Olivia TaylorLeslie Park is a suburban gem, nestled in the west end of Ottawa (west end Ottawa). Developed in the 1960s and 70s, it’s got that classic “retro suburbia” vibe—think winding streets, modest detached homes, and a tight-knit community feel.
It’s the kind of neighbourhood where kids used to play street hockey, and the local parks were buzzing with weekend picnics. Today, Leslie Park still holds onto its charm, blending its old-school roots with modern conveniences.
It’s not flashy, and that’s part of the magic; Leslie Park is all about that comfortable, lived-in vibe.
- Where is Ottawa's Leslie Park?
- How to Get to Leslie Park
- What to Do and See in and around Leslie Park
- Relax or play at Leslie Park’s playground and green space
- Explore nature along the Graham Creek Trail
- Visit and catch a mass at Vineyard Ottawa Church
- Play sports at the nearby Nepean Sportsplex
- Enjoy a picnic in Briargreen Park nearby
- Have a family fun at nearby Mādahòkì Farm
- Go swimming at the minutes-away Britannia Beach
- Where to Eat and Drink in and near Leslie Park
- Where to Stay near Leslie Park
- FAQs about Ottawa’s Leslie Park
Where is Ottawa’s Leslie Park?
Leslie Park is chilling in Ottawa’s west end, tucked conveniently between Baseline Road and Greenbank Road. It’s bordered by Nanaimo Drive to the north, Monterey Drive to the east, and the CN railway tracks to the south.
If you’re mapping it out, think west of Woodroffe Avenue, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. It’s one of those spots where you feel like you’re stepping into a quiet suburban escape without straying too far from the city’s hustle and bustle.
How to Get to Leslie Park
Closest bus stop: Getting to Leslie Park is super simple! If you’re taking public transit, hop on OC Transpo and head to Baseline Station—it’s the closest major hub.
From there, catch a bus going westbound towards Greenbank Road, and you’ll be just a short trip away from Leslie Park. If you’re driving, just take the Queensway (Highway 417) west and exit at Woodroffe Avenue or Greenbank Road, depending on your route.
Follow Greenbank south, and you’ll find Leslie Park tucked just off Baseline Road.
What to Do and See in and around Leslie Park
Relax or play at Leslie Park’s playground and green space
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Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/recreation-and-parks/parks-and-green-space
Address: 23 Dayton Crescent
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Leslie Park’s is a fantastic little spot for anyone looking to unwind or enjoy outdoor fun. It’s got a playground, with slides, swings, and all the essentials to keep them entertained for hours.
If you’re looking to just chill, the park has plenty of green space where you can lay out a blanket, read a book, or have a picnic. It’s not overly busy most days, so it’s great if you want to escape the bigger, crowded parks around Ottawa.
For folks who like to stay active, it’s also an awesome area for walking or light jogging around the park’s open space.
Explore nature along the Graham Creek Trail
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If you love the outdoors, the Graham Creek Trail should be on your list. This scenic trail stretches for just over 1 kilometre, winding its way through a mix of lush greenery and wooded areas.
It’s a great option for an easy hike or walk, and since it’s not too long, families with kids will find it super manageable. You’ll also notice how quiet it feels, giving you a chance to disconnect and enjoy.
Furthermore, the trail is perfect for photography enthusiasts, too—there are little ponds along the way that make for some picturesque scenes. It’s also a nice spot to bring your dog for a walk, as it’s dog-friendly and not overly crowded.
Visit and catch a mass at Vineyard Ottawa Church
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Website: http://www.vineyardottawa.com/
Address: 51 Greenbank Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 829 0809
Operating hours:
- Sunday – 10 AM to 12 PM
Vineyard Ottawa Church is one of those places that we locals love for its community vibe. They also run small groups and outreach programmes, so there are often a lot of activities happening behind the scenes.
The church isn’t overly formal, so it’s inviting as well for people who might not attend church often. After attending a gathering, you can stick around here and chat with people about upcoming events—they’re pretty big on creating conversation.
Bonus? It’s tucked away near Leslie Park, so you can easily spend your morning at a service and then head out to explore the surrounding parks and trails.
