The Glebe, one of Ottawa’s most recognizable communities is located in the heart of the City.
It is renowned for its character, beautiful homes, mature landscapes as well as its eclectic shopping.
Bank Street, the Glebe’s main corridor is lined with coffee shops, bakeries, stylish stores, art galleries and merchants with an impressive array of products.
The Glebe lies in the southern area of the city, bordered by the Rideau Canal, the 417 highway (Queen Elizabeth drive), and Bronson Avenue. While its name literally means church lands, it’s widely known as one of the trendiest, most convenient, and loveliest neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
The Glebe consists of a bustling chunk of Bank Street, with beautiful off-shooting streets lined with trees and filled with single-family, detached homes to the east and west.
There are 2 types of buyers I find best suited and most interested in regarding homes for sale in the Glebe:
There are condominiums in the Glebe that attract young professionals who want to walk/bike/bus, and small homes that would work for a couple looking to downsize. There really is something for everyone.
I’d be the first person to tout the benefits of living in the Glebe – it’s an incredible neighbourhood with easy access to so many things.
That being said, I would recommend a different Ottawa neighbourhood if you have the following items on your wishlist:
I also don’t recommend the Glebe to anyone with a strict budget. The Glebe is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Ottawa, and it is extremely competitive with these expensive homes. As I’m writing this, there are only 20 properties for sale in the Glebe, so buyers need to be prepared for a little competition.
If you’re still with me so far, that means you think the Glebe could be the perfect place to call home – and I agree! Let’s talk about what makes this neighbourhood one of the best in the city.
When you’re in The Glebe, you’re in close proximity to many, many, many schools. I’ve decided to focus on the ones in the immediate area (roughly within 2 kilometres of the centre of the neighbourhood) – otherwise you’d be here all day!
Lady Evelyn Alternative School
Glashan Public School
Glebe Montessori School
Corpus Christi Elementary School
Corpus Christi School is committed to provided quality Catholic education in a holistic environment. This dynamic learning environment nurtures spiritual growth, promotes critical thinking and decision making skills, and offers rich leadership experiments for all students.
We are an OCDSB French Immersion centre for about 530 Junior Kindergarten to grade 6 students in the Glebe, a downtown neighbourhood in Ottawa.
The challenging academic and extra-curricular programs are impressive in both range and quality. Our successful sports teams, outstanding music program and the French Immersion Gifted Program are hallmarks of the Glebe tradition.
Immaculata High School
Unlike some of the areas closer to the edges of Ottawa, the Glebe works for people who don’t have a car or would prefer not to drive.
On Bronson Avenue and Bank Street in particular, there are multiple stops for buses. You can view OC Transpo routes here.
While routes #6 and #7 run regularly through the Glebe, taking you into Centretown and beyond there are routes (or combinations of routes) that can take you anywhere you need to go in the city.
Since the first homestead was built in the Glebe in 1832, many events in Canadian history have played out here. The Ottawa Glebe grew out of a Clergy Reserve granted to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in 1837.
By the 1890s it was a streetcar suburb two miles south of Parliament Hill. Bank street shops began opening their doors in 1895 and continue to host some of Ottawa’s trendiest shops. Historic attractions which can still be seen today include the Rideau Canal, Aberdeen Pavilion and Lansdowne Park.
One of the things I like the most about the Glebe is how close it is to everything you need, without necessarily feeling like you’re living right downtown.
You’re close to several locally owned small stores, grocery stores (including Whole Foods), and the Glebe Community Centre, which hosts everything from meetings to concerts.
You’re also close to several doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and health centres. This is great if you’re concerned about being near healthcare options and other important social services.
Entertainment-wise, you are never going to be bored. You can catch a movie, an Ottawa Redblacks game or go to a concert at TD Place in Lansdowne. The Ottawa Farmers’ Market is also a popular spot to get great local products from local farmers. There may be something happening at the Central Canada Exhibition, built at the Aberdeen Pavilion and endearingly called the “Cattle Castle” by locals.
