Liam SmithWho said Barrhaven is just about peaceful suburban living and manicured lawns? Okay, yes, there’s a lot of that, but hold onto your hats because Barrhaven offers fun-tastic, exhilarating, and downright nifty activities.
And before you ask, no, attending community board meetings didn’t make the list (shocking, I know).
So, put on your adventure socks (you know, the ones with the cool patterns that you secretly love) and prepare yourself for a wild ride through the hidden gems of Barrhaven.
- Experience farm life at Valleyview Little Animal Farm
- Swim or skate at the multifaceted Minto Recreation Complex
- Get thrilled by mazes and haunts at Saunders Farm adventure
- Paint and relax at the cozy Art Haven Ceramic Cafe
- Shop local goods at the vibrant Barrhaven Farmers Market
- Tee off at the scenic Stonebridge Golf Club
- Go on a nature walk at Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Enjoy sports and play at the spacious Ken Ross Park grounds
- Ride the rush with classes at the energetic Elevate Spin studio
- Indulge in chocolate-dipped delights at Chocolat Favoris
- Savor hearty sandwiches at the Firehouse Subs
- Watch a movie at the Cineplex Odeon Barrhaven Cinemas
Experience farm life at Valleyview Little Animal Farm
Website: http://www.valleyviewlittleanimalfarm.com/
Address: 4750 Fallowfield Rd. Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-591-1126
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM
Valleyview Little Animal Farm is like a living, breathing children’s storybook, but way cooler because, you know, real animals. They’ve got everything from goats that might try to snag a snack from you to the most chill rabbits who are all about those cuddles.
Plus, there’s this adorable train ride that is especially perfect when you have kids in tow, as they’ll surely enjoy it. Now, while animals are the main stars, there’s a heck of a lot more.
Think play areas for kids and gardens that are like a mini-retreat for when adulting gets too real. And the best part is that you can genuinely learn something new and exciting about farm life without it feeling like a lecture.
| Pro tip: Remember to hit up the farm shop before you leave. They’ve got the kind of jam and honey that’ll make breakfast the next day feel like a gourmet affair. |
Swim or skate at the multifaceted Minto Recreation Complex
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Address: 3500 Cambrian Rd.
Contact details: +1 613-727-2683
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Minto Recreation Complex is where you go when you want to get active. You can dive straight into their swimming pools—and yeah, pools, as in more than one.
Now, if winter blues have got you down, you can go skating and glide across their indoor ice rink like you’re aiming for the Olympics. But wait, there’s more (I’ve always wanted to say that).
They’ve got a gym that’ll make you reconsider that nacho binge and a climbing wall that’ll test your spider skills. And if you’re into sports, well, you can do a basketball or badminton session.
| Pro tip: Memberships here are like gold, giving you access to all the bells and whistles, but if you’re just visiting, pick a non-peak time for a more laid-back vibe. Also, don’t miss out on their seasonal programs, especially the summer camps for kids. |
Get thrilled by mazes and haunts at Saunders Farm adventure
Website: http://www.saundersfarm.com/
Address: 7893 Bleeks Rd A
Contact details: +1 613-838-5440
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Saunders Farm offers mazes that are a delightful mix of “wow” and “ahh!” and when October hits, the place transforms into a spooktacular wonderland.
Their haunts are legendary, like stepping into your favorite horror movie but, like, in the best way possible. It’s not all screams and chills, though, since during the day, the farm vibe shifts to family-friendly fun.
They’ve got slides, playhouses, and wagon rides that everyone can enjoy.
| Pro tip: When Halloween season rolls around, buy your tickets early, as this place is no secret to locals and you don’t want to miss out. |
Paint and relax at the cozy Art Haven Ceramic Cafe
Website: http://www.arthaven.ca/
Address: 200 Kennevale Dr. #102
Contact details: +1 613-823-6822
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Ever wanted to unleash your inner artist without the pressure of being, well, any good? Art Haven Ceramic Cafe is your spot.
It’s a cafe where you can sip on a latte with one hand while painting a ceramic masterpiece with the other. They’ve got shelves upon shelves of pottery pieces just waiting for you to give them a splash of color.
From mugs to figurines, they’ll add some personality to your desk.
| Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye out for their workshops. It’s a great way to learn some new tricks and meet people who get as excited about painting pottery as you do. |
Shop local goods at the vibrant Barrhaven Farmers Market
Website: http://www.barrhavenfarmersmarket.com/
Address: 670 Cedarview Rd.
Contact details: +1 613-292-1219
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM
Barrhaven Farmers Market is the real deal when it comes to fresh, local goodies. First things first, when you get there, the colors and smells hit you like a delicious brick wall—in the best way possible!
You’ll find rows of stalls with farmers proudly displaying their harvests, such as veggies and fruits. The market is also a treasure trove of homemade jams, bread, and pastries.
And if you’re a cheese lover, the cheese guys here could probably make a block of cheddar sound like the eighth wonder of the world.
| Pro tip: Go early on a Saturday morning to snag the best stuff; it’s like a treasure hunt where all the loot is edible. Plus, have a chat with the vendors; they sometimes sneak you samples or share recipes that are too good to keep to themselves. |
Tee off at the scenic Stonebridge Golf Club
Website: http://www.stonebridgegc.com/
Address: 68 Hawktree Ridge
Contact details: +1 613-692-6093
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 8 PM
Even if you’re not the next Tiger Woods, you’ll appreciate Stonebridge Golf Club. The greens here are so well-manicured, you’d almost feel bad taking a divot… almost.
