Welcome to Kanata, Ontario – a growing, yet established suburb located in South West Ottawa. Kanata is a safe neighbourhood that offers a vast number of parks, play structures and sports fields, making it a popular place for kids, pets and growing families to call home.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the significant outdoor landscape that the community has to offer in order to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you and your family to call home.
If you’d like to read our complete guide to Living in Kanata, please click here.
Bridlewood / Emerald Meadows
The southernmost portion of Kanata is Bridlewood & Emerald Meadows. The area is home to 7 schools which contribute to the large number of parks nearby. In total, there are 17 public parks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top options.
- Crownridge Park: Features two public tennis courts with lighting for night time play, a small splash pad which typically opens in mid-May, a covered picnic table area and play structure that includes slides and swings. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Appaloosa Park: Small play structure and greenspace for dogs located near homes. Dogs allowed, OFF leash.
- Bridlewood Skate Park: Skateboard ramps and jumps for kids, with an accessible parking lot.
- Kristina Kiss Park: Features a hockey rink with professionally installed boards and nets for use in the winter, a small splash pad which typically opens in mid-May, covered area with picnic table, play structure, swings and a beautiful walking path which connects with Kristina Kiss Field – a full sized soccer pitch. There is also an accessible parking lot at the park. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Scissons Park (on property beside Roch Carrier Elementary School): Features a small play structure area including swings and benches for parents to sit nearby. There are multiple soccer fields, an outdoor basketball court and in the winter months, the city of Ottawa constructs a skating rink at this park as well. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Bluegrass Park: Features a small splash pad that is great for younger children and typically opens in mid-May, covered area with picnic table and a play structure that includes slides and climbing bars. There’s also a small toboggan hill good for children in the winter months. A walking path provides easy access to Bridlewood Community Elementary School which has its own playground area, baseball diamond, hockey rink and basketball court. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Meadowbreeze Park: Features a large play area with multiple structures (slides, swings, climbing), covered area with picnic table, hockey rink with professionally installed boards and netting, two large soccer fields, a walking trail that goes around the perimeter of the park and a nearby waterway with bridges to walk across. Great place to take the dog and has a dedicated parking lot. Locals believe it’s one of the best parks around! Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Grassy Plains Park: This park occupies a large area and has a huge greenspace. Features a ball diamond, soccer fields, basketball court and a play structure with sand filled base, geared more towards elementary kids. No dedicated parking lot, some street parking is available but very limited. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Deevy Pines Park: Large park situated near the Eva James Memorial community centre, features: two baseball diamonds and two full size soccer fields with lighting for night time play. There is also a nice, full sized basketball court with a painted surface and lines. Park has some trails in a dense wooded area and is a good place to walk, bike or take your dog. Gravel parking lot access is also available. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Brian Parsons Park: Features one soccer field and a modern play structure for elementary aged kids. Benches nearby for parents! Inner parking lot can be closed with gates for kids to use for street hockey. Alternate parking area is also available on the street. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Other parks include: Maplewood park (walking trails only in a nice wooded area), Sawyer’s Meadow park (rear of St. Anne Catholic School – with soccer field and play structure) Huntsman Park (rink in winter, ball diamond, open greenspace area is great for dogs – lots of shade and typically quiet as well!), Stonemeadow park (soccer field & two play structure areas for both toddlers and elementary aged kids), Mattawa Park (to rear of WO Mitchell Elementary School – baseball diamond,, basketball court / converted to rink in winter months, soccer field, multiple play structures, short walking paths amongst the inner part of park and small but accessible parking lot), Shetland Park (walking paths and soccer field) Dogs allowed, on leash at all of the above parks.