I’m just getting started:
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I recommend getting your finger on the pulse of this place by keeping an eye on posters, Glebe-based Facebook groups, and websites to find out about more special events. There is an eclectic mix of local businesses that make it clear how great glebe really is. The residential streets are not only beautiful but filled with a sense of pride in being part of the glebe community and finding a permanent home.
If you’re a community-minded person who wants to be actively involved in making your neighbourhood the best one in the city, you’d be moving to the right place. The glebe neighbourhood development is not just in building multiple rental apartments, but building the glebe neighbourhood.
In the Glebe, there is:
These organizations do so much for the community, and you can join them or partake in their events. The glebe community association welcomes all newcomers and is a great place to meet your neighbours.
One of the main streets in The Glebe is Bank Street – and we all know Bank Street has some really good food. I can’t even begin to cover how many delicious meals you can get in the Glebe, because there are over 60 restaurants to choose from.
Here are just a few that come to mind.
This is an institution in the Glebe – it’s been open since 1985, and has a special place in the hearts of artists, musicians, and music lovers thanks to the frequent events hosted there.
The food is classic pub-style, with a brunch menu for the weekends. They also have an impressive selection of whiskey.
If you’re looking for a more casual lunch or dinner option, Von’s is a good place to go. The food is simple yet flavourful, and the prices are reasonable. Many customers are long-term fans of the food and service.
Great Food, Fantastic Wines honestly priced! The chef’s specials change daily & the full menu monthly. Great chef, fantastic servers, awesome prices!
Opened in 2003, this wine bar is a local favourite for drinks with friends, a romantic date, or a quick bite after a long day. They curate about 2 dozen quality wines – but don’t worry if you aren’t a wine fan: they serve beers, ciders, and cocktails as well.
The food menu is mostly small plates: perfect for sharing. The atmosphere is cozy, friendly, and upscale casual, playing into the Heritage House structure.
Mexican cuisine is amazing, and Feleena’s is one of the best places to get it in the city. Their motto – “at Feleena’s, you’re family” – is 100% true. The owner has been working with Mexican food for over 40 years in Ottawa, and the quality shows on the plate.
You can get all your favourites, including a variety of tacos, tamales, enchiladas and more.
The inside of the restaurant is like stepping into a warmer, brightly-coloured climate – you’ll almost forget you’re in Ottawa!
You don’t have to be in Little Italy to get a great Italian meal! La Strada is an intimate dining option with an impressive menu and wine selection. Past customers rave about the homemade food, the great service, and upscale atmosphere. This is a great option for a date night with your significant other.
Small plates and shareable meals are popular, especially for groups of friends catching up. Erling’s Variety is perfect for that very occasion.
It opened in 2013, and has become known for the excellent service, relaxed atmosphere, and creative, tasty dishes you probably won’t want to share at all.
The restaurant appeals to both local residents and visitors from afar: anyone interested in excellent food and wine and specialty cocktails. Erling’s is open for lunch and dinner and for brunch on Sunday.
This beautifully-decorated restaurant is known equally for its impressive displays of art and its sumptuous food. Customers love the atmosphere, the super-friendly owner, and the authentic Lebanese food.
This wouldn’t be a proper list without a pizza place on it – and I think you’re going to love this one. The Food Network named Anthony’s one of the 12 best pizzerias in Canada worth travelling for – and if you live in the Glebe, you get to walk there!
These pizzas are out of this world – customers rave online about the crust, the atmosphere, and the servers who complete the experience.
The menu is small but well-done, and there’s a woodfired pizza for every preference.
This newer Italian restaurant features flavours of southern Italy specifically. It’s upscale atmosphere and unique menu is perfect for those looking for a new dining experience. It’s a popular spot, so it can get a little loud – keep that in mind on date night!
Despite only opening in 2017, Orto Trattoria is already know for its fabulous flavours and exceptional service.
