Located to the South West of Ottawa, Barrhaven is a suburb that is now home to over 103,000 residents and without a doubt one of the top communities in the nation’s capital for families to call home. The growth and development of the area has been accelerating rapidly, giving those who live there an increasing number of things to see and do.
If you’re looking to take a deep dive and learn about all that Barrhaven has to offer, our full community overview details specific neighbourhoods within the area, including schools, parks and businesses you should know about.
In this post, we’ll outline the very best things to do in Barrhaven for those who may be thinking about moving to the area or for existing Ottawa residents who are looking to be a tourist in their own city!
Go for a hike
Nestled amongst one of the area’s most upscale communities, the Stonebridge Trail provides an opportunity to walk, run or hike for a total of 3.7 kilometres (out & back) amongst nature in a serene setting. It’s a great spot to take the dog for a walk or simply take some time to yourself. If you venture off the path a little bit, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Jock river and get a glimpse at the wildlife that lives here.
Take a weekend getaway
Conveniently located in Barrhaven is the VIA Rail train station which provides residents with an easy way to travel to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and other Canadian destinations. Located on Fallowfield Rd, the station is central for Barrhaven residents. Travelling by train can be an enjoyable, stress free way to avoid traffic. If you’re heading to Toronto, the service goes right downtown into Union station, perfect for a weekend getaway. In the summer months, VIA often runs special offers and promotions to encourage short trips.
Play golf
Barrhaven is home to two high quality 18 hole golf courses. Cedarhill Golf & Country Club as well as Stonebridge Golf & Country Club are semi-private facilities which offer membership options as well as public playing rates. Both venues have a full service restaurant and can host events / weddings as well. Rates typically range from about $30 to $70 depending on the day and time you choose to play and each course offers a number of different tee boxes for golfers of all abilities to enjoy.
Take the kids to the farm
The Valleyview Little Animal Farm is the perfect place to take your kids for a few hours on a sunny day. This family owned farm is home to a number of farm animals and a great place for children to see and learn about agriculture. You can feed the animals and get up close to them as well. There are numerous play structures on site as well as a gift shop and cafe. The “Valleyview Express’ train ride is included in the price of admission and is a slow moving tractor ride that takes guests through the field to learn more about the operation of the farm. The venue can also host birthday parties.
Enjoy the bike paths!
Something that makes the Barrhaven community so great is the connected system of bike pathways that run through the area. The paths are maintained by the City of Ottawa and are a quick way to get around while staying a safe distance away from vehicle traffic. On a typical evening, the paths are full of bike riders, dog walkers and families who are out to enjoy the outdoors. Some areas where the paths are most prominent run parallel to Cedarview Rd, Greenbank Rd, Jockvale Rd. and on either side of the VIA Rail train tracks.
Go swimming!
A relatively low cost activity for the whole family to enjoy is a public swimming session. There are numerous options available no matter the time of year. Indoor recreational facilities like Walter Baker Sports Centre or Minto Sports Complex gives Barrhaven residents the opportunity to swim indoors during designated public swimming times. If you’re looking to swim outdoors in the summer months, Entrance Pool is a city run facility located just 5-10 minutes from Barrhaven in Bell’s Corners. The Long Island Aquatic Club in Manotick also offers outdoor swimming options however the club requires a membership to access and use the pools.
Barrhaven’s best eats!
Barrhaven is home to numerous small businesses that are top choices when it comes to food and drinks. There are however a few that stand out above the rest in the area’s social scene. Greenfields Gastro Public House is centrally located in the heart of the community and has undergone a complete face lift in recent years, making it one of the nicest establishments around. On weekends, there is live music and the food and drink menu is extensive with a number of locally brewed options on tap. Greenfields also has one of the nicest outdoor patios in Barrhaven, so even on weeknights, you’ll see that its a popular spot for locals to meet up and unwind. Other popular options nearby include the Royal Oak, Heart & Crowne and Browns Social House.
Explore Marketplace plaza
Commonly referred to as Chapman Mills ‘Marketplace’, this massive commercial development is located in the middle of Barrhaven and features a significant number of stores, restaurants and small businesses. Owned by RIOCAN, this retail district is a staple in the Barrhaven area, with over 60 establishments. Some of the places that you’ll find here include: Wal Mart, Best Buy, Loblaws, Indigo, Winners, Staples, Sportchek, Firehouse Subs, Fiazza Pizza and much more. Marketplace also provides Barrhaven residents with convenient access to Ottawa’s public transit system. Bus service from the city’s east end and downtown core flows into the area through a station located within the development, making it easy to get to and from Barrhaven. In the future, the city plans to expand the light rail transit system to reach Barrhaven as well.
Grab a tasty treat
Looking for something sweet? Barrhaven is home to some great specialty snack spots. If you’re craving high quality ice cream, you’ll want to check out Chocolat Favoris. Originally from Quebec City, this franchise has made its way to Barrhaven and has been a favourite among residents. Nearby, you’ll also find a Menchies location, offering a large variety of frozen yoghourt flavours and an endless number of toppings to choose from. If Bubble Tea is your thing, check out PresoTea or Art Haven, each having received rave reviews.
Get fit!
Barrhaven’s growth over the past decade has ushered in a number of new health and fitness options for area residents. Membership based businesses like LF3 and Movati Athletic provides customers with the opportunity to create custom service options including use of facilities, personal training and group fitness classes. In recent years, new businesses such as Elevate Spin, Orangetheory fitness, 9 Round Gym, Ground X Jiu Jitsu, Yogatown & Mountaingoat Yoga have opened, giving people the opportunity to explore even more ways to get fit close to him.
Are you thinking about living in Barrhaven?
At SERNO Realty, we know Barrhaven! Having grown up and lived in the community, we’re well versed and stand ready to assist with your home search. Whether you’re relocating to Barrhaven from out of town, are a first time homebuyer or are considering a move from elsewhere in the Ottawa area, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you throughout the entire process.
For many years, people teased Barrhaven as a boring suburb with not much to offer – some even referred to it as “Farhaven” for its geographic location relative to central Ottawa. As time has passed, Barrhaven has grown dramatically to over 100K residents and gained a lot of respect along the way. It is now one of the most desirable places for families to live in the Ottawa area. With quality schools, relatively low crime rates and a booming commercial landscape, Barrhaven has become an attractive place to be with new housing developments being built all the time.
If you’re interested in learning more about Barrhaven and to see how we can help you achieve your real estate goals, visit us online and complete our home buyer questionnaire to get started today.