15 Best Things to Do in Kanata

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I moved to Kanata my second year living in Ottawa – it’s one of the best neighbourhoods to move to, probably tied with Nepean. I loved the quiet of the suburbs the moment we arrived to look at a rental house, and all the green space to walk my dog really sold me.

But it’s not just a place for locals! Kanata has a lot to offer for visitors.

If you’re outdoorsy, head to the Beaver Pond or South March Highlands for hike/bike. Food lovers will want to hit up Kanata Noodle House for my all time favourite laska. In winter, don’t miss out on sledding at Walter Baker Park.

There’s so much I can’t wait to share with you so let’s jump in.

Golden retriever at the Beaver Pond in Kanata, outside of Ottawa. This is a popular hiking trail with the dog looking out over the reeds in the beaver pond.

1. Hike the Beaver Pond

Every morning in the summer, I take my dog Theo for a sunrise stroll to the Beaver Pond. The pond used to house beavers, but now it’s more of a home to geese and ducks. Bird watchers often come here to spot woodpeckers.

The north end of the trail through the forest is off leash for dogs, but the south end requires dogs to be on leash. I’ve only had great experiences here – unlike some of the other dog parks around the city.

The trail is about 2.7km all around, with the southern side being more flat and accessible. There’s one hill at the northwest side that’s not very accessible.

Watch out for cyclists year round – and geese poop in the spring by the pond’s edge.

This is one of my favourite spots for fall leaves in Ottawa – second only to Gatineau Park.

2. Get Laksa at Kanata Noodle House

Kanata Noodle House is the #1 charge on my credit card and my top visited restaurant in Ottawa. I visit at least every other week for their largest size of seafood laksa – which lasts me 3 days for about $20.

They also have amazing pad thai, fried rice, and spring rolls.

There are two locations in Kanata, and both are equally delicious.

If you like Asian food, definitely check them out.

3. Bike South March Highlands Conservation Forest

My second favourite trail in Kanata is the South March Highlands. This isn’t an off leash trail, but many people do let their dog off leash or use a long line.

It’s supposed to have some of the best technical mountain biking in the country. I’m not a great cyclist so I’ll leave that to the mountain bikers, but the little hills and jumps around the trail do look like they’d be fun.

The trail is quite long – it took me 3 hours once when I got lost and took a wrong turn in the winter. Bring a charged phone so you can check Google maps in winter and avoid that.

There are lots of short cut trails that’ll keep it under 1 hour.

4. Play a Round of Golf at Marshes Golf Club

Our old house backed onto the Marshes Golf Club so I’d watch the golfers play all summer from my office window. We’ve since moved but I really loved that area. Theo, my dog, loved the golf balls that flew into our backyard on the regular.

In the summer, the course is one of the most popular in Ottawa. People bring carts, electric golf bags, and normal golf bags, and carry them across the two large expanses of playing area.

I have more fun in the winter when the course is closed for golf and covered in snow. It’s a great spot to build snowpeople and in the afternoons, many of us dog owners hang out and let out dogs play.

The two hills on the golf course by Knudson Drive are epic for tobogganing.

But be careful: first thing in the morning and at twilight there can be coyotes. They avoid humans, but they have been known to go after small dogs or cats in backyards. Theo tried to play with one once as a dumb puppy. Thankfully it was mostly just scared of him.

There are also bunnies and deer in the summer regularly wandering through the woods around the golf club.

5. Jump at Xtreme Trampoline Park

Want to bounce out some energy? Check out Xtreme Trampoline Park! This indoor park is a great spot for kids and adults alike to have some fun and get active.

With trampolines covering the floors and walls, you can bounce around freely or try your hand at dodgeball, basketball, or even foam pits.

It’s also a great place for birthday parties or group events. They have party rooms and offer packages that include pizza, drinks, and even a designated host to take care of all your needs.

Get their “Open Jump Rates” by the hour if you’re just looking for a short jump.

6. Test Your Grip at Altitude Rock Climbing Gym

Rock climbing has become one of the most popular sports in Canada recently. This indoor gym in Kanata is a great place to get started or keep growing your skills.

You can visit for a day rate (it’s more expensive if you bundle in the equipment), or become a monthly member. They have courses to help you get started or get certified.

You can check their rates here.

7. Have a Fancy Dinner at Brookstreet

My aunt and I celebrate all major events at Brookstreet. Perspectives, their restaurant, has a great patio in summer.

You’ll enjoy seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood/meat. I’m a big fan of the salmon.

