About Hintonburg
Wellington Village is most definitely a trendy neighbourhood in the Ottawa West area, with its main amenities and resources located on Wellington Street.
It has some of the same advantages as real estate in Hintonburg, its neighbourhood next door. For example, it’s walkable and has plenty of access to public transportation. It really makes it easy to have a busy, active lifestyle with lots of restaurants and entertainment options. I highly recommend it to active homeowners who like to be close to everything they need.
There’s a mix of homeowners interested in Wellington Village, including:
- First time homeowners looking at condos.
- Downsizers.
- Young families looking for single detached homes.
The lots in this neighbourhood are a bit bigger than other areas of Ottawa West or Centretown, so you can get a decent-sized house. Some properties even have garages, but I still wouldn’t recommend this neighbourhood for those who want a large yard or those who want a large driveway. Parking is a bit of an issue in this neighbourhood, so your multi-car family may find that Barrhaven or Stittsville is a better fit. With the many newer condominium developments and other construction initiatives launched the next few years will see the same parking issues.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking to get rid of your car and your work is accessible via public transit, this neighbourhood would be a great choice!
While there are some condos in Wellington Village, the majority of homes are single detached. Price points for properties generally start in the $500,000 range, and go up from there.
This is a great neighbourhood that’s always got something going on. From Island Park Drive to Holland Avenue, I love hanging out there because every time I do, I find something new. Plus, it’s got a lot of the features homeowners want.
Schools in Hintonburg
Hintonburg is a small borough, but it’s close to a lot of great schools. These are the ones in the immediate area.
Please note: We have included a Fraser’s Institute Ranking where applicable. This is not the only way to determine school quality. For more information, please contact the individual schools.
- Location: Breezehill Avenue
- Grades: JK-6 English and French Immersion
- Fraser Ranking: 6.8/10
- Location: Gladstone Avenue
- Grades: K-6 English and French Immersion
- Fraser Ranking: 6.3/10
- Location: Beech Street
- Grades: K-6
- Fraser Ranking: N/A
- Location: Melrose Avenue
- Grades: JK-6
- Location: Holland Avenue
- Grades: 7-8 English and French Immersion Programs
- Fraser Ranking: N/A
Shopping in Hintonburg
It seems every year a new store pops up in Hintonburg – everytime I’m there, I notice something new. Here are just a few of the cool retail spots in the area.
If you like crafting, you’ll love Wabi-Sabi. This yarn and fibre store doesn’t just have the supplies: they also offer classes for all skill levels. It’s your one-stop shop for creative crafts.
It’s the most wonderful time of year all year round at Tinseltown Christmas Emporium. They carry ornaments, candles, stockings, and more. You’ll love the vintage choices and the nostalgic feel of your shopping experience.
The Hintonburg Market is a family-owned and operated grocery store and butcher shop that prides itself on fresh quality food and homemade meals.
If you love handmade gifts, jewellery and home goods, you’ll love JV Studios and Boutique. All products in the store are made by emerging Canadian artists and companies.
Another community favourite is Maker House, a gift and furniture store focused on selling local. Not only does this place sell furniture and home decor, but they also run vibrant workshops and events for the community.
Victoire was started in 2006 by two women who wanted to create a better clothes-shopping experience. They stock predominantly Canadian designers, and focus on ethical brands that women can feel confident in.
Flock Boutique/Workshop Boutique are all about the fun, the fresh, and the unique. This store stocks ethical and sustainable fashion, homeware, and jewellery from over 150 Canadian designers. The owners are designers themselves, and people are welcome to visit their Ottawa workshop.
Public Transportation
Hintonburg is surrounded by all the amenities you could ever need, including public transportation.
You can easily reach Hintonburg using the Bayview and Westboro bus lines, which connect you to Centretown and beyond.
Healthcare in Hintonburg
Living in Hintonburg, you’re in close proximity to the following institutions:
- The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
- The Wellington Medical Clinic
- Appletree Medical Clinic
Hintonburg is also home to several professional dental centres, family doctors, and pharmacies, including Rexall, Wellington Pharmacy, and Watson’s Pharmacy
Community and Entertainment in Hintonburg
Like I mentioned earlier, Wellington Village has lots to do. Here is just a smattering of what the neighbourhood has to offer:
Any fan of art will enjoy spending time at the Orange Art Gallery. Not only does it have wonderful local exhibits, but there are music nights and art classes too! It opened its doors in 2010, and is a family-run business. It’s also conveniently located next to the ‘Art is In’ bakery.
The Hintonburg Community Centre (HCC) is home to the following amenities:
- A full-size gym
- Dance studio
- 8 multi-purpose/meeting rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site parking
- Public computers
The centre is accessible to all, and hosts recreational activities throughout the year. You can find a current list here.
While technically next to Hintonburg, the Westboro Brainery definitely makes our entertainment list. This establishment offers single-session classes and workshops on every food, art, and DIY.
