If you’ve ever dreamed of finding that sweet spot between small-town charm and big-city access, Stittsville might just be the Ottawa neighbourhood you’ve been searching for.
Last Updated: February 8, 2026
I remember the first time I drove down Stittsville Main Street on a Saturday morning. The farmers’ market was in full swing, families were strolling with coffee in hand, and there was this unmistakable sense of community that you just don’t find in every suburb. It felt like stepping into a different world—even though downtown Ottawa was only a 30-minute drive away.
Stittsville has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. What was once a quiet farming village has transformed into one of Ottawa’s most sought-after family neighbourhoods, yet it’s managed to hold onto its identity in a way that feels genuine rather than manufactured. The Trans Canada Trail still winds through town, the local businesses on Main Street still know their regulars by name, and the community events still draw crowds that make you realize people actually want to be here—not just live here.
Whether you’re considering a move, planning a visit, or just trying to get a feel for this corner of Ottawa, it helps to know what day-to-day life actually looks like: commuting, schools, trails, and where people eat on a weeknight. This guide walks through the practical highlights (and the trade-offs) so you can decide if Stittsville is your kind of place.
The community’s reputation has spread beyond its borders. As one longtime resident shared: “We moved to Stittsville when our kids were small and never regretted it. The schools are great, the trails are right there, and people actually know each other. Yes, the commute to downtown is real, but for our family, the trade-off was worth it.”
Newcomers often discover a welcoming atmosphere: “We moved from Toronto expecting a generic suburb. Stittsville has actual character—Main Street feels like a real village, the farmers market is genuinely good, and there’s this community spirit that surprised us.”
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Stittsville is a family-friendly Ottawa suburb located 25-30 km southwest of downtown, offering more affordable housing, excellent schools, the Trans Canada Trail, and a charming Main Street. The commute to downtown takes 25-40 minutes, and the community hosts vibrant farmers markets and annual events. LRT Stage 3 expansion is planned for the future.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | 25-30 km southwest of downtown Ottawa |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000-50,000 residents |
| 🏠 Founded | 1818 by Jackson Stitt |
| 🚗 Drive to Downtown | 25-40 minutes (off-peak) |
| 🚌 Transit | OC Transpo Routes 261, 262, 263 |
| 🏛️ Ward | Ward 6 (Councillor Glen Gower) |
The Story Behind Stittsville
Every Ottawa neighbourhood has a story, but Stittsville’s goes back further than most. In 1818, an Irish immigrant named Jackson Stitt arrived from Donegal and did what entrepreneurs of that era did—he built a sawmill and a grist mill along what would become the heart of the community. The village that grew around those mills took his name, and for the next 180 years, Stittsville existed as an independent entity with its own identity.
That independence ended in 2001 when the provincial government amalgamated Stittsville into the City of Ottawa, a move that wasn’t exactly celebrated by longtime residents. But here’s the interesting thing: despite officially becoming part of Ottawa, Stittsville never really stopped being Stittsville. The locals still refer to their community as a village. The Stittsville Village Association still organizes events. And there’s a palpable sense of “us” that you notice when you spend time here.
The Goulbourn Museum, tucked inside the Goulbourn Recreation Complex at 1500 Shea Road, preserves this history beautifully. It’s not a massive institution, but it offers a genuine window into what life was like in the former Goulbourn Township. If you’re the type who appreciates understanding a place before deciding whether to live there, it’s worth an hour of your time.
Where Exactly Is Stittsville?
Let’s get practical for a moment. Stittsville sits in Ottawa’s southwest, roughly 25-30 kilometres from downtown. Highway 417—the Queensway, as locals call it—provides the main artery into the city, while Hazeldean Road serves as the commercial spine of the community.
If you’re driving from downtown during off-peak hours, expect the trip to take somewhere between 25 and 40 minutes. During rush hour? That number climbs to 30-45 minutes, sometimes more if there’s an accident or construction. This is the trade-off Stittsville residents make: more space, more affordability, more community—in exchange for time spent in a car.
The good news is that public transit does exist, even if it’s not as robust as what you’d find closer to downtown. OC Transpo Routes 261, 262, and 263 serve the area, connecting to the Transitway system and Terry Fox Station. The service is adequate for commuters who don’t mind building their schedules around bus times, but most residents will tell you honestly: a car makes life significantly easier out here.
There’s also genuine hope on the horizon. The planned Stage 3 Confederation Line LRT extension aims to push westward from Moodie Station through Kanata Centre, with potential future connection to Stittsville. The timelines are still being finalized, but when it happens, the calculus of living in Stittsville will shift considerably.
