the store for you.
Centrally located just south of ByWard Market, the recently renovated Ottawa Art Gallery also harbours an excellent Bistro-Bar, and many eclectic cultural events!
57 locals recommend
Ottawa Art Gallery
50 Mackenzie King BridgeCentrally located just south of ByWard Market, the recently renovated Ottawa Art Gallery also harbours an excellent Bistro-Bar, and many eclectic cultural events!
Sightseeing
Longest Skateway in the Winter and Winterlude venue. In the summer the water flows and welcomes kayaking and cycling, in wonderful harmony with Ottawa living
215 locals recommend
Rideau Canal
Longest Skateway in the Winter and Winterlude venue. In the summer the water flows and welcomes kayaking and cycling, in wonderful harmony with Ottawa living
Our capital of democracy! Historic Building with iconic Peace Tower & Clock, also displays entertaining light shows projected onto building, many evenings of the year! Tours are also available!
891 locals recommend
Parliament Hill
Wellington StreetOur capital of democracy! Historic Building with iconic Peace Tower & Clock, also displays entertaining light shows projected onto building, many evenings of the year! Tours are also available!
This is a must see, even if you come from old Europe. Beautiful interior, great sounding Organ, our favourite place to hear Christmas carols, and occasionally listen to a mass.
56 locals recommend
Notre Dame Basilica
385 Sussex DrThis is a must see, even if you come from old Europe. Beautiful interior, great sounding Organ, our favourite place to hear Christmas carols, and occasionally listen to a mass.
Governor General's residence with his magnificent park, where you can find trees planted by world leaders, a wonderful rose garden, fountains, occasional movie night & brass band performance in summer
96 locals recommend
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex DrGovernor General's residence with his magnificent park, where you can find trees planted by world leaders, a wonderful rose garden, fountains, occasional movie night & brass band performance in summer
Entertainment & Activities
What tickles your fancy? A haunted walk of Ottawa? A nearby swim? A refreshing repertoire film?
How about our Bike Bonanza Tour of Delightful Ottawa!? ...recently added to Ottawa's AirBnB Experiences ...For the winter, we are considering offering a Saturday downhill ski (or snowboarding) day, as I ski patrol the hills (providing First Aid)! (additional fees apply for these activities, well worth the wonderful experience)
For more activities, see the Arts & Culture Section which lists our preferred Museums and cultural venues
This walk is an experience which takes you through most historic sites in the central Ottawa, incl. many sites in Lowertown, which includes Byward Market. You can take a walk every night.
24 locals recommend
Haunted Walk of Ottawa
46 1/2 Sparks St.This walk is an experience which takes you through most historic sites in the central Ottawa, incl. many sites in Lowertown, which includes Byward Market. You can take a walk every night.
This is as close to the house for a swimming pool as it gets. It also has (kick)boxing facility, if you practice already or want to try. Good fees for single-time use.
6 locals recommend
Champagne Fitness Centre - City of Ottawa
321 King Edward AveThis is as close to the house for a swimming pool as it gets. It also has (kick)boxing facility, if you practice already or want to try. Good fees for single-time use.
Your home movie theater only two blocks away at King Edward & Rideau... Home of the European Film festival, and the Ottawa International Animation Festival. Lots of movies for every taste. One screen.
87 locals recommend
ByTowne Cinema
325 Rideau StYour home movie theater only two blocks away at King Edward & Rideau... Home of the European Film festival, and the Ottawa International Animation Festival. Lots of movies for every taste. One screen.
Getting Around
If you are staying for a while in Ottawa, you may want to explore the Gatineau Hills by car. Car rental companies are located nearby.
While you can rent bikes, we invite you to try our Bike Bonanza Tour of Delightful Ottawa! (a recent addition to Ottawa AirBnB Experiences) ...For the winter, we are considering offering a Saturday downhill ski (or snowboarding) day! (additional fees apply for these activities, well worth the wonderful experience)
Your local car rental for trips in the surrounding area, such as Gatineau Park, Chelsea, Wakefield and others...
22 locals recommend
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
355 St. Patrick StYour local car rental for trips in the surrounding area, such as Gatineau Park, Chelsea, Wakefield and others...
