Homes and Condos for Sale in Vanier, Ottawa

Vanier is highly walkable, and there’s always something new to discover. However, if you need to get from north to south Vanier, it can feel a bit out of reach on foot, especially if you’re older. However, OC Transpo is here to save the day with quick, efficient, and comfortable public transportation. This negates the need to cross Montreal Road on foot, which can be a traffic-heavy artery that eventually turns into Rideau Street once it reaches downtown.

Vanier is so large, populous, and amenity-rich that it more or less has its own dedicated ward. This is known as Rideau-Vanier Ward, which also includes the neighbourhoods of ByWard Market, Lowertown, and Sandy Hill. The ward was officially established in 1994. A fun fact: Vanier used to be its own city in the Ottawa area – that’s just how large, convenience-rich, and self-sufficient it is!

With a large neighbourhood that consists of a northern and southern subcommunity, there are many great schooling options to choose from. Deriving from its francophone roots, there are some excellent French and/or Catholic schools present. These include Elementary School Catholic Horizon-Jeunesse, École Élémentaire Publique Mauril-Bélanger, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, and Trille Des Bois off Marier (one of the largest schools in the community).

For private and/or alternative options, there are a few unique spots to consider. These include St. Joseph’s Adult School and, to the north in Rockcliffe, Ashbury College.

Vanier is situated on the eastern banks of the Rideau River, accessible just after crossing east over one of many local bridges from Sandy Hill or Lowertown. The community is directly south of Manor Park and Lindenlea, which serve as its northern borders, while St. Laurent Boulevard acts as its eastern edge. Castle Heights is the southernmost border of this eclectic neighbourhood.

The community known today as Vanier was first named Eastview, a collection of smaller subcommunities formed in 1908. It eventually grew into a town that became home to a large number of French Canadians, establishing itself as a francophone municipality. In 1963, Eastview attained city status, and it was renamed in 1969 after Georges Vanier upon his death, was a beloved Governor-General of Canada. This is why the neighbourhood is named Vanier to this very day.

You won’t be short on top-notch shopping options around here! Montreal Road is where many of the stores and public services are located in the community, a long stretch and major thoroughfare comprising of pharmacies, grocers, imported international foods, eateries, and much more. From Jean Coutu to Gabriel Pizza, many well-known brands are present here.

Of course, Vanier has its roots deep in the mom-and-pop presence, and that tradition remains today with specialty shops like Mercado Latino, which is a wonderful place to pick up all the fixings for a Mexican fiesta night or to wire money to loved ones south of the border. Of course, there’s also Green Fresh Supermarket Vanier, a local icon of sorts that has been around for many years. Discover their live seafood offerings and all sorts of imported Asian produce along with tasty treats and baked goodies!

Along the northern edge of Vanier, there are the more sophisticated and even trendier shops, cafes, and fine eateries along Beechwood Avenue. Everyone finds their way here at one point or another, discovering everything from beloved local florists (Mood Moss Flowers) to premium baked goods and other delicacies at Jacobsons. Of course, swing by Ola Cocina Taqueria for some of the best food in Canada’s Capital – you won’t regret it!