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Glen Cairn
Moving North-West of Bridlewood and south of Hazeldean Rd. is where you’ll find the community of Glen Cairn. This area is home to some of the oldest homes in Kanata. In all, there are approximately 7 parks nearby. Let’s take a closer look at the top options:
- Clarence Maheral Park: Features a massive greenspace, located at the back of the Lion Dick Brule Community Centre. Large open field with multiple soccer pitches, a kids play area with slides and swings and interconnected walking paths within the park make it a great place to bring the dog. The Frank MacDonald Baseball diamond is also located on the property. Clean & well maintained – parking is available. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Hope Cloutier Park: Swings and modern play structure for elementary aged kids includes slides and climbing activities, with sand filled play area. Benches for parents. Located beside A.Y Jackson Secondary School which has a large open greenspace, including a dedicated football field and multiple soccer fields, multiple ball diamonds with lighting and a running track can be found on the school property. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Beaton Park: Located behind Glen Cairn Middle School and the Glen Cairn Community Centre, beside the Glen Cairn Outdoor Pool which is accessible to the public. Play structure was updated from wood to more modern materials in recent years, with a wood chip play area. Lower height structure makes it more accessible to younger children. Park provides nice views of the community pool and the surrounding area is nicely landscaped. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Rickey Place Park: Located towards the back of John Young Elementary School. Locals love this park because the walk along the creek allows for views of the wildlife and a large, wide open greenspace makes it a great place for dogs. Sand filled play area with play structure, swings and nearby benches is geared towards younger children and toddlers. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Dog Bone Park: Despite its name, this park still requires dogs to be on leash. Pie shaped green space is nestled amongst the nearby homes. Small play structure with swings and sand filled play area is intended for smaller children. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Other parks include: Ravine Park (Simple place to enjoy nature and a walk amongst some short trails along the Carp River) and Gowrie Park (sand filled area, play structures for both elementary aged kids and toddlers, benches for parents and a very small green space) Dogs allowed, on leash.
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Katimavik-Hazeldean
North of Hazeldean Rd. and South of Highway 417 is where you’ll find a mature residential area known as Katimavik-Hazeldean, an original Kanata neighborhood with a ton of parks nearby. Here are some of the best!
- Walter Baker Park: The largest park in the area is situated just outside of the main neighbourhood. Walter Baker Park is positioned on a shared piece of land with the Kanata Recreation Complex which features a splash pad, multiple play structures and swingsets for all ages, toboggan hills, a football field with bleachers, 6 soccer fields, 5 baseball diamonds and walking paths that are interconnected. It even offers a large gazebo with electrical outlets. This park is well maintained and the most popular and well known greenspace in the Kanata area. A popular fair with a midway and games is held here in the summer months. The Ottawa Carleton School Board holds its regional cross country running meet on this site. This park is a must see for all Kanata residents. Parking lot is accessible. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Stonegate Park: Features a full sized basketball court, located on a large piece of land. A play structure and swing set is placed within a large sand filled play area with slides and climbing activities for elementary aged children. A unique element to this park is the Trekfit Bamboo jungle, a climbing area located across the path – see photo. Dogs allowed, OFF leash.
- Cattail Creek Park: Tucked in off the street, this park is more hidden from public view than some of those nearby and is located behind Katimavik Elementary School. Paved walking trails run through the space, making it a popular choice for dog walkers and the Katimavik Outdoor pool (publicly accessible) can be seen from the park as well. In addition to green space, you’ll find a ball diamond, two tennis courts, and a basketball court nestled amongst the mature trees. A play structure with baby swings can be found on site as well. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Hewitt Park: Features a soccer field and a sand filled play area with structure. A paved pathway runs from the park all the way out to Pickford Dr., making this a very popular route for dog walkers. Some locals enjoy coming here for a picnic on a nice summer day. Dedicated parking lot access is available. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Pickford Park: Very simple and straightforward park on a rectangular piece of land, can be seen directly from the street. Features a baseball diamond in one corner, and a kids play area with structure intended for much younger children, including 3 slides in another. Baby swing and adult size swing present. Nice spot to take in the fall foliage. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Hayward Park: Located behind Holy Redeemer School. Features a large, oval shaped greenspace with a soccer field and additional park area around its perimeter, including a walking path, great for dogs. Play structure in sand filled area is intended for elementary aged students with slides and climbing activities. A separate, large & modern play structure is located directly on the school’s property. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Hazeldean Woods Park / Trail: 2.3 Km trail located in a densely wooded area for walking and hiking. Lots of wildlife and nature to be seen and is accessible from Shearer Park – dogs are welcome here. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Dorey Park (essentially just a small patch of grass – dogs allowed OFF leash)
- Sewell Park / Sewell Park playground (small play structure with a sand play area with activities for both toddlers and elementary aged children – dogs allowed OFF leash)
- Young’s Pond Park Playground (play structure for elementary aged kids, baby / adult swings and sand filled play area – dogs allowed OFF leash)
- Watt’s Park (small patch of greenspace accessible by pathway, as well as a tiny and secluded play area – dogs allowed OFF leash)
- Other parks include: Rowe Park (Older wooden structure with sand base, surrounded by trees), Davis Park (Fenced in, sand filled play area for toddlers, baby swings and benches for parents), McLennan Park (smaller greenspace – good for a quick dog walk with path and square, sand filled play area with small structure for young children). Dogs allowed, on leash at the above parks.