Play sports at the nearby Nepean Sportsplex
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Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/recreation-facilities/facility-listing/nepean-sportsplex
Address: 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 580 2828
Operating hours:
- Monday and Wednesday – 6:30 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 6:30 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Ticket Prices:
Leisure pool fees:
- Preschool – Free
- Child, youth, student, household (per person) – $4.06
- Adult – $6.20
- Senior – $4.76
- Groups of ten or more – $3.57 per head
Group fitness, squash and racquetball:
- Adult fitness – $9.53
- Senior, youth, and student – $8.09
*rates will have an additional HST, for the complete entry fees, click here
The Nepean Sportsplex is the ultimate go-to for indoor or outdoor activities near Leslie Park. This massive, multi-use facility offers everything from swimming pools to ice skating rinks.
They even host community sports leagues, so if you’re staying in the area long-term, it’s worth checking out what’s available. Aside from the athletic facilities, the Sportsplex has areas for activities like squash, badminton, and even fitness class.
If you’re not super athletic, don’t worry—they host fairs, community events, and even craft shows during certain weekends.
Enjoy a picnic in Briargreen Park nearby
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Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/recreation-and-parks/parks-and-green-space
Address: 12 Briargreen Ct.
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Briargreen Park is a haven for picnic lovers, with its wide lush green grass. For those who love a bit of activity, this park has walking paths.
If you’re keen on more physical activities, the open spaces are great for a friendly game of catch or frisbee with the family. The kids will be thrilled too, as there’s a playground to keep them entertained for hours on end.
Have a family fun at nearby Mādahòkì Farm
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Website: https://indigenous-experiences.ca/
Address: 4420 W Hunt Club Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 838 5558
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Mādahòkì Farm is not your typical farm; this vibrant space celebrates Indigenous culture, traditions, and connections to the land. One of the highlights here is meeting the majestic Ojibwe horses, which are deeply tied to Indigenous heritage.
These rare horses once roamed freely but were nearly lost to extinction. Now, they’re thriving at the farm, and learning about their history while seeing them up close is an unforgettable experience—this will be a hit with kids!
Another must-see here is the chance to experience traditional Indigenous dances, which the farm often hosts. Don’t leave without walking the Legacy Trail, a peaceful path through the farm that connects visitors to the land in a meaningful way.
Go swimming at the minutes-away Britannia Beach
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When the sun is out and you can’t resist the call of the water, Britannia Beach is where you should head. Remember to bring along your swimming gear, as you’ll want to jump in and enjoy some fun under the sun!
The beach is well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, so it’s a safe environment for everyone. If you’re up for it, bring along a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy some time out on the water.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are usually food stands nearby to grab a quick bite or bring along a cooler with snacks and drinks for a picnic session.
Where to Eat and Drink in and near Leslie Park
Bombay Chaat & Paan
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Address: 2946 Baseline Rd Unit-A
Phone: +1 613 296 2946
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Tuesday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Good to know: Great for quick bites or casual hangouts
If you’re on the hunt for all things Indian, Bombay Chaat & Paan is a must-visit. This casual spot really focuses on the bold and vibrant world of Indian street food, offering treats like pani puri, Bombay bhel, and samosa that are bursting with flavour.
If Indo-Chinese fusion is more your speed, you’ll want to order dishes like fried veggie Manchurian, veggie chilli potato, or chilli paneer—they’re crowd favourites for a reason! Their specials like shahi paneer and Kaju curry show off too!
You better pair these with some of their sides—be it the potato fries or gulab jamun—to complete your meal.
Desi Hangout
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Address: 261 Centrepointe Dr unit 7
Phone: +1 613 224 0003
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5:30 PM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 1 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 2 PM to 11 PM
Good to know: Great for families or groups
Desi Hangout is the place to be if you love Indian street food, especially vegetarian and vegan options. Their burger selection is what gets people talking—don’t leave without trying their iconic veggie patty paneer burger or the noodle Tikki burger.
If you’re in the mood for smaller bites, grab a side of masala fries, paneer tacos, or samosa bites. But the real showstopper for many is their paneer poutine—cheese curds meet crispy fries covered in paneer goodness.
Phynicia Restaurant
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Address: 605 Longfields Dr Unit: 9
Phone: +1 613 440 3050
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Good to know: Ideal for brunch, family meals, or a cosy lunch
For Mediterranean eats done right, Phynicia Restaurant is a neighbourhood gem you can’t miss. They’re not just a restaurant—they double up as a bakery, and their Lebanese pies are what keeps us coming back!
The pepperoni and cheese pie or Muhammara and cheese pie are the go-to choices, and they hit that perfect balance of crispy and cheesy. If you’re leaning towards something heatier, their fire oven terracotta dishes (like kebab and tahini kebab) are must-tries.