The Housing Situation: What You’re Actually Getting
Real estate in Stittsville tells a story of two markets coexisting. On one hand, you have the established neighbourhoods near Main Street—mature trees, larger lots, homes with character and the occasional renovation project. On the other, you have the newer developments in areas like Fernbank and Poole Creek, where construction crews are still active and the houses come with that fresh-from-the-builder feel.
What draws many families to Stittsville is the value proposition. Compared to neighbourhoods closer to Ottawa’s core—places like Westboro, the Glebe, or even Orleans—your dollar stretches further here. You’re more likely to find a detached single-family home with a proper backyard, a two-car garage, and enough space for kids to actually play outside.
Townhouses are increasingly common in newer developments, offering a middle ground for those who want the Stittsville lifestyle without the maintenance demands of a larger property. Condos exist but are less prevalent; this is primarily a community of houses.
The trade-off, as with any suburb, is density. Some of the newer areas feel tightly packed, with homes built close together in ways that older Stittsville residents sometimes grumble about. But for families relocating from downtown apartments or looking to escape the rental market entirely, that extra bedroom or dedicated home office space often outweighs the loss of lawn between neighbours.
If you’re house-hunting, here’s what locals would tell you: the established areas near Main Street offer charm and mature landscaping but fewer move-in-ready options. Fernbank and Poole Creek offer modern amenities and newer builds but a more cookie-cutter aesthetic. Neither is objectively better—it depends entirely on what you’re looking for.
Eating and Drinking in Stittsville
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Stittsville is not a food destination in the way that, say, Little Italy or the ByWard Market might be. If you’re seeking cutting-edge culinary experiences or the latest trendy cocktail bar, you’ll likely need to drive into Ottawa proper.
That said, dismissing the local dining scene would be unfair. What Stittsville offers is comfort, consistency, and the kind of places where you become a regular. The commercial strip along Hazeldean Road provides the predictable chains—your Tim Hortons, your Swiss Chalet, your Boston Pizza—alongside a mix of ethnic restaurants and family-style dining spots.
Main Street is where things get more interesting. This is the old village centre, and the restaurants here tend to be local operations rather than franchises. You’ll find pubs with decent menus, cafes serving proper coffee, and pizza spots that have been around long enough to have earned their reputations.
The coffee scene deserves particular mention. While Tim Hortons obviously dominates (this is suburban Ontario, after all), there are independent options for those who care about their morning cup. The cafes along Main Street vary in quality, but several have loyal followings.
For groceries, you’re well-served. Loblaws, Farm Boy, and several other grocery chains maintain locations along the Hazeldean corridor. The Saturday farmers’ market, when it’s running from May through October in Village Square Park, is genuinely worth the visit—not just for the produce, but for the community atmosphere.
And if you’re craving outlet shopping, Tanger Outlets Ottawa in nearby Kanata is just a short drive away, offering brand-name discounts that draw shoppers from across the region.
The Great Outdoors (And There’s Plenty of It)
This is where Stittsville truly shines, and it’s a major reason families choose to settle here over more urban alternatives. The Trans Canada Trail runs directly through the community, providing a recreational corridor that connects to the broader trail network. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or cross-country skiing in winter, you have access to genuine green space without needing to drive anywhere.
The Stittsville Wetlands offer something different—a boardwalk system that winds through wetland ecosystems, perfect for birdwatching, nature photography, or simply escaping into a quieter headspace. It’s not wilderness, exactly, but it’s far more nature than most suburbs provide.
Village Square Park, located at 1490 Main Street, serves as the community’s central gathering place. Playground equipment for kids, open green space for picnics, walking paths for dog owners—it’s the kind of park that actually gets used, especially when the farmers’ market sets up on Saturday mornings.
For more serious outdoor recreation, the Goulbourn Recreation Complex at 1500 Shea Road anchors the community. This facility offers ice rinks and arenas, a swimming pool, fitness facilities, and a rotating slate of community programs for all ages. The Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena at 10 Warner Colpitts Lane adds additional ice time for hockey programs and public skating.
If you’re willing to drive a bit, the surrounding area opens up even more options. The Carp River Conservation Area is a short trip away. Morris Island Conservation Area sits about 20 minutes out. South March Highlands offers conservation forest with proper trails for those who want something more challenging than the local paths.
