Ethan BrownI met up with a friend who now lives with her family in Beechwood and she showed me around the neighborhood she’d grown to love. Frankly, I’ve been here once or twice before, but seeing it through a local’s eyes helped me appreciate its charms and historical significance.
Beechwood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Ottawa. The life here is alive, diverse, and brimming with culture. Plus, you get access to the conveniences of the city while still enjoying lush green spaces and bike-friendly neighborhoods.
So if you’re looking into moving to Beechwood or are on the hunt for historic sites to visit, you’ve come to the right place.
Where is Beechwood?
Beechwood winds between Edinburgh and Vanier North. It’s northeast of Ottawa.
How to Get to Beachwood
By bus: Beachwood is accessible through the OCTranspo bus routes, specifically the 1, 3, 5, 7 lines. Routes 1, 5, and 7 all pass through Beechwood Avenue.
Route 3 goes between the Rideau Center and Hurdman Station. These regular routes are almost always available, given that they’re regular local routes.
What to Do and See in Beechwood
Enjoy picnics and long walks at New Edinburgh Park
Media Credit: emma.ot
If you’re tired and just want a break from the city, you can take long scenic walks down the paths at New Edinburgh Park. It’s near the Rideau River, so you can see the view of the waters as you enjoy the green, lush space.
Active people and families love this park because it has a multi-use pathway, a great playground for littles, a splash pad, and even an off-leash dog park. Just note that dogs should still be on leash on the multi-use path. They also can’t go near the playground or splash pad.
Swim laps at the Genest Pool in Optimist Park
Media Credit: lucillecollard
Optimist Park is another great place to hang out in the neighborhood. If you’re getting sick of your usual workouts and it’s warm out, why not take a dip at the community pool?
During the summer, they have a lot of great camps and courses at the facility you and the whole family can try. You can see the schedule here, but note that it’s subject to change.
The park also has great amenities, including a playground, gender-specific changing rooms, and ample washrooms. Adding to the convenience, they have free street parking here, so come early if you can to ensure you get a slot.
Bike along the Rideau River Eastern Pathway
Media Credit: shawn.c.dawson
If you’re a cyclist looking for a weekend adventure, you can try the 23.3-kilometer ride at the Rideau River Eastern Pathway. This takes about 6 hours, give or take, with an elevation gain of about 469 meters.
The trail starts at the parking area at Hog’s Back Park, but you can actually start at any point along the pathway. It’s a great route for tourists because you will see a lot of parks, forests, and famous sites. It will end at the Rideau Falls area.
Visit the Beechwood Cemetery
Media Credit: beechwoodcemetery
You’ll find the National Military Cemetery of Canada in the Beechwood Cemetery. It was established in 1873 and holds a significant historical impact on the community because of the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.
It’s open to visitors and you can pay your respects to heroes who fought for freedom during the Second World War.
If you’re into wildlife spotting, this place is a must-visit. Grab your binoculars and sense of wonder while exploring the diverse habitats. It’s actually a birder’s paradise here!
Where to Eat and Drink in Beechwood
Café Sachi’s
Media Credit: sachis.beechwood
Website
Menu
Address: 18 Beechwood Ave.
Contact: +1 613-223-9966
Business Hours:
- Monday-Friday (7 AM – 7 PM)
- Saturday (7 AM – 9 PM)
- Sunday (8 AM – 7 PM)
Café Sachi’s is a new neighborhood coffee shop that could be your next favorite hangout place. It’s comfy, welcoming, and has enough space to unwind or even get some work done. The quality of the coffee and the food is top-notch.
Some common favorites are the white chocolate mocha for those with a sweet tooth and Sri Lankan coffee that has notes of tropical fruits, chocolate, and spice, for those who like to drink their morning joe black.
Don’t sleep on their artisanal gelato. They have unique flavors such as honey, lavender, and tiramisu.
The SconeWitch
Media Credit: take.a.sip.of
Website
Menu
Address: 35 Beechwood Ave.
Contact: +1 613 741 4141
Business Hours: Daily (8 AM – 4 PM)
Anyone up for some scone and tea? This is one of our favorite snacks enjoyed with the family, and The SconeWitch just nails the buttery deliciousness of a scone – just how it should be. They have so many types to choose from, whether you prefer your scones sweet or savory.
They have an assortment of jams, some lemon curd, cream, or all of these together! If you want something more filling, they also have sconewitches that you should try, such as BLT with pesto, smoked turkey, and poached salmon.
They even have low-gluten options here, so you’re covered if that’s your concern!
