Lower Town, Ottawa

Lower Town, situated in the Rideau-Vanier Ward at the heart of Ottawa, lies to the east of downtown. As the oldest section of the city, it encompasses various notable features. Rideau Street forms its southern boundary, while the Ottawa River encircles it to the west and north, and the Rideau River borders it to the east. Within its bounds, the neighborhood encompasses the vibrant Byward Market area, known for its commercial activities, and exhibits a primarily residential character in the northern and eastern parts.

Historically, Lower Town had a significant French Canadian, and Irish presence, and it still preserves its historical essence through numerous heritage-designated buildings. The community boasts a remarkable blend of diverse ethnicities and cultures, with New Canadians constituting half of its population.

The pedestrian-friendly nature of Lower Town ensures that its residents can conveniently access the various shopping, entertainment, and employment opportunities available in the neighboring Byward Market and Rideau Street areas. The Rideau Centre, a premier shopping destination in Ottawa, houses over 170 stores, including renowned establishments such as The Bay, Lululemon Athletica, Harry Rosen, and Lacoste, among others.

The primary stretch of Lower Town, adjacent to Rideau Street, bustles with activity, hosting a wide array of shops and services. Additionally, it features a sizable grocery store, several restaurants, a branch of the Ottawa Public Library, and an Orthodox Jewish Synagogue. Moreover, the neighborhood enjoys proximity to Parliament, museums, parks, and the breathtaking Ottawa River, as well as easy access to the downtown core, commercial district, the Queensway, bridges connecting to Québec, and the University of Ottawa.