Seriously though, the course is a beaut—rolling fairways, tricky sand traps, and water hazards. Now, they’ve got 18 holes, with each one having its own character.
Even if golf isn’t your jam, just riding around in the cart and enjoying the scenery is a solid way to spend an afternoon.
| Pro tip: If you’re a ‘hit the range first’ kind of person, they’ve got practice facilities that are top-notch. And keep an eye on their twilight rates; you can save some cash and still squeeze in plenty of holes before the sun dips. |
Go on a nature walk at Chapman Mills Conservation Area
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Website: https://www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/no-fee-required/chapman-mills-ca
Address: 253 Winding Way
Contact details: +1 613-692-3571
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Chapman Mills Conservation Area has trails that make you forget you’re minutes away from suburbia. Seriously, the paths wind around, you’ve got the Rideau River keeping you company, and there’s enough wildlife to look out for.
Whether you’re there for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or a bit of a nature photoshoot, it’s all good.
| Pro tip: This spot has some prime-feathered friends hanging out, so for birdwatchers, bring those binoculars. |
Enjoy sports and play at the spacious Ken Ross Park grounds
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Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/recreation-and-parks/parks-and-green-space
Address: 700 Longsfield Dr.
Contact details: +1 613-580-2400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
If your idea of a good time is getting active or just kicking back outdoors, hit Ken Ross Park. It’s got sports fields that look like they could host a mini-Olympics.
Soccer, baseball—whatever your game is, chances are they’ve got a spot for you to play it. It also offers slides and swings that’ll keep the young ones busy till they drop.
There’s plenty of open space where you can throw down a blanket for a picnic, fly a kite, or just veg out with a good book. Plus, the walking paths are legit—perfect for a little jog or walking your fur baby.
| Pro tip: Just a heads up: they’ve got splash pads that go live in the summer, so pack those swimsuits for the kiddos! |
Ride the rush with classes at the energetic Elevate Spin studio
Website: https://www.elevatespin.com/
Address: 34 Highbury Park Dr.
Contact details: +1 613-825-7746
Operating hours:
- Depends on the class schedule.
Elevate Spin Studio is always buzzing. Bikes lined up, music pumping—it’s like you’ve walked into a club, where only everyone’s in workout gear and ready to sweat it out.
The instructors here aren’t just trainers; they’re like hype-persons who’ve got your back every step of the way. No judgment, just straight-up encouragement.
If you’re new to the spin scene, try to grab a spot in the back row to get the hang of things without feeling like you’re in the spotlight.
| Pro tip: Remember to book your bike in advance; the best class times can fill up faster than that final sprint to the finish line. |
Indulge in chocolate-dipped delights at Chocolat Favoris
Website: https://www.chocolatsfavoris.com/en
Address: 1055 Greenbank Rd. #7
Contact details: +1 613-823-4777
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Chocolat Favoris is a whole temple dedicated to the cocoa gods. You walk in, and it’s wall-to-wall chocolate. We’re not just talking bars and truffles (though, trust me, they’ve got that covered), but the real showstopper is their fondue chocolate-dipped everything.
You literally pick your fave—ice cream, fruit—dip it in the fountain of your choice, and boom, choco-magic. Customization is the name of their game; whether it’s dark, milk, or white chocolate, they let you mix it at will.
And fair warning, you may end up taking more to-go than what you came for.
| Pro tip: If you can’t decide on a fondue flavor, ask the staff for a tasting, they have insider knowledge on what pairs best with your treats. Also, check out their seasonal specials; sometimes they have limited-time flavors that are out of this world. |
Savor hearty sandwiches at the Firehouse Subs
Website: https://www.firehousesubs.ca/
Address: 41 Marketplace Avenue
Contact details: +1 613-825-1000
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10:30 AM to 10 PM
Firehouse Subs is like they took the classic sub shop and turned the dial-up to delicious. The whole theme is firefighter-inspired; from the decor to the sandwich names, it’s all giving a big ol’ salute to the heroes fighting fires.
Now, the subs here are no joke. Whether you’re gunning for a meat-packed monster like the medium Hook & Ladder or keeping it veggie-friendly with their salads, they’ve got your number.
Don’t sleep on their hot sauces either; there’s a whole range of them begging you to give ’em a go.
| Pro tip: Make sure you hit up their rewards program if you’re a frequent flyer since the points stack up pretty quickly for freebies and discounts. Plus, if you’re in a rush, order online and zoom past the line like you’ve got your own fire engine. |
Watch a movie at the Cineplex Odeon Barrhaven Cinemas
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Website: http://www.cineplex.com/Theatre/cineplex-odeon-barrhaven-cinemas
Address: 131 Riocan Ave.
Contact details: +1 613-825-2463
Operating hours:
- N/A
Cineplex Odeon Barrhaven Cinemas is the spot when you’re itching for that big-screen experience. First off, blockbuster, indie, rom-com, thriller—whatever flick you’re in the mood for, these guys are probably showing it.
The theaters are decked out with those plushy seats that make you forget you’re not on your couch.
If you want snacks, this place has the classic popcorn and soda duo down to a science, along with nachos and ice cream.`
| Pro tip: Those seats can sell out quickly for the big releases, especially on weekends. So be a smart cookie and reserve your spot online. Mid-week evenings are usually quieter, so you can enjoy the latest films with less hustle and bustle around you. |
