A touch of Europe in Canada’s Capital, offering a curated collection of European products, prepared meals, and fresh lunch options.
History
In the early 1800s, the area was a rural community scattered with farms. Sawmills opened in the 1870s, attracting workers and community businesses. In 1900, an electric trolley started running along what is now the Byron linear park and pathway, providing easy access to downtown. The community went through several transitions and in the 2000s, a significant gentrification was sparked in part by the arrival of the popular Canadian store Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). Other retailers, pubs and coffee shops followed suit, turning Westboro into one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
Shopping
A variety of attractive shops line Westboro’s walkable main street, Richmond Road. Active folks search for the latest gear at MEC, Bushtukah, Westend Kids and Lululemon Athletica.
Fashion and accessories can be found throughout the neighbourhood – drop in to world-renown Roots; get an Ottawa-shaped necklace at Magpie Jewellery; shop ladies’ fashion at Tallow, Fashion United and Manhattan West; and find consigned fashion at Rikochet Resale.
Improve your health and home life by exploring natural wellness products at Saje, by scoring some cooking paraphernalia at Kitchenalia and by choosing beautiful Canadian art at Wall Space Gallery.
Dining and drinking
From food trucks to upscale restaurants, you won’t go hungry in Westboro.
Try the funky Bite This “cook shack”; go for gourmet burgers at The Works; order a specialty thin crust pizza at Fiazza Fresh Fired; get fresh rolls at MHK Sushi; say oui to The Savoy Brasserie; visit Gezellig for refined global food; and up your vegetarian game at Pure Kitchen.
For sweet treats, bite into richness at the Cupcake Lounge; get fresh macarons and crêpes at Quelque Chose Patisserie; cool off with homemade gelato at Wedel’s Touch of Europe; and indulge in French delights at Chez François – Plaisirs de Provence or Mamie Clafoutis.
Join locals as they sip fair trade coffee and tea at Bridgehead and delicious craft beer at Clocktower Brew Pub – both local chains.
Sights, activities and events
Westboro is a hub of activity all year-long, but particularly during the warm weather months.
Enjoy the soft sand, water activities and spectacular sunsets at Westboro Beach on the Ottawa River. And at the western end of Westboro is the Maplelawn estate, a National Historic Site which dates back to 1831. The stone house is home to a Keg Steakhouse and the adjacent, rare walled garden is a lush and manicured space maintained by volunteers. Beautiful photo spot in the summer and fall!
In spring, Westboro Village welcomes all to join in a celebration of retailers during Shop the Village. All summer long, people fill the patios along the main street and shop at the Ottawa Farmers Market on Saturdays at Byron Linear Park. As the leaves change colour in the fall, look out for ghosts, spiders, skulls and more during the annual Wickedly Westboro Scavenger Hunt.
During mild weather, the recreational pathways along the Ottawa River are filled with cyclists, pole-walkers, roller-bladers and runners. In the winter, the section between Westboro and the Canadian War Museum near downtown Ottawa becomes the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail. Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, fat-bikers and walkers all use this groomed snow route. Urban nature at its best!