If you love soup, you’ll want to dive spoon-first into this café. Along with delicious homemade soups that will warm your heart, you can get salads and paninis to make it a filling meal.
The prices are fair, and one of the best things about this restaurant is that they offer dine-in, take out, and delivery. Check back often, because the selection is always changing – but I guarantee you’ll find something amazing to try.
At The WORKS, they are obsessed with making WORLD’S BEST BURGER! They start with only fresh Canadian beef and hand press it daily! Then they cook it perfectly!
Feleena’s has been a Glebe staple for Mexican food for many years now. The food is authentic – every dish, every sauce, salsa beans and chips are created in house.
The Clocktower Brew Pub is Ottawa’s longest established full service craft brewery. They make great craft beer in house and fresh original food served in a comfortable and upbeat atmosphere.
Whether it’s for a casual lunch, a business meeting or a night on the town, Joey’s modern and lively atmosphere will not disappoint.
Looking for an inviting spot to enjoy great food and drinks (including Canada’s largest selection of draft beer)? You’ve come to the right place.
Casual, homey choice for Indian cuisine served buffet-style at lunch & a la carte for dinner. Craving Indian food? You won’t be disappointed.
This cozy restaurant is tucked away on a second floor – if you go here, look hard for the entrance as it can be hard to spot at first. But it’s 100% worth it.
For its small size, it packs a big menu absolutely stuffed with seafood dishes. You’ve got all the classics, and even some non-seafood mains so everyone in your family can find something.
I like to tell people thinking about moving to the Glebe about all the parks in the immediate area. This is not a concrete jungle-type area: there is plenty of green stuff.
Patterson Creek East: This beautiful, lush park is covered in willows and other mature trees, with a beautiful view of Patterson Creek. It’s ideal for tranquil walks and relaxing near the water. This park has multiple benches and restrooms.
Central Park: Host to the summer art festival, this park has plenty of space and is pet-friendly.
Lionel Britton Park: This is the perfect park for kids to enjoy. The play structure is well built, and there’s plenty of shade for those hot summer days.
Dog Park: The name may not be the most imaginative, but it does the trick. This park is perfect for dog-owners. It’s one of the few places that your dog can go off-leash. It even has some permanent park bowls for thirsty pups.
Commissioners Park: This park is right by Dow’s Lake, and is a great family-friendly place. Much of the city’s annual Tulip Festival can be viewed here in the spring. People love the ample parking nearby, the well-groomed paths, and the wide-open feeling that can sometimes be hard to achieve in a city.
Lansdowne Park: Lansdowne is an urban area that was recently developed in The Glebe. It combines concrete courtyards with businesses, restaurants and facilities that appeal to a wide variety of people. In terms of outdoor entertainment, Lansdowne has basketball courts (which become skating rinks in the winter), a play structure, the Civic Gardens, a gigantic lawn, and a skateboard park.
Civic Gardens: The Civic Gardens is an exhibit of local plants at Lansdowne, and is meant as a place for families to relax – they even encourage you to bring a picnic!
Bytowne Urban Garden: The Bytowne Urban Garden (BUG) is a community garden with shared plots for urban dwellers with a green thumb and no space of their own. It can be found in the Glebe Memorial Park.
Glebe Memorial Park: This park is home to not only BUG, but wide open green space for running around, a play structure, and a splash pad.
The Glebe is a great neighbourhood that will welcome you with open arms – but it always helps to have someone to walk you through the process of buying one of those fabulous century homes (or condos). As one of Ottawa’s first suburbs, built when Canada’s capital acquired the land from St. Andrew’s presbyterian church to build this community near the Rideau canal. Whether you’re looking for a temporary home or a permanent home- there is something for you.
If you have a question about something in this guide, the neighbourhood, or how exactly to find your dream Glebe home, ask me! I’ve helped homebuyers all over the city, and I can offer that same help to you.
Paul Rushforth Real Estate Inc
3002 St Joseph Boulevard
Orleans, Ontario K1E 1E2
Phone: 613-788-2122
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