Schools and Why Families Keep Moving Here
Let’s be direct: schools are a primary driver of Stittsville’s growth. Parents talk. Reputations spread. And the schools in this area have developed reputations strong enough to influence where families decide to buy homes.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board operates several public elementary schools serving the area, while the Ottawa Catholic School Board maintains its own network including Holy Spirit Catholic School, St. Stephen Catholic School, and Guardian Angels Catholic School nearby. Secondary students typically feed into South Carleton High School in Richmond, which draws from the broader southwestern Ottawa area.
The Stittsville Branch of the Ottawa Public Library, located at 1637 Stittsville Main Street, serves as more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a community hub offering children’s programming, study space for students, and a range of resources for all ages. The hours are reasonable—typically 10 AM to 8:30 PM Monday through Thursday, with reduced hours on weekends—though you’ll want to verify at biblioottawalibrary.ca before planning a visit.
Daycare and childcare options exist throughout the community, though as with much of Ottawa, availability can be tight. The City of Ottawa maintains a childcare database at ottawa.ca, and the Ontario Government’s Child Care Finder provides additional resources for parents navigating this challenge.
Community Life: Events, Markets, and Actually Knowing Your Neighbours
The Stittsville Village Association deserves credit for keeping community spirit alive. In an era when suburban life often means retreating into private spaces, this organization actively works to bring people together through events, business promotion, and community advocacy.
The annual Stittsville Parade, typically part of Canada Day celebrations, draws families from across the area. The Santa Claus Parade in December maintains a tradition that connects generations. And throughout the year, smaller events and gatherings keep the community engaged.
But the real heart of community life might be the Stittsville Farmers’ Market. Running Saturdays from May through October in Village Square Park, it’s not just a place to buy local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts—it’s a social ritual. Neighbours catch up, kids run around, and the morning has a rhythm that feels deliberately slower than the rest of the week.
Local governance matters in a community like Stittsville, and Ward 6 Councillor Glen Gower has built a reputation for engagement. First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, he’s known for actually showing up—at community events, in local Facebook groups, and in the ongoing conversations about development, transportation, and services that affect daily life. Whether you agree with his positions or not, the accessibility is notable.
The Honest Pros and Cons
Every neighbourhood guide eventually has to get real about the trade-offs. Here’s what current residents would tell you if you asked them directly:
What Stittsville Does Well
Space and affordability. You get more house for your money here. Period. If a detached home with a yard matters to your family, Stittsville delivers in ways that central Ottawa increasingly cannot.
Schools and family infrastructure. The reputation exists for a reason. Strong schools, safe neighbourhoods, and a community that actually feels designed for raising kids.
Access to nature. The Trans Canada Trail, the wetlands, the nearby conservation areas—this isn’t a suburb where you have to drive 30 minutes to find green space.
Community identity. Despite amalgamation, Stittsville has held onto its sense of self. People here know they live in Stittsville, not just “suburban Ottawa.”
Newer housing stock. Many homes are recent construction with modern layouts, energy efficiency, and the features that contemporary buyers expect.
What Stittsville Doesn’t Do Well
The commute. This is the big one. If you work downtown, you’re looking at 30-45+ minutes each way, every day. That adds up to hours of your life spent in traffic.
Transit limitations. OC Transpo service exists but isn’t frequent or convenient enough for most people to go car-free. You’ll almost certainly need a vehicle.
Limited walkability. The suburban design means driving to most errands. You’re not walking to the grocery store unless you happen to live near one.
Fewer dining and entertainment options. It’s getting better, but Stittsville can’t compete with the variety you’d find in more urban neighbourhoods.
Rapid development concerns. Some longtime residents worry about the pace of construction and what it means for the community’s character.
Who Should Actually Consider Stittsville?
Based on everything above, Stittsville makes the most sense for:
Families with children who prioritize schools, safety, and space over urban convenience. This is the core demographic, and the community delivers for them.
First-time homebuyers seeking an entry point into the Ottawa housing market that doesn’t require compromising on square footage.
Remote workers who no longer need to commute daily and can trade location for lifestyle without paying the price in traffic.
Outdoor enthusiasts who value trail access and green space more than proximity to restaurants and nightlife.
Those seeking community who actually want to know their neighbours and participate in local events.
Stittsville probably isn’t the right fit for:
Daily downtown commuters who value their time more than their housing budget. The commute will wear on you.
Transit-dependent individuals who don’t have a car and don’t plan to get one.
Young professionals seeking walkable urban living with easy access to nightlife and dining variety.
Anyone who views suburbs as inherently soulless. Stittsville has more character than most, but it’s still a suburb. If that’s not for you, it’s not for you.
