Ottawa summers are fleeting — but they're spectacular, and that makes every square foot of outdoor space worth fighting for.
Whether you're in the Glebe, Barrhaven, or anywhere in between, Ottawa homeowners are increasingly treating their backyards like proper rooms: furnished, lit, and ready to host. With the right mix of a quality BBQ, a statement fireplace or fire pit, and weather-resistant patio furniture, you can extend your living space well into the cool September evenings that define a capital-city fall.
Start With the BBQ Station
For most Ottawa households, the BBQ is the centrepiece of outdoor living. A mid-range gas grill (think Weber Spirit or Napoleon Prestige) will serve most families well, but if you're serious about entertaining, consider a built-in BBQ island with side burners and a prep counter. Ottawa's big-box stores — along with local specialists in Nepean and Kanata — carry a solid range of options from late April through the season.
Propane is the dominant choice here due to convenience, but charcoal purists aren't wrong: the flavour is unmatched on a long weekend afternoon. For apartment dwellers with balconies, compact electric grills have come a long way and are perfectly legal in most Ottawa condo buildings (always check your bylaws).
Fire Features: Pits, Tables, and Full Fireplaces
Nothing extends an Ottawa evening quite like a fire. The options range from a basic steel fire pit under $200 to a full outdoor fireplace built into a pergola or deck structure.
Fire pit tables — propane-powered, with a glass or stone surround — have exploded in popularity because they double as a coffee table during the day. Brands like Endless Summer and Blue Rhino are widely available locally. If you're going the wood-burning route, Ottawa's permit requirements for outdoor fireplaces vary by municipality, so check with the City before you build anything permanent.
For serious backyard projects, a masonry outdoor fireplace with a seating wall creates a genuinely four-season space — Ottawa's milder fall days mean you can realistically use it from May through October.
Choosing Patio Furniture That Lasts
Ottawa weather is hard on outdoor furniture. Humid summers, hard frosts, and UV exposure mean you want materials that can take a beating: powder-coated aluminum, teak, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin are all smart picks. Wrought iron looks beautiful but requires maintenance to prevent rust.
For dining sets, aim for at least six chairs if you entertain — Ottawa summers are peak patio party season and you'll regret buying small. Deep-seating sectionals with thick foam cushions (stored inside during winter) are worth the investment for a true lounging setup.
Storage is often overlooked: a good deck box for cushions will triple the lifespan of your fabric and save you from hauling everything inside every time it rains.
Putting It All Together
The best backyard setups in Ottawa tend to zone the space: a dining area near the house, a lounging zone further out, and a fire feature anchoring the far end of the yard. String lights overhead, some potted perennials, and a privacy screen or fence complete the picture.
With a little planning, your Ottawa backyard can go from an afterthought to the place you actually want to spend your summer.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