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Beaverbrook
The oldest residential neighborhood in Kanata is located north of highway 417, and east of Kanata Lakes. Beaverbrook has 11 parks in the area to consider visiting – let’s take a look at the top options to consider.
- Beaverbrook Park: Located on the same parcel of land as Earl of March Secondary School is where you’ll find Beaverbrook Park. It’s a popular spot that provides plenty of space for outdoor activities. You’ll find one full sized soccer field and an additional, smaller pitch for kids games. A full football field and running track is located here as well which the school uses for outdoor education. There’s a baseball diamond with lights for night time play, and a 9 hole disc golf course, which locals say is well maintained. Adjacent to the property is the March tennis club, which requires a membership giving you access to 8 private courts. Residents enjoy walking their dogs at this park and it’s also conveniently located beside the public library and John Mlacak arena. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Roland Michener Park: Located behind Roland Michener Public School. Features multiple soccer fields and two ball diamonds, as well as a basketball court and a couple different play structures. Locals enjoy its overall cleanliness and large, open greenspace to walk their dog. A parking lot is available but you must walk across Teron Rd. to access. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Varley Park: Located behind W. Erskine Johnston Public School and Georges Vanier Catholic School, this massive green space provides ample room to toss around a ball or walk the dog along the paved pathway. This space benefits from the two schools on the property, providing 5 separate play structures and several sandboxes for little ones to enjoy. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Gow Park: Located behind Stephen Leacock Public School, Gow Park is a decent sized greenspace with one full sized soccer field and interconnected walking paths that are accessible from Beaverbrook Rd. and Leacock Dr. It’s a great park for dog walking. You’ll also find a baseball diamond, basketball court and a couple different play areas for kids including a structure that includes slides and climbing as well as a monkey bar structure towards the side of the school. Dogs allowed, on leash.
- Kimmins Court Park (Located behind Kimmins Ct & Steacie Dr. There is a small soccer field here for informal play and paths around this space makes it a good spot to take the dog for a short walk. Be advised that this is a fairly small spot. – Dogs allowed, OFF leash).
- Other parks include: Bethune Park (Small strip of greenspace situated very close to March Rd. Very simple play area with sand base, small slides and swing set). Craig Park (Small strip of greenspace located just east of the Kanata Golf Club, borders between Beaverbrook and Kanata Lakes communities). Lytle Park (residents don’t really consider this to be a full park by any means, however this narrow greenspace is accompanied by a walking path that connects Beaverbrook Rd to Weeping Willow Ln.) Lawren Harris Park (Located behind Gagnon Ct. and Colville Ct. Small, but open greenspace behind homes, nothing spectacular). Tom Thomson Park (Small greenspace located beside the fire station on Teron Rd. Nothing more than a spot for the dog to take a quick break – very small space.) Dogs allowed, ON leash at all of the above parks.
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Kanata Lakes
Located west of Beaverbrook is a community that was initially built around a golf course. Kanata Lakes, formally referred to as Marchwood-Lakeside is where you’ll find some of the largest and most expensive real estate in the Kanata area.
- Kanata Beaver Pond: Located towards the very north of the Kanata Lakes community is a nature reserve which features a pond and a trail that surrounds its perimeter. Locals enjoy it for short walks or bike rides, as it’s a quick, 2 KM loop. In the winter, families organize and maintain the lake for casual hockey and skating. There is a lot of wildlife that can be seen around the site and a good place to capture photos or enjoy nature’s beauty, particularly in the fall months when the landscape is changing. Dogs are allowed, OFF leash making this a great place to take your four legged family members. The trail is moderately trafficked.