Red Door Provisions
Website
Address: 117 Beechwood Ave
Contact: +1 613 695 6804
Business Hours:
- Monday-Friday (7 AM – 5 PM)
- Saturday- Sunday (8 AM – 5 PM)
This is another great coffee shop with delectable treats and comforting coffee from local roasters. They have a small batch bakery and jam factory, breakfast and lunch options, and even craft beer for long days.
Their pastries rotate daily, so you’ll never get sick of their offerings. Everything is curated by its team of bakers. Everything is fresh and tastes lovingly homemade—just make sure to come to the bakery early to be able to have a lot of choices! They run out fast.
Bridgehead
Media Credit: bridgeheadcoffee
Website
Address: 131 Beechwood Ave.
Contact: +1 613 231 5488
Business Hours: Daily (6 AM – 8 PM)
Bridgehead is another go-to for coffee aficionados because it offers 100% organic fairtrade coffee. They’re very sustainable and always looking for ways to optimize their processes to ensure an ethical brew.
The vibe here is modern, warm, and friendly—definitely a great place to hang out and chill with a good cup of morning fuel.
We love how they offer a subscription service for their coffee where you can build your first bundle, choose how often you’d like to receive your coffee, and easily check out on their site. Quick and easy!
The Royal Oak
Media Credit: royaloakpubs
Website
Menu
Address: 1 Beechwood Ave.
Contact: +1 613 680 1130
Business Hours:
- Monday-Thursday (11:30 AM – 12 AM)
- Friday (11:30 AM – 2 AM)
- Saturday (10 AM –2 AM)
- Sunday (10 AM – 11 PM)
This local business has been serving good food and drinks for over 45 years at this point! They’re a great British pub to bring your workmates and friends for a well-deserved tipple. What sets this apart is its great patio seating, perfect for warm summer nights.
Their fish and chips, nachos, burgers, and draught beer are delicious and reasonably priced.
Dhruvee’s
Media Credit: dhruveescanada
Website
Menu
Address: 18 Beechwood Ave. unit 101, Vanier
Contact: +1 613 744 7888
Business Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday (11:30 AM – 9 PM)
- Sunday (11:30 AM – 3 PM)
- Closed on Mondays
If you’re craving Indian, Indonesian, or Sri Lankan food, Dhruvee’s is a good local spot that has flavorful chicken biryani, roast paan, butter chicken, fish cutlets, kebabs, along other favorites! The food here is always fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced.
They have a lot of promos and fun events such as weekend brunches, buffets, acoustic nights, and even easter egg brunches where children eat for free!
Here’s a local tip: Make sure you’re following their social media so you’re updated on their upcoming promos and fun events!
Edinburger
Media Credit: edinburgerottawa
Website
Menu
Address:1 Springfield Rd
Contact: +1 343 588 1467
Business Hours: Daily (11 AM – 9 PM)
Edinburgh specializes in greasy goodness that’s perfect when you’re hungover or feeling snacky. We love their burgers, onion rings, smashed fries, and poutine. They even have vegan buns and gluten-free buns available!
The best part is when you wash them all down with a classic ice-cold milkshake. They have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and moose tracks-flavored shakes that are just too good not to try.
Dante Restaurant
Media Credit: 24natalie
Website
Menu
Address: 7 Springfield Rd
Contact: +1-613-842-7277
Business Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (11:30 AM – 3 PM; 5 PM-10 PM)
Dante Restaurant is an Italian restaurant established in 2024. While it’s new to the community, this stop is raved about by locals because of the authentic flavors and Italian hospitality.
Ever since we’ve eaten here, we keep craving fresh pasta. They have an extensive menu offering tapas, gnocchi, spaghetti, and different kinds of mains such as baked salmon, pollo scaloppina, and pollo parmigiana.
Their food is perfectly balanced – the flavors aren’t overpowering, it’s just right. The desserts are also commendable.
Try their tiramisu if you’re looking for something comforting and familiar. Try their salame al cioccolato (a chocolate salami that’s infused with rum and filled with cookies) if you want a refreshing take on dessert!
Soca Kitchen
Media Credit: thesocakitchen
Website
Menu
Address: 224 Beechwood Ave.
Contact: +1 613-695-9190
Business Hours:
- Monday-Friday (11:30 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM)
- Saturday (5–9 PM)
- Sunday (10:30 AM–1 PM, 5–7 PM)
This is the place to go to if you’re looking for something a little more upscale. They offer a fusion of Spanish and Latino cuisine that’s so rich in flavor. They have a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu.
Their paella with shrimp, saffron redondo rice, aioli, and paprika is heavenly. If you’re a fan of lamb, they also have paella with lamb shoulder and artichoke that you should try. Their Bavette steak and Caesar salad are great for sharing if you’re with your family.
The overall vibe of the place is fun, vibrant, yet relaxed. To cap off the night, you should try their sticky toffee pudding and cheesecake.
