You don't need to leave the neighbourhood to have a great Ottawa weekend. Westboro has everything — a Saturday market, independent shops, some of the city's best food, and the Ottawa River for good measure. Here's how to put it all together.
Saturday Morning: Parkdale Market
Start Saturday at Parkdale Market. One of Ottawa's best farmers' markets, it runs from spring through fall and draws vendors from across the region. Fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, flowers, and artisan goods — it's the kind of market you go to for coffee and a pastry and end up staying for two hours. Grab breakfast from one of the food vendors and do a full lap before committing to anything.
Saturday Afternoon: Richmond Road Shopping
After the market, wander up Richmond Road. Westboro's main commercial strip has a mix of independent boutiques, outdoor gear shops (Trailhead, MEC), home goods stores, and restaurants that makes it genuinely pleasant to browse. You're not fighting the Rideau Centre crowd — the scale is human, the shops are interesting, and it doesn't feel like every other retail street in Ottawa.
Stop into some of the independent clothing and lifestyle shops that line Richmond. The neighbourhood has resisted the total chain-ification that's hit parts of the city, and there's still enough character here to make window shopping worthwhile.
Saturday Lunch: Byblos
Hit Byblos for lunch — the mezze is perfect for a long, unhurried midday meal. Order a spread of small plates, some warm bread, and take your time. The pace here is right for a Saturday afternoon when you're not in a rush.
Saturday Afternoon: Beach Picnic
After lunch, pick up supplies from Farm Boy (the neighbourhood's excellent grocery anchor on Richmond) and head to Westboro Beach. A late-afternoon picnic on the river is one of the simple pleasures Westboro does particularly well. Bring a blanket, watch the boats and kayakers, and stay for the sunset if the timing works.
Sunday Morning: River Pathway
Start Sunday with a run or walk along the Ottawa River Pathway. Heading east, you'll get views of the river and eventually downtown Ottawa in the distance. Even a 30-minute walk in either direction is worth it. Coffee from Equator before or after.
Sunday Brunch: Play Food and Wine
Play Food & Wine does a serious brunch. The room is a treat, the food is excellent, and it's worth every dollar. Book ahead if you can, or show up early and put your name in.
Sunday Evening: LRT Home
If you've made it through the weekend without your own car, congratulations — you've done Westboro correctly. The Westboro LRT station puts you about 12 minutes from downtown on the Confederation Line. The neighbourhood is genuinely one of the easiest in Ottawa to navigate without a vehicle, and this weekend plan proves it.