Brunch here is another thing people rave about. Their Baba Ghanouhj, which is a smokey pureed eggplant dip, and the Shakshouka, a satisfying dish of poached eggs in a tomato-based sauce, are highly recommended.
Summerhays Grill
Address: 1971 Baseline Rd.
Phone: +1 613 228 6049
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 12 AM
- Tuesday and Wednesday, Sunday – 8 AM to 1 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8 AM to 2 AM
Good to know: Great for families and groups
Summerhays Grill has a meny so extensive, there’s no way you’ll leave hungry. Their all-day brunch menu is loaded—with choices like smoked salmon omelette, steak and eggs, and breakfast poutine, you’ve got all the classics and then some.
Feeling fancy? Try their Benedict options! Moreover, if you’re stopping by for lunch instead, their meat lover’s pizza, bacon perogies, Philly cheese melt, wings, and burgers are where it’s at.
And to make it even better, they’ve got a full menu dedicated to kids. For drinks, Summerhay Grills has a bit of everything—cocktails, beers, wines, and other beverages to go with any meal.
Mandarin Restaurant
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Address: 290 W Hunt Club Rd.
Phone: +1 613 228 2200
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Good to know: Great for family dinners and large groups
If you love Chinese food, Mandarin Restaurant is where you want to be. This spot is all about their buffet, which has an endless variety—but if that’s not your thing, they’ve got à la carte options as well.
The buffett’s top standouts are the beef chow mein and barbecued spareribs—they’re hits across the board. Seafood fans will find plenty to love too, from baked teriyaki salmon to Kung Pao shrimp.
On top of that, don’t miss the delicious noodle bowl options—they’ve got plenty to choose from. On the dessert front, they’ve got cheesecake, fortune cookies, and all sorts of sweets.
Where to Stay near Leslie Park
Hyatt Place Ottawa – West
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Address: 300 Moodie Dr.
Phone: +1 613 702 9800
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 12 AM
- Check-out – 12 PM
Hyatt Place is a convenient choice if you’re looking for a great stay near Leslie Park. With spacious, modern rooms that come equipped with plush beds, smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and sitting areas, it’s designed to make your stay comfortable.
Plus, the hotel offers a 24/7 dining option, perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or late-night meal. Another standout feature of Hyatt is the indoor pool, a fitness centre, and event meeting and event spaces.
Furthermore, their commitment to clean, fresh accommodations makes this a reliable choice. Location-wise, since it’s right on Moodie Drive, you have easy access to nearby attractions, shops, and dining spots.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa West – Nepean by IHG
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Address: 2055 Robertson Rd.
Phone: +1 613 690 0100
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 4 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a smart choice for just about any type of traveller. The rooms come loaded with everything you’ll need, including plush beds, a work desk, mini-fridge, microwave, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
What makes this hotel stand out is its Express Start Breakfast Bar—you’ll have access to a spread of choices from hot items to pastries, all included with your stay. If staying active is on your agenda, their fitness centre and indoor pool have got you covered.
The hotel also includes meeting spaces, laundry facilities, and free parking to make long-term stays more convenient.
Brookstreet Hotel
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Address: 525 Legget Dr, Kanata
Phone: +1 888 826 2220
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 4 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
Brookstreet Hotel offers a more upscale option for travellers who want a blend of luxury and convenience. The rooms and suites here are beautifully designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, premium bedding, smart TVs and Wi-Fi.
Plus, they’ve got everything you’d expect from a higher-end hotel, like room service, spa services, and even world-class golf courses right on-site.
Brookstreet goes above and beyond with its amenities—there’s an indoor saltwater pool, an outdoor pool, and even a dedicated children’s pool. Parking is also free, which is a nice touch for a higher-end property.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Kanata
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Address: 900 Great Lakes Ave, Kanata
Phone: +1 613 270 2050
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 11 AM
The suites in Homewood Suites come equipped with full kitchens, including a fridge, stovetop, and microwave—a great option for families or long-term stays.
You’ll also get the perks of staying in other high-end hotels, like housekeeping services and complimentary breakfast featuring hot and cold options. The rooms are spacious, with separate sleeping and living areas.
A big plus for Homewood Suites is their complimentary evening socials, where guests can wind down with light bites and drinks. The hotel also features a fitness centre, an indoor pool, laundry facilities, and free parking.
