Westboro is a fun, upbeat neighbourhood to explore and live in. It has a great mix of restaurants, shops, cafes, and spots to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy. Westboro is a neighbourhood I would seriously consider living in and most likely where I’ll end up before I move back out to Kanata again. Continuing on my neighbourhood series, I spoke with Ray Otten of Ottawa Properties to get his professional opinion of Westboro as somewhere to settle down and look at investment properties. 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. So before we dive into the best things to do in the neighbourhood, what’s the housing market like in Westboro?

Why is Westboro such a popular home destination?

“Amenities hands down. Some of the best restaurants and coffee shops are in easy walking distance. There is excellent access to recreation, lots of parks, bike paths, and easy access to the Ottawa river. Schools also have an excellent reputation in the area and finally, there is easy biking or commuting to downtown.”

Are you seeing more Young Professionals or Families interested in Westboro?

“I would say both are very drawn to the area. The combination of wonderful amenities and good schools make it a very popular area.”

How does Westboro compare to its neighbour, Hintonburg?

“Westboro and Hintonburg are both excellent areas. However, Hintonburg is more urban and is a little more popular by young professionals because of affordability. There are still great restaurants and shops.”

I know a few people that have been successful with investment properties in Westboro. What are your thoughts on investment properties in Westboro and what tips do you have for someone looking to get into investment properties? Is this the neighbourhood they should focus on?

“Investment properties are a great addition to your investment portfolio. They are often quoted as great ways to create a passive income. However, this does not mean they are not without work to keep up and keep their tenants happy. Be prepared that one day you may have challenging tenants so be sure you are prepared to handle that situation.

Westboro is a great investment area because of low vacancy rates, access to public transit and the amenities.”

Are more people looking for condos or houses in Westboro?

“Young professionals will need to consider condominiums in Westboro because of the rapid increase in prices of freehold properties in Westboro. Affordability will continue to drive the condominium market.”

If you’re interested in a condo in Westboro, check out their guide here.

Things To Do In Westboro

Now that we’ve discussed what its like to live in Westboro here are some great things you’ll love about the area. There is no shortage of great restaurants and things to do in Westboro. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Brunch

Baker Street Cafe

This is a popular brunch spot so make sure you head there early to get a seat. This scratch diner uses all homemade ingredients and serves generous portions.

Savoy Brasserie

The first time I went here was for a friend’s birthday brunch! Round up your crew and catch up over brunch! I loved the interior of this spot. They serve brunch daily from 9am-2pm. They have some fun eggs benedict like their ‘Westboro’ Eggs Benedict with guacamole, yum! You can also head here for dinner.

Lexington

Enjoy delicious bbq at this Southern-style kitchen and smokehouse. You can try items like their chicken n waffles, pork pulled benny and more. Visit at night for dinner and cocktails.

Gezellig

I haven’t made it to this spot yet but it’s on my list. It’s a second restaurant by Stephen Beckta. I love that their menu allows you to choose 2 menus for $25 allowing you to try both the plates that catch your eye! You can also head here for dinner or wine.

Dining Out

Pure Kitchen

Head to Pure Kitchen for healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes.

Clocktower

This is a great spot to catch up with friends over a beer. In the summer they have a large patio out front perfect for enjoying warm days.

Fratelli

Enjoy Italian classics at Fratelli’s Westboro location, perfect for date night.

Trio Bistro and Lounge

Enjoy a mix of tapas at this casual bistro, from their apricot hummus, beef satay, spicy peanut pizza and more.

The Piggy Market

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch, something premade for dinner, a butcher cut, help preparing a charcuterie board or pantry items, Piggy’s Market has you covered.

Whispers Pub & Eatery

This local pub has weekly specials like their wings night on Tuesdays/Thursdays and live entertainment on Fridays.

Freshii

This is a great spot to head for a quick, healthy lunch. I love getting their bowls to go.

Fiazza Fresh Fired

Choose from their menu or make your own wood-fired pizza with all the ingredients you can dream of.

Raw Pulp n Grind

Enjoy juices, acai bowls, smoothies jam-packed with healthy ingredients.

Cafes

Equator Coffee

This is a great spot to fuel up and get some work done. It’s my favourite spot to get coconut lattes in Ottawa.

Cupcake Lounge

Enjoy the best cupcakes in Ottawa at its original location. Their cupcake menu rotates weekly and includes delicious flavours like Oreo and birthday cake. I always get the cookie dough if it’s available!

Mamie Clafoutis

This cozy, Instagram-worthy coffee shop is a great spot to meet with friends.

Quelque Chose Pâtisserie

In my opinion, this is the best spot to get macarons in Ottawa. They have such a great variety to choose from.

Cucina Barone

You’ll find this cafe tucked away on Winston Avenue. Enjoy Italian coffees and panini’s here.

Shopping

Clothing/Fashion

Enjoy shopping at some stylish and fun shops like Frank and Oak, Ebb and Flow, Canopy, West End Kids and more.

Flowers Talk Tivoli

This flower shop has been in business for over 29 years and has fair-trade flowers arriving daily from all over the world. They’ve even provided flowers for Oprah Winfrey! Spruce up your place with some plants, order arrangements for an event or take one of their classes.

Ten Thousand Villages

Shop fair-trade items from makers around the world. You’ll find everything from jewellery, candles, chocolate and more.

Kitchenalia

Find everything for you need for your kitchen at this shop.

Master n Dogs

Treat your furry friend to some goodies at this shop. You can get pet products and accessories, gourmet baked dog treats, get your dog groomed and more.

MEC

For the outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, adventurers, this store is for you! I’ve bought a ton of travel accessories here like my travel backpack. You can also find everything you need for camping, hiking and more.

Groceries

If you read my Kanata post, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of Farm Boy, and you’ll find one in Westboro. There’s also a huge Loblaws Superstore. I’ll go out of my way to go to this Loblaws because it’s significantly cheaper than the prices downtown. You can also head to Natural Food Pantry for healthy and specialty items.

Yoga

Enjoy yoga in Westboro at Pure Yoga, Pathway Yoga, and Yoga Collective Westboro. You can also get all your yoga gear at the Lululemon Westboro location.

Views and Scenery

One of the best things about Westboro is it has a neighbourhood feel and beside some beautiful views and scenery. There are plenty of spots nearby with beautiful views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills.  

Parkway

If you’re active or enjoy taking in the sights, you’ll enjoy biking, running or walking along the parkway. In the summer it closes to cars on Sundays for bike days.

Westboro Beach

Enjoy beach days here in the summer or stunning sunsets in any season. Enjoy a tiki bar, grill and live music at the beach at the Westboro Beach Cafe.

Remic Rapids

The Remic Rapids provides a great view of the river, Parliament off in the distance, and of course these balanced rock structures by John Felice Ceprano. He’s been creating them on the river’s edge since 1986.

Bate Island

Bate Island is a great spot to get a beautiful view of the Ottawa skyline along the Ottawa River. Its open all year long but make sure to head here in the warmer months for a picnic. You can get a picnic table near the water.

If you have more questions about housing in Westboro 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 or living in Kanata. 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.