Kanata, Stittsville and Bells Corners (Ottawa West)

Food + Drinks

Kanata is home to many popular restaurants, pubs and cafés including Viamarzo Kitchen & Wine, Big Bone BBQ & Wicked Wings and Tahini’s.

Stittsville, with its charming, small-town feel, boasts a growing number of local eateries, farm-to-table restaurants and cozy coffee shops, perfect for those looking for a more intimate dining experience. Be sure to check out Main Street Café, NeXT and Poco Pazzo. Craft beer lovers will also find Stittsville appealing with its proximity to local breweries including Brew Revolution, Ridge Rock Brewing Company and Whiprsnapr Brewing Co.

Bells Corners offers a mix of classic diners, ethnic cuisine and laid-back pubs, reflecting the area’s diversity and community-oriented vibe. Head to The Brew Table, Duna Bistro or ZOLAS to satisfy your food cravings.

Arts + Culture

The arts and culture scene in Kanata, Stittsville, and Bells Corners is thriving, with each neighbourhood offering unique opportunities for creative expression and community engagement.

Kanata hosts several cultural events, including performances at the Ron Maslin Playhouse, home to the Kanata Theatre, which showcases local talent through community-led productions. This neighbourhood also enjoys art exhibitions and public art installations, enhancing its modern, tech-driven atmosphere.

Stittsville, with its more rural roots, embraces its history through local galleries like owaa gallery, artisan markets including Stittsville Market At the Barn and annual events like Stittsville’s Villagefest, celebrating local artists and musicians.

In Bells Corners, the community has a growing appreciation for the arts, with local art studios, community centers hosting workshops and live music events at local venues.

Outdoor activities

Kanata is known for its well-maintained parks like Walter Baker Park and its proximity to the South March Highlands Conservation Forest, offering hiking, cycling and birdwatching opportunities. It’s also home to multiple sports fields and golf courses, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Stittsville boasts the Trans Canada Trail running through it, perfect for walking, running and cycling, as well as local parks such as W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park and Village Square Park, where families can enjoy playgrounds and picnic spots.

In Bells Corners, you can take advantage of the nearby Greenbelt, with trails like the NCC’s Pine Grove Trail, perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing or nature walks.

Shopping

Kanata is a major shopping destination in Ottawa’s west end, with the Kanata Centrum and Tanger Outlets providing a wide range of retailers, from popular clothing brands to electronics and home goods. It’s the go-to spot for those seeking both convenience and variety.

Stittsville offers a more local shopping experience, with charming independent shops, farmers markets and specialty stores scattered throughout the community, reflecting its small-town vibe. For essentials, Stittsville also has larger retail centers.

In Bells Corners, shopping is more community-focused, with a mix of local businesses, specialty shops and strip malls that provide easy access to everyday needs and services. Together, these neighborhoods offer a balance of high-end shopping, local treasures, and convenient retail options.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Kanata, Stittsville, and Bells Corners is relaxed yet diverse, offering a variety of options for those looking to unwind in the evenings.

Kanata has the most vibrant nightlife of the three, with its numerous pubs, sports bars, and restaurants around Kanata Centrum and the Canadian Tire Centre, where you can catch a concert, hockey game, or live event before heading out for drinks or late-night bites.

Stittsville offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, with cozy pubs, craft breweries, and local bars where you can enjoy a drink in a friendly, community-oriented setting. For those who prefer a more intimate experience, Stittsville’s small venues often feature live music or open mic nights.

Bells Corners has a few classic bars and casual dining spots where locals gather for drinks or a game of pool, creating a welcoming and down-to-earth vibe. These neighbourhoods are perfect for low-key socializing and entertainment.

Major annual events + sports

Kanata, Stittsville, and Bells Corners host a variety of annual events and sports activities that bring their communities together and celebrate local culture.

In Kanata, the highlight is the Canada Day celebrations, which take place at Walter Baker Park, featuring fireworks, live music and family-friendly activities. Kanata is also home to the Ottawa Senators, with hockey games at the Canadian Tire Centre drawing sports fans year-round.

Stittsville hosts Villagefest, an annual event celebrating local heritage with music, food and community activities, along with various charity runs and cycling events that utilize the Trans Canada Trail. The neighborhood is also active in minor league sports, with soccer and hockey leagues being popular among families.

Bells Corners embraces its community spirit with events like the Bells Corners Family Fun Day and local sports leagues, particularly soccer and softball, that engage residents of all ages.

Find more businesses on the Kanata Central BIA, Kanata North Business Association and Bells Corners BIA websites.