Conveniently located near the Rideau Canal Locks, you can rent a bike for an hour, 24-hours or longer ($10/1hr or $40/24hrs in summer of 2016). A great way to explore the Rideau Canal. We prefer the Queen Elizabeth west bike-path of the Canal which leads to the Experimental Farm and Dow's Lake (where you can rent a kayak or canoe in the summer! ...or enjoy some pub food with a view over Dow's small lake; a 20-minute ride from Byward Market)
Ref: http://www.rentabike.ca/rentabike/en/files/requestform.php
19 locals recommend
RentABike
2 Rideau StConveniently located near the Rideau Canal Locks, you can rent a bike for an hour, 24-hours or longer ($10/1hr or $40/24hrs in summer of 2016). A great way to explore the Rideau Canal. We prefer the Queen Elizabeth west bike-path of the Canal which leads to the Experimental Farm and Dow's Lake (where you can rent a kayak or canoe in the summer! ...or enjoy some pub food with a view over Dow's small lake; a 20-minute ride from Byward Market)
Ref: http://www.rentabike.ca/rentabike/en/files/requestform.php
Ottawa's Train Station is about $20 / 15-minute taxi fare from our TopDuplex in Ottawa
37 locals recommend
Ottawa station
200 Tremblay RdOttawa's Train Station is about $20 / 15-minute taxi fare from our TopDuplex in Ottawa
Shopping
If local restaurants don't tickle your fancy and you prefer your own cooking, all ingredients for Italian dishes can be found in this store. It runs cooking classes on weekend and offers good coffee.
64 locals recommend
La Bottega Nicastro, ByWard Market
64 George StIf local restaurants don't tickle your fancy and you prefer your own cooking, all ingredients for Italian dishes can be found in this store. It runs cooking classes on weekend and offers good coffee.
The Rideau Center is doubling in size... With its opening In August it will become quite a large mall with lots and lots of stores for all tastes...
588 locals recommend
Rideau Centre
The Rideau Center is doubling in size... With its opening In August it will become quite a large mall with lots and lots of stores for all tastes...
Essentials
This section includes some essential information for our guests. It indicates the nearest health clinic, grocery store, 911 emergency and fire services, and plenty more
For any Hosting or non-urgent dwelling matter contact/text Alex at 613_406_8818.
For any urgent matters (e.g. out-of-control Fire, assault, theft, crime, break-and-entry, etc.) DIAL 9-1-1
Non-urgent police matters can be communicated via:
613_236_1222, extension 7300
The closest two hospitals are:
The Ottawa Hospital General Campus
University hospital
4.6 km away at 501 Smyth Rd
The Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus
4.2 km away at 1967 Riverside Dr.
For reporting noise after 11PM, or reporting unsightly, health-hazardly garbage neglect (other than the usual early Tuesday morning pick-up), dangerously icey sidewalks, fallen & hazardly trees, etc. DIAL 3-1-1 or fill out a form via ottawa's 3-1-1 website
Please note that we have surveillance cameras that detect movement and record low-resolution imagery of outdoor activity at our entrance, near our lower level kitchen and 2 others facing our back yard. These serve mostly as deterrents.
Garbage collection occurs on Tuesday mornings, and I or my co-host take care of bringing it curbside prior to collection.
Please place your plastic, glass and metal fit for recycling in the blue bin, while paper is recycled from the dark brown bin, compost from the green bin and regular garbage from the regular garbage bin.
Parking: We can park one behind the other in the alley alongside our Duplex. Street Parking is fine overnight, but officially only permitted for 3 hours between 7am & 7pm weekdays.
Smoking & Vaping are NOT permitted on the premises.
Most of the above essentials are required to be stated by Ottawa Short Term Rental (STR) Hosts. While hosting since 2015, the STR permit is a new required permit that is coming into force in 2022. My STR Permit process lasted about 6 months but perseverance and all the required documents have led to the obtention of my one-bedroom STR Permit #828720
May you have a most enjoyable and safe stay on our TopDuplex AirBnB alongside Ottawa's vibrant ByTowne Market!
The University of Ottawa Health Center has a walk-in clinic, in case you need to see a doctor during your stay. Services offered include sports medicine, physiotherapy, as well as others.
University of Ottawa Health Services
100 Marie-Curie PrivateThe University of Ottawa Health Center has a walk-in clinic, in case you need to see a doctor during your stay. Services offered include sports medicine, physiotherapy, as well as others.
This grocery supermarket is open 24-hours a day ~363 days of the year! Plenty of fresh fruit that can rival the fresh produce in Byward Market during the summer.
264 locals recommend
Loblaws
64 Isabella StThis grocery supermarket is open 24-hours a day ~363 days of the year! Plenty of fresh fruit that can rival the fresh produce in Byward Market during the summer.
Ontario's regulated liquor store is known as LCBO (in Quebec it's the SAQ). This Rideau Street store has an excellent vintage section downstairs with bubbly cremants that are fit for any celebrations! They're open 'till 10PM all eves except Sundays when they close at 6PM, in the summer.
191 locals recommend
LCBO
160 Elgin StOntario's regulated liquor store is known as LCBO (in Quebec it's the SAQ). This Rideau Street store has an excellent vintage section downstairs with bubbly cremants that are fit for any celebrations! They're open 'till 10PM all eves except Sundays when they close at 6PM, in the summer.