They are also exceedingly good with dietary restrictions. I loved that they had multiple gluten free desserts – and they weren’t just different flavours of ice cream!

If you have a large party, I recommend booking ahead as the restaurant does fill up, especially on weekends.

Brookstreet is also my favourite hotel in Kanata for the pool.

8. Watch a Movie at Landmark Cinema

I love a good old fashioned movie. Landmark Cinema is my go-to for that.

They offer the latest films as well as some indie options and special events.

What’s great about this theater is that they have premium seating available, so you can watch your movie in comfort and style.

They do discounts on Tuesdays and on Wednesdays they have a deal for 2 people with 2 orders of concessions.

9. Go Mini Putting at Blackbird Falls

Want to mini put outdoors? Every summer Blackbird Falls opens for some fun – starting at just $10 for an adult!

The course is 18 holes with classic features of a golf course – this isn’t a fun house style mini putt. For that you’ll want to go to Putting Edge in Nepean. It’s owned by the Marshes Golf Club company, so this is a bit more highbrow.

However, it’s still good for kids.

10. Watch the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre

My roommate and his girlfriend loved how close we were to the Canadian Tire Centre so they could hit up ever Sens game possible. The rink is just beside the Costco (my preferred spot).

Ticket prices start at $25, but depending on who they’re playing, the time of the season, and your location, they can go into the hundreds. Plan ahead if you’re looking for cheaper tickets.

I’ve also been told beer at the game is very expensive, so budget accordingly.

11. Get Some Beer at Calabogie Brewing Co.

I prefer to get beer at a pub. Calabogie Brewing Co. is a small brewery with two taprooms: one in Calabogie and one in Kanata. The Taprooms are like little pubs where you can get some nibbles and sample the beer.

I always recommend ordering a flight to get to taste a bit of everything – and they have 2 ready for ya to try.

Their County Cider Co. option is delicious for those like me who can’t have wheat.

Their pretzels are incredible (according to my roomie, I’m celiac).

12. Eat Your Weight in Pasta at Fratelli

If you ask someone in Kanata where to go for dinner, Fratelli almost always is the top spot. They have the best pasta – and even a gluten free option for me!

My roommate is a chicken parmigiana addict and says theirs is in his top 3.

The food is classic, hearty Italian and the restaurant always feels very warm and welcoming. In the summer, try to sit on their patio. It’s not quite Italy, but it feels pretty lovely.

13. Go Sledding at Walter Baker Park

Walter Baker Park has a lot for you to do in Kanata. It’s one of the best sledding spots in the whole city (I’m talking Ottawa proper), the spot of a Canada Day Fair, a great dog walking area, has a Splash Pad for kids, and plenty of jungle gyms.

The large hill is so popular it even has its own Google Maps pin (find it here). But you can’t miss it. It’s just across from the parking lot when you arrive – towards the Butterfly Garden.

You’ll need to bring your own sled. You can buy them for cheap at Costco, Walmart, or off Facebook Marketplace.

14. Listen to Live Music at Crazy Horse

Every weekend, Crazy Horse has live music from 9:45pm onwards.

The lineup changes every week, so even if you go again and again, you’ll always here something different. They even have bands from across the country come out – like Signal Hill from Halifax (I used to listen to them at uni!).

Crazy Horse is a steakhouse, so they’re best known for that. But they’ve got a lot of great pub menu items and are pretty good about different dietary restrictions.

15. Walk the Boardwalk at Old Quarry Trail

Old Quarry Trail is kind of like Mer Bleue Bog in that it’s a boardwalk trail over a marsh for large portions of the trek. The 1.9km loop and 2.7km loop have interpretation panels so you can learn about the ecosystem as you walk along.

Dog’s aren’t allowed due to the wildlife.

Winter turns the trail in a cross country ski experience. It’s a lot of fun, even if you’re a beginner since it’s quite flat.

Conclusion

Kanata is my favourite suburb of Ottawa – obviously, I moved here!

While Nepean has its charm and Orleans has its own hiking adventures, Kanata is a really great community with lots of lovely people. You’ll find students, families, and tourists all hanging out enjoying the area.

I also love that it’s the root name for Canada – “Kanata” is the Huron-Iroquois word for “village”.

And it really does feel like a tight knit village in your little subsection of Kanata.

I hope you take the time to visit and go beyond Downtown Ottawa. Kanata can be a stop along a day trip to Almonte, Calabogie, or even a weekend trip up to Algonquin Park. But it really should be included in your itinerary.

Ottawa Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?

100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.

💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?

Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)

🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?

Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.

📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?

Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?

For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

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🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?

Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.

📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.