Made possible by the Dovercourt Recreation Centre, the classes are always changing thanks to the people who volunteer to share their knowledge. Past classes include Intro to Crocheting, how to live a zero-waste life, making chainmail jewellery, and winter camping skills.
See? There really is no limit to what you can learn. If you have a skill you’d like to share, you can even sign up to teach a class!
Glassblowing is an incredibly cool and complex art. At Flo’s, you can now learn it! It’s a teaching facility with multiple glass blowing, flame-working, fusing and casting classes at all skill levels. There’s also a retail space and workshop open to the public in case you want to check out some pros in action.
One of the biggest trends for group get togethers is to try your luck at an escape room. If you have family or friends coming to town, you’ll have to take them to Escape Manor. You can choose from a selection of themed rooms, and work together to solve elaborate puzzles and discover clues that will ultimately lead to your escape. This is a great option for all ages.
Dining Out in Hintonburg
A hip and trendy neighbourhood wouldn’t be hip and trendy without really, really good food. Here are some of the top spots in Hintonburg, Ottawa.
An exciting blend of pub and comfort food, everything in this restaurant is made from scratch using local Canadian ingredients. Commonly known as the HPH, this place is constantly hosting events including the Happening Festival, live music, and special brew nights
Absinthe has been known since 2003 for fine food. The plating is inventive, the ingredients are local, and the flavours are indescribable. The closest we could come? Yum.
If you enjoy classic French cuisine with a Canadian twist, you’ll love eating here.
This restaurant has been serving contemporary Canadian cuisine since 2004.
The romantic atmosphere makes it a great date-night spot. Their ever-changing Monday night tapas menu makes for a fun night out with friends. And if you’re feeling adventurous? Ask for the chef’s choice, and be surprised!
Petit Bill’s is all about family values, delivered through French food with a Newfoundland twist.
This bistro doesn’t just pack a punch with excellent food sourced locally – they also have an award-winning wine list and 3 sommeliers on their team. Whether you want a cozy dinner for two or a fun setting for as many as 60 people, Petit Bill’s can accommodate you.
This lovely cafe/catering company has become a Hintonburg staple. Their main location serves up coffee, amazing sandwiches, and desserts made fresh. There’s also a section devoted to pre-made hor d’oeuvres and dinners, perfect if you need homemade-on-the-go.
This vegetarian restaurant is the perfect choice for anyone who is vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for fresh, organic meals. They have a pay-by-weight buffet so you get exactly what you want in the serving size that suits you. They also have a take-out grocery shoppe of prepared foods that you can have at home.
Ms. Montha McGinnis used to teach Thai cooking classes in Ottawa. Now she serves up some of the best Thai food in the city. The atmosphere is described as intimate and relaxed, and the food is varied and authentic.
When you search this restaurant online, the first thing you’ll find are glowing articles about the back-to-basics food and service. The name comes from an old sociology theory that everyone should have 3 places: the home, the office, and a social gathering place.
The food is classic, simple, and family-friendly. The portions are smaller and affordably priced. It’s also friendly to laptopers who want to work and stay awhile. You’re sure to become a regular here.
No neighbourhood restaurant guide would be complete without a pizza spot. Tennessy Willems make scrumptious wood-fired pizzas with fresh house dough and ingredients from local farmers.
Their menu is small but varied, with authentic Italian flavours. You can enjoy these flavours in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere designed with relaxation in mind. The best part? If you want to eat in your own home, they offer take-out.
Parks in Hintonburg
Every great neighbourhood has a great park. In Hintonburg, there are 3 of them!
A great place for kids, dogs, and adults alike. This park includes:
- Walls/fencing on all sides
- A splash pad
- Plenty of old trees for shade
- Play structures
- Wide open green spaces
- Close proximity to restrooms
This park is great if you have young kids. It includes:
- A playground
- Plenty of toys
- A paved path for tricycles
- Picnic tables
- Great shade
While the name is a bit of a tongue-twister, this is a seriously good park for families. It includes:
- The Parkdale Farm Market in the summer
- Close proximity to shops and dining
- Fenced in play structure
- Plenty of room for dog-walking
- A wading pool (only operational in the summer)
- Access to public restroom
I Can Help Make Hintonburg Your Home
I’m a huge fan of Hintonburg, and I know you will be too! If you want to call Hintonburg, Ottawa home, I can help you.
I have years of experience finding homes, negotiating offers and ultimately helping buyers get into the right neighbourhood. It’s my goal to make the entire process as stress-free as possible – all you have to do is get in touch with me!
Ryan Angus
A licensed realtor since 2008, Ryan has many years of experience to draw on when helping his clients. He is equally at home with buyers, sellers, and investors alike, and has owned his own income-generating properties. He is also a Certified Negotiations Expert. Learn more about Ryan.