As a former Carleton student, I spent a lot of time roaming about the Glebe. Most of my friends from school lived in the area (being in walking distance from the university), but there was a unique charm about the neighbourhood that's kept me coming back since graduation.
Whether it's a screening of The Room at the Mayfair or a bagel at Kettleman's, this local, hip (and nostalgic) neighbourhood is bustling with local businesses and an irresistible trendy vibe. Here's 10 reasons why the Glebe, in this case, might be Ottawa's best neighbourhood:
There's no shortage of wall art
Russian nesting dolls and octopuses are just some of the many distinctive paintings that cover the exposed red brick walls you'll find in the Glebe. The photo above was taken Mrs. Tiggy Winkles.
Patterson Creek Park
I like to consider it the neighbourhood's own (very) little Central Park. In fact, even the centre of the park is called Central Park. In the east, trails follow along the shores of the creek that flow inwards from the canal. In the west, my particular favourite spot (especially for dog lovers) are the big open spaces and the black street lamps.
It's right next to one of Ottawa's coolest movie theatres
The Mayfair Theatre is in its 85th year of operation and shows movies you would never find in the big-name theatres scattered across the city. Just across the river in Old Ottawa South, they've played all the classics, whether it's Casablanca or The Sound of Music, and a number of other critically-acclaimed independent films from all over the world. Might I add they also show The Room once a month, which has been dubbed infamously as one of the worst movies ever made. Now seeing that in a rowdy theatre -- that's an experience.
There's also a nearby retro arcade that serves perogies
House of TARG is one of the newer establishments in the area (opened in 2014) and is home to some absolutely gorgeous vintage pinball machines. We're talking Star Wars pinball, Goldeneye, and Terminator 2 Judgement Day. Make you feel old? Oh, and of course: the perogies. Excuse my bias as a Polish writer, but if there's something every establishment needs, it's potato and cheese perogies.
They love bicycles
Mkay, cyclists may not be the most popular people in the city, but anyone who's eco-friendly and active gets a one-up from me. Despite the narrowness of Bank Street and the fact that I'll never bike there, is there anything totally wrong with that?
It's home to the city's biggest garage sale
The Great Glebe Garage Sale will be taking place on Saturday, May 27 this year from 8am - 3pm. Homeowners across the neighbourhood will be selling everything, from cupcakes, to antiques and furniture (for us broke students). Rain or shine, it's an event not to be missed.
The local restaurants
Mexican at Feleena's, a breakfast bagel at Kettleman's, or a breakfast at Eddy's Diner. The Glebe is a culinary food paradise, and an entire article alone could be dedicated to the local foodie scene here.
It's especially beautiful in the fall
Fall brings out the best in most cities, but amidst the backdrop of the Glebe's old houses and its location on the canal, it joins the ranks of being one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods around this season.
Dow's Lake
Being within the limits of the Glebe, Dow's Lake gives Glebites and Ottawans city-wide the chance to see the Ottawa Tulip Festival, Mooney's Bay and the chance to rent a kayak and explore with the squad.
The local businesses
When you shop here you're almost always guaranteed to be supporting local. While the Glebe has somewhat seen a commercialized boom in recent years, nothing will ever defy the charm of the vintage businesses that have been here for decades. At Birdman Sound you can build your vinyl collection and meet local musicians, or you can go treasure hunting at the Ottawa Antique Market.
Luciano Frattolin is taken away in custody from the Essex County Court in Elizabethtown, New York on Friday, July 24, 2026. Luciano Frattolin charged with 2nd-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Police officers open the back of a recovered truck during a press conference regarding Project 24K, a joint investigation into the theft of gold from Pearson International Airport, in Brampton, Ont., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey
The Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
This composite image shows, left to right, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby in Vancouver, on April 13, 2026; B.C. Conservative interim Leader Lorne Doerkson, in Vancouver, on Sept. 22, 2026; B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan in Victoria, on Sept. 23, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck, Rich Lam, Kevin Light