- Whalen Park: Located behind All Saints Catholic High School, Whalen Park is a huge greenspace that locals have come to love. Two full soccer fields, a baseball diamond, basketball court, running track and kids play area complete with sand, swings, climbing area and benches can be enjoyed by toddlers, elementary aged children and their parents. The play structure is however a little bit dated. People enjoy frequenting this space because it is a complete park with large open greenery to enjoy. Parking is easily accessible at the school parking lot, with the park itself being just steps away. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Walden Park: Families in the area have fallen in love with this park, which is located to the side of École Catholique St-Remi. It features a small splash pad, a public tennis court and beach volleyball court. A short walk through the trees reveals a full sized soccer field as well. Play structures for both younger and elementary aged children are right beside one another with sand and mulch filled bases. A spider web (rope climbing structure) adds to the uniqueness of the space. The park offers plenty of space for families to enjoy and there is also a dedicated parking lot for park visitors. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Insmill Park: Located along Terry Fox Dr, Insmill Park is a sprawling greenspace that is popular among local residents. The park features a soccer field and bike paths that loop around a nearby pond. There’s plenty of trees planted all around the area. Play structures for both young and elementary aged children, as well as swing sets are available as well. The dedicated parking lot is conveniently located right on site and is accessible from Insmill Crescent. Dogs allowed, OFF leash.
- Devonian Park: Located east of Terry Fox in the newly built Richardson Ridge community, Devonian Park offers fenced in tennis courts, a small splash pad area, basketball court and a beautiful play area complete with swings, climbing structures and slides for both younger and elementary aged children. The park is accessible from Devonian Way or Escarpment Cres. and is surrounded by homes all around it. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Richardson Heritage Park: Bordered by Boundstone Way, Arkose Street and Huntsville Dr, Richardson Heritage Park is a relatively new spot that offers a large play area for kids of all ages with modern structures including swings (+ a baby swing not found at other parks), a small climbing wall and slides. A covered gazebo with benches are also located on site. Play area is made of wood chips. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Goldridge Park / Jim Malone Park: Located on Goldridge Dr, these two parks are situated right beside each other and feature two soccer fields (one full size, the other smaller), public tennis court and a kids play area. The parks are separated by a densely tree’d area with walking paths. There is very limited parking on site, which is a common complaint among those who frequent the area. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Judy Laughton Park (Located off of Kanata Ave, this park is located on a hilltop and accessible from many of the neary homes in the area. Some have described it as a hidden gem in Kanata Lakes. Play structure with sand filled play area on site. No on site parking. It is located across the street from Broughton Park) Dogs allowed, OFF leash.
- John Gooch Park (Small play area located quite a ways into the trees. The best feature of this park is the connected walking paths and beautiful scenery. Good spot to bring the dog) Dogs allowed, OFF leash.
- Other parks include: Broughton Park (Is accessible from Battersea Cr, and is two tiered with play structures for younger children on the lower side and older ones up above. Locals like it here because it is more hidden in the hills. Benches and a covered gazebo can be found on site. No parking, walk up only) Fentiman Park (Small greenspace, accessible from Macassa Circle or Highmont Ct. Small play area, benches and connected walking path are covered in the trees, providing good shade on a nice summer day) Dogs allowed, ON leash at the above parks.
If you’d like to read our complete guide to Living in Kanata Lakes , please click here & begin your search for homes in Kanata Lakes
Morgan’s Grant
Located in Kanata North is where you’ll find some of the area’s premiere residential areas, such as Morgan’s Grant and Shirley’s Brook. Homes here were built from the 90’s to early 2000’s, making it one of the newer additions to the Kanata area. Its’ development also brought forth Canada’s largest technology park, which is home to over 500 technology companies nearby.