Getting Around: The Practical Reality
Most Stittsville residents rely on cars for daily life. Highway 417 connects to Ottawa’s core, and while traffic congestion is real during peak hours, the highway infrastructure generally handles volume reasonably well.
Public transit via OC Transpo is functional but limited. Routes 261, 262, and 263 connect to the Transitway system, making it possible to commute without a car if you’re willing to build your schedule around bus times. For spontaneous trips or late-night returns, though, you’ll likely find yourself calling a cab or ride-share.
Cycling infrastructure exists primarily for recreation rather than transportation. The trails are excellent for weekend rides, but bike-commuting to downtown Ottawa isn’t practical for most people.
The future LRT Stage 3 expansion represents the most significant potential change to Stittsville’s transportation equation. When—not if, but when—light rail reaches this far west, the community will become significantly more accessible to those who prefer not to drive. But for now, that remains a future benefit rather than a current reality.
FAQ
Q: How far is Stittsville from downtown Ottawa?
Stittsville sits approximately 25-30 km southwest of downtown Ottawa. Driving takes 25-40 minutes during off-peak hours and 30-45+ minutes during rush hour. OC Transpo bus routes connect to the Transitway system, though most residents find car ownership essential for daily convenience.
Q: Is Stittsville a good place for families?
Stittsville consistently ranks among Ottawa’s best family neighbourhoods. Strong schools across both public and Catholic boards, safe and quiet residential streets, abundant parks and playgrounds, including outdoor playgrounds across Ottawa, and community programs at the Goulbourn Recreation Complex, and a genuine sense of community through events like the farmers market and annual parades all contribute to its family-friendly reputation.
Q: What is housing like in Stittsville?
Housing in Stittsville ranges from established homes near Main Street with mature trees and larger lots to newer construction in developments like Fernbank and Poole Creek. Prices are generally more affordable than central Ottawa, and buyers can typically find detached single-family homes with more space than comparable budgets would provide in urban neighbourhoods. Townhouses are increasingly common in newer areas.
Q: Will Stittsville get LRT service?
The Stage 3 Confederation Line LRT extension is planned to extend westward through Kanata, with potential future connection to Stittsville. Specific timelines and station locations are still being finalized, but when completed, this will significantly improve public transit options for Stittsville residents.
Q: What outdoor activities are available in Stittsville?
The Trans Canada Trail runs directly through Stittsville, offering year-round walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. The Stittsville Wetlands feature boardwalk trails ideal for birdwatching and nature observation. Nearby conservation areas including Morris Island and South March Highlands provide additional hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Goulbourn Recreation Complex offers swimming, skating, and fitness facilities.
Q: Is Stittsville part of Ottawa or a separate city?
Stittsville was amalgamated into the City of Ottawa in 2001 as part of the provincial government’s restructuring of Ontario municipalities. Prior to amalgamation, Stittsville was an independent community within Goulbourn Township. Today it’s officially part of Ottawa but maintains a strong distinct identity, with residents often still referring to it as a village rather than a neighbourhood.
Q: What are the best restaurants in Stittsville?
Stittsville’s dining scene is oriented toward family-friendly comfort rather than fine dining. Main Street offers local options including pubs, cafes, and pizza spots with established reputations. The Hazeldean Road commercial strip provides typical chain restaurants. For more adventurous dining, residents typically drive to nearby Kanata or into central Ottawa. The Saturday farmers market (May-October) offers locally produced food and baked goods.
Final Thoughts
Stittsville isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s not trying to be a urban neighbourhood, and it’s not apologizing for being a suburb. What it does—provide space, affordability, community, and access to nature for families willing to accept the commuting trade-off—it does genuinely well.
The community’s story, stretching back to Jackson Stitt’s mills in 1818, gives it a grounding that many suburbs lack. The Main Street, the farmers market, the trails, the rec complex—these aren’t afterthoughts bolted onto a housing development. They’re the fabric of a community that existed before the subdivision signs went up and continues to evolve as new residents arrive.
If you’re house-hunting and the priorities align—schools, safety, space, and a community that feels like more than just an address—Stittsville deserves a serious look. Drive out on a Saturday morning, grab coffee, walk through the market, and talk to the people who actually live there. You’ll know pretty quickly whether it’s the right fit.
And if the commute concerns you? That’s valid. It should. But for many families, the hours spent in a car are worth what they gain when they get home.
Sources: City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Library, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board, OC Transpo, Stittsville Village Association, Goulbourn Museum
