Barrhaven (Ottawa South)

Food + Drinks

Barrhaven offers a wide range of food and drink options perfect for a variety of tastes and preferences. You'll find a great mix of local favourites and popular chains, making it easy to find something for any craving.

If you’re interested in international cuisine, head to Bambu for sushi and Thai food. Local pubs like The Royal Oak serve classic Canadian comfort food and craft beers. Coffee lovers can choose between local coffee shops like Maverick’s Donuts & Coffee and Café Cristal.

Arts + Culture

The local branch of the Ottawa Public Library hosts regular events, book clubs and art exhibits, connecting everyone to literary and visual arts.

For performing arts, the local community centers frequently put on plays, musicals and dance performances, showcasing the talent of young artists and local enthusiasts.

Festivals and outdoor events like the Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade and the annual Barrhaven Festival add colour and excitement, featuring live music, food and art vendors that celebrate the community’s diverse cultures. Local galleries and artisan fairs offer more ways to appreciate and support local creators, from handmade crafts to visual arts.

Crossing the Rideau River, you’ll find Vimy Memorial Bridge, completed in 2014, it was the winner of the Gustav Lindenthal Medal.

Outdoor activities

Barrhaven offers a variety of outdoor activities and parks, making it a great neighbourhood for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Its many green spaces, like Clarke Fields Park and Chapman Mills Conservation Area, provide scenic spots for picnics, hiking and birdwatching along the Jock River.

In the summer, the community’s splash pads, playgrounds and sports fields, like the ones at Stonecrest Park and Ken Ross Park, are popular with families and offer spaces for soccer, baseball and other activities.

For cycling and walking, Barrhaven’s interconnected trails link neighborhoods and parks, allowing for leisurely rides or jogs through well-maintained paths. In winter, outdoor rinks and tobogganing hills become community favourites, offering seasonal fun for all ages.

Shopping

With Barrhaven being a suburban area, big-box stores like Walmart and Costco anchor the shopping hubs, while chain retailers and popular brands at Chapman Mills Marketplace and Barrhaven Town Centre provide a range of options for clothing, electronics and home goods.

Fresh produce lovers will enjoy the Ottawa Farmers’ Market: Barrhaven, where local vendors offer everything from organic vegetables to handmade goods and artisanal foods.

Nightlife

Barrhaven’s nightlife scene offers a cozy selection of spots for residents to enjoy evenings out. Local pubs and bars like The Royal Oak and Greenfield’s Public House are popular, providing live music, trivia nights and a great selection of craft beers and cocktails. Greenfield’s, known for its lively atmosphere, often features local bands and open-mic nights, making it a hotspot for casual entertainment.

For a quieter evening, wine lovers can visit places like Ridge Rock Brewing Company for a more intimate setting with craft beers and food pairings.

With its growing array of pubs, lounges and cozy gathering spots, Barrhaven’s nightlife has a welcoming, community-oriented feel, perfect for relaxed social outings close to home.

Major annual events + sports

The Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade, a beloved winter tradition, brings festive cheer with elaborate floats and community participation. The annual Barrhaven Canada Day celebrations are also a highlight, featuring fireworks, live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities at Clarke Fields Park. During the summer, the Barrhaven Run offers a range of races that encourage fitness for all ages and experience levels, attracting participants from across Ottawa.

Sports are a central part of Barrhaven’s community life, with thriving leagues for soccer, hockey and baseball, supported by well-maintained facilities like the Minto Recreation Complex. The Nepean Sportsplex hosts tournaments and recreational activities, from swimming to skating, providing options for both competitive athletes and casual participants.

Find more businesses on the Barrhaven BIA website.