- W.C. Bowes Park: Located behind Jack Donohue Public School in the heart of the Morgan’s Grant community, W.C Bowers Park is a massive greenspace with multiple soccer fields and a small basketball court that can be accessed from Halton Terrace. The two fields are separated by a partly wooded area as well as a play area for kids. A play structure and splash pad that was installed over the past couple of years is a nice addition. Locals enjoy the cleanliness of the park and multiple on site parking lots. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Klondike Road Park: Located behind École Julie Payette, Klondike Road Park is a popular, yet secluded park that offers plenty of shade and privacy from the surrounding wooded area. Separate play areas for both younger children and elementary aged kids can be found on site including slides, a rock climbing wall and a sliding bar, as well as a full sized soccer field. Also located at this park are two tennis public courts, which converts to an ice rink in the winter months – and locals love! Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Morgan’s Grant woods: Located on Flamborough Way, and also accessible from Collingwood Crescent, this park is unique in that its located in a fairly dense wooded area right within the immediate residential area. An updated play structure with multiple slides, climbing wall and monkey bars built on a wood chip base provide a safe area for kids of all ages to enjoy the outdoors. Located within the trees, a shaded walking path is a big component of the park, which nearby residents use frequently for biking or walking. One of the nicer basketball courts in the area can also be found nestled within the trees. Overall, this park is one of the favorites. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Forestbrook Park / Playground: Located on Forestbrook Steet, and accessible from Statewood Dr, this small park is located at the entrance of a walking path which takes you through the wooded area. The playground offers benches and two separate play structures, one for younger kids and another for elementary aged children. Relative to Morgan’s Grant woods, this park is a much smaller overall greenspace. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- South March Highlands Trail Network: Located south west of the Morgan’s Grant community, South March Highlands Conservation Forest is a network of four hiking and biking trails that range from 3 to 13 KM in length. The trails are highly rated and some of the best that the city has to offer. Hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts thoroughly enjoy the nature and recreational opportunities that this area provides. In the winter months, it’s the perfect spot for backcountry cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Some trails are more difficult than others due to rough, rocky terrain while others are flat and suitable for more people. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Other parks include: Dunollie Park (small play area that is accessible from Dunollie Crescent and Old Carp Road. Round sand filled play area complete with structure with features for both small and big kids). Allenby Park (This park is located on Allenby Rd. and is a very nice structure geared towards small children. The play area was recently updated from its previous wooden build. Sand filled base and separate area with swings (including one for a baby, small children and adults) Gateshead Park (Located on Gateshead Ave, a very small play area for young children along with benches for parents and greenspace with surround path for a quick walk with the dog) Old March Town Hall Park (very small play area for young children, located at the end of a cul de sac.) Dogs allowed, ON leash at all of the above parks.
Shirley’s Brook
- Brookshire Park: Located on Klondike Road and across the street from South March Public School, Brookshire Park is a very popular choice for families who live in the area. A large open soccer field, full sized basketball court and play area with structures for both young and older kids can all be found on site. Swings (baby / adult) are located in a dedicated sand pit. Additionally, a splash pad is a top reason to visit this park since it is a little bigger than some of the other ones around. There are benches and a covered cabana area for parents to sit and watch the kids play. This park has a dedicated parking lot which is accessible from Klondike Rd, and makes for easy access. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Ravenscroft Park: Located on Shirley’s Brook Dr, this park features a full sized soccer field along with a nice play area with structures for kids of all ages. A covered gazebo with benches is a nice touch for parents to sit. Separate swing sets for babies and adults can also be found on site. Locals say that the park can sometimes be busy as homes are in very close proximity. A large parking lot is available for access, as is a walking path, for those arriving on foot – the park can also be accessed from the opposite side of the street (Kinross Pvt & Shirley’s Brook) via a separate path which runs through the trees and into the park. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Somerton Park: Located behind the Kanata Technology Park and the Marshes Golf Club, Somerton Park is an open green space with one full sized soccer field and often has lines painted to break the field up into 3 smaller fields within it. This park also has a sand volleyball court and net. Families also enjoy tobogganing here since there is an inclined hill. Dogs allowed, ON leash.
- Other parks include: McKinley Park (Located on McKinley Drive, behind Banchory Cres, McKinley Park is a fairly simple and straightforward green space. There is one soccer field and a play structure for younger children as well as a walking path which goes along the perimeter of the space), Shirley’s Brook Park (Located on Shirley’s Brook drive, this park is the perfect place for younger kids to get outside and play. It’s positioned on a pie shaped greenspace and overlooks a small pond. Several benches and a picnic table are located on site to give parents a place to rest. Along the side of the park is a walking path that locals enjoy taking their dog for a stroll at any time of the year. No on site parking, must use the street.) Juanita Snelgrove Park (Located beside South March Public School, this park features a full sized soccer field, modern and updated structures as well as swing sets, covered gazebo and benches in a large play area. In the winter months, locals enjoy the tobogganing opportunities provided by the hill on the property as well as the outdoor rink with professionally installed rink boards and netting. Dogs allowed, ON leash at all of the above parks.
If you’d like to read our complete guide to Living in Morgan’s Grant, please click here & begin your search for homes in Morgan’s Grant / Shirley’s Brook
Kanata has a lot to offer for families who are looking to experience all of the benefits that you’d come to expect from an established, residential community. Mature neighborhoods and an abundance of beautiful parks and greenspaces are located throughout the area. Having lived in Kanata ourselves, we can certainly attest to it being an amazing place to live, work and play.
At SERNO Realty, we know the area inside and out and can help you narrow down the best Kanata communities to live in based on your family’s unique needs.
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