Ottawa Neighbourhood Guide
Kanata
Ottawa's technology hub with a family-friendly lifestyle
Located in Ottawa’s west end, Kanata is one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods, known for its thriving technology sector, excellent schools, and family-friendly communities. Home to Canada’s largest technology park, it offers a mix of career opportunities, established neighbourhoods, and abundant parks and recreation.
Housing ranges from charming homes built in the 1960s to modern townhomes, executive properties, and new developments, making Kanata an attractive choice for first-time buyers, growing families, and professionals alike. With convenient access to Highway 417, shopping, restaurants, and everyday amenities, it’s easy to see why Kanata remains one of Ottawa’s most sought-after places to live.
Where is Kanata?
Kanata is located in Ottawa’s west end, approximately 20 kilometres from downtown, and is bordered by Stittsville to the west, Nepean to the east, the Ottawa Greenbelt to the south, and rural West Carleton-March to the north.
For the purposes of our neighbourhood guides, Kanata includes Beaverbrook, Kanata Lakes, Morgan’s Grant, Bridlewood, Katimavik-Hazeldean, Glen Cairn, Emerald Meadows, and the Kanata North Technology Park. Stittsville is covered separately in its own neighbourhood guide.
Why people love living in Kanata?
- One of Ottawa's leading employment centres, anchored by the Kanata North Technology Park
- Excellent public, Catholic, and French-language schools
- Convenient shopping, dining, entertainment, and easy access to Highway 417
- A wide selection of homes, from established neighbourhoods to modern new-build communities
- Extensive parks, trails, recreation centres, and year-round outdoor activities
- A welcoming community that's popular with professionals, families, and long-time residents
Demographics
Kanata At a Glance
A snapshot of who calls Kanata home, based on the 2021 Census of Population. 1
Population
~92,000 residents
Median age
40.9 years
City of Ottawa: 40 years
Median Household Income
$ 119K – $ 125K
City of Ottawa: $ 102K
Age Mix
18.8% Children (0–14 years)
15.8% Seniors (65+ years)
City of Ottawa: 16.4% Children and 16.9% Seniors
Language
English: 69.5%, French: 0.5%, Bilingual: 28.2%
Amenities & Recreation
Life in Kanata
Kanata offers the convenience of city living with a strong sense of community. From shopping and dining to major employers and entertainment, everything you need is close to home.
Shopping & Everyday Conveniences
- Kanata Centrum — Shopping, dining, entertainment, and everyday essentials in one central location.
- Tanger Outlets Ottawa — More than 80 outlet stores featuring popular Canadian and international brands.
- Hazeldean Mall — A convenient shopping centre with groceries, pharmacies, and everyday services.
- Ottawa Public Library – Hazeldean Branch — Programs, events, study spaces, and resources for all ages.
- Palladium Auto Park — One of Eastern Canada's largest automotive retail centres.
- Kanata North Technology Park — Canada's largest technology park, home to over 540 companies and 33,000 employees.
- Canadian Tire Centre — Home of the Ottawa Senators, concerts, and major events year-round.
Outdoor & Recreational Highlights
- South March Highlands Conservation Forest — Top-tier hiking & mountain biking.
- Kanata Lakes Golf & Country Club — Scenic 18-hole course.
- Beaver Pond Trails — Walking, birdwatching, and nature paths.
- Multiple community centres with arenas, pools, and sports programs:
- Richcraft Recreation Complex – Full fitness centre, indoor pool & track, gymnasium, fitness classes & community programs.
- Tony Graham Recreation Complex – Twin ice pads, fitness centre, sports leagues & community rooms.
- Kanata Leisure Centre & Wave Pool – Indoor wave pool, swimming lessons, aquafit & family swim area.
Education
Top Schools in Kanata
Elementary Schools
-
St. Isabel Catholic Elementary School
Rating: 9.6
Type: Catholic
Grade: Jk-6
-
St Anne E S
Rating: 9.3
Type: Public
Grade: JK-6
-
W Erskine Johnston PS
Rating: 9.2
Type: Public
Grade: JK-8
Middle Schools
-
Stephen Leacock PS
Rating: 8.7
Type: Public
Grade: 6-8
-
Roland Michener PS
Rating: 7.6
Type: Public
Grade: 6-8
-
W. O. Mitchell ES
Rating: 7.0
Type: Public
Grade: 6-8
High Schools
-
Earl of March SS
Rating: 9.0
Type: Public
Grade: 7-12
-
All Saints Catholic
Rating: 7.8
Type: Catholic
Grade: 7-12
-
A Y Jackson SS
Rating: 7.3
Type: Public
Grade: 9-12
Real Estate
Kanata Real Estate
Below is a snapshot of the market in Kanata by property type. All figures are medians from homes sold in the last 12 months. 1
Detached
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 850,000
TAXES
$ 5,446
BEDROOMS
4 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
22 days
Townhouse
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 599,900
TAXES
$ 3,816
BEDROOMS
3 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
23 days
Condo
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 385,100
TAXES
$ 3,102
BEDROOMS
2 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
49 days
Lifestyle
Top Things To do In Kanata
- Canadian Tire Centre — Watch an Ottawa Senators game, attend a concert, or enjoy one of the many events held throughout the year.
- South March Highlands — Explore scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and year-round outdoor adventures.
- Kanata Centrum — Shop, dine, catch a movie, or relax at one of Kanata's most popular entertainment destinations.
- Kanata Lakes Golf & Country Club — Play one of Ottawa's premier golf courses, surrounded by beautiful fairways, ponds, and mature trees.
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