Best Things To Do In Kanata

I love Kanata! I grew up in Kanata/Carp and it’s still somewhere I frequent often, to visit old friends and my family. It’s a great spot to grow up in and also a place I’ve considered settling down in. A popular question I receive on Instagram is “What neighbourhood should I live in?” Kanata is often a spot I recommend. I also have friends that have bought their first house here to start a family or to start their journey of investment properties. This blog feature takes a look at the best of Kanata and some tips if it’s somewhere you’re interested in settling down or investing in a property. Before we delve into things to do in Kanata, I brought back expert, Ray Otten, for his professional opinion on living in Kanata. Ray and his team are Ottawa’s leading real estate agents and for over 25 years have helped thousands of Ottawa families achieve their Ottawa real estate dreams. He recently answered some of your top FAQs on the Ottawa Housing Marketing here.

Why is Kanata an ideal place to settle down?

In my opinion, Kanata is a vibrant suburb. It has plenty to do, everything you need, and it’s easy to get around. I have a friend who recently bought a house in Kanata and I was shocked when he told me how much it’s gone up in value already. I asked Ray Otten, his professional opinion on why he thinks Kanata is a good place to settle down:

Kanata has grown over the last 20 years dramatically because of the influence of the high tech sector. People can now live, work and play in Kanata because of the vast number of amenities that are now available. There are excellent restaurants, great schools and a lot of green space to raise families or to enjoy the outdoors.

Ray Otten

What about the resale value of houses in Kanata right now and expectations for the future?

Kanata experienced one of the highest appreciations in 2018. Demand for suburban housing had grown immensely over the year and there is a great variety of housing from affordable freehold townhouses to large executive homes. Many people move up or move down in the same area. By this I mean that once people get into Kanata they are there to stay, and this is a direct reflection on how great the area is.

Ray Otten

Kanata is neighbours with Carp and Stittsville. Are those areas that should be considered as well if you’re interested in living in the West End?

Absolutely. Like most suburban neighbourhoods, Kanata is sprawling in the direction of both Stittsville and Carp. The amenities Kanata offers are also readily available to those in both areas because they are so close. As Kanata continues to grow there is less and less reliance to go downtown for other amenities.

Ray Otten

I’ve had a lot of people messaging me that they’re relocating to Ottawa to work in the Kanata Tech Park. Do you have any advice for them as they chart a new beginning in Ottawa?

Kanata is the hub of the tech community in Ottawa. They will find integration into this community to be very smooth as there will be many people with diverse and similar backgrounds.

Ray Otten

Things To Do In Kanata

If you have an eye on Kanata, you’ll want to know what you have to look forward to in the area. Growing up in Kanata, I’d say I know the area pretty well. Here are some of the best things to do in Kanata:

Restaurants

Fratelli’s

Date spot of Kanata. My parents would go here for anniversaries and Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood were known to dine here on a number of occasions. It’s a cozy spot for Italian food and wine.

Pure Kitchen

This Ottawa favourite recently opened a Kanata location. They specialize in vegetarian dishes. You have to try their Transformed salad.  The coconut bacon is incredible. You can also enjoy dishes like their falafel burger or their cauliflower wings.

Central Bierhaus

This gastropub is inspired by European beer and eats. Enjoy items like sausage, pretzels, schnitzel, oysters and more. I love the communal seating at this spot. Former Ottawa Senator, Chris Neil, is a part owner.

Crazyhorse

This country saloon and steakhouse restaurant specialize in stone grill dishes. At night you can head here for a live band/DJ. Their big nights are Wednesday/Saturday or after Sens games.

Brookstreet

Wine and dine at Brookstreet while enjoying live jazz at their Options Jazz Lounge. This hotel also hosts lots of events.

Hockey Sushi

Get your friends together and enjoy all you can eat sushi at this spot in Kanata.

Shopping

Tanger Outlets

A big draw of Kanata is the Tanger Outlets. It offers everything from fashion, fitness, home accessories, food, and more! I’ve got quite a few deals here in the past.

Farm Boy

I’m going to put this in here because I have a soft spot for Farm Boy. It was my first real job and I worked here throughout high school. It was a great place to work and make friends from other schools. They have high-quality produce and great food!  

Kanata Centrum

This is the main hub of Kanata. There’s also plenty of grocery stores and specialty stores like Golf Town, Best Buy,

Activities/Entertainment

Canadian Tire Centre

The home of Ottawa Senators games. Kanata Centrum is always packed before a game. I’ve seen countless concerts here too from Bruce Springsteen to Kelly Clarkson. I always loved being so close to the shows!

Landmark Cinemas

The name has changed throughout the years but I’ve seen countless movies here with family and friends. We’d meet for a movie and then go for dinner after.

Walter Baker Centre

Every Canada Day you can head here for fireworks/festivities in Kanata. In the winter, there is a huge hill that you can sled down, probably one of the best in Ottawa.

South March Highlands Conservation Forest

You’ll find this conservation forest in North Kanata with plenty of trails to explore. Enjoy walking or biking through with plenty of beautiful views along the way.

Blackbird Falls Putting Course

Head here for a round of mini golf with family or friends.

The Marshes Golf Club

Play golf all year round at this golf course. Enjoy their 18 hole course in the summer and their golf simulator inside in the winter.

Fitness

Gyms/Yoga

There are plenty of gyms like Goodlife and Movati. For yogi’s there is Inner Revolution, Beyond Yoga Ottawa, and My Yoga at Home.

Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool

This is where I did a lot of my swimming lessons! As a kid, I loved going to their open swim sessions where you could enjoy their wave pool.  

Altitude Rock Climbing Gym

For all the rock-climbing fans, try the different courses at Altitude Rock Climbing Gym.

Xtreme Trampoline Park

Jump off of trampoline’s from all angles at this Trampoline park. You can book a birthday party or head there for an afternoon of fun.

Bell Sensplex

If you or your kids play on a hockey team, you’ll get familiar with the Bell Sensplex quickly!

Kanata has a lot going on and it is an area that keeps growing with new neighbourhoods, housing developments, and new companies establishing businesses in this area. If you have more questions about housing in Kanata you can contact Ray Otten and his team here:

Direct Line: 613-288-2455

Email: info@ottawaproperties.com

Instagram: @ottawa_properties

Twitter: @TheRayOttenTeam

Facebook: The Ray Otten Team – Ottawa Properties

Read more about the Ottawa Housing market here. Which neighbourhood are you interested in learning about next?

Thanks to Ray Otten and team for sponsoring this blog post and sharing your expertise with me, I learned a ton. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.