Once a place where fun forgot, Ottawa’s suburbs are quickly expanding – and with that, so is the range of entertainment, shopping and unexpected fun to be had. Now there is a long list of incredible things to do in Kanata and Stittsville, that makes it worth visiting (even if you live in the east end).
Kanata was known as Canada’s largest high-tech park, while Stittsville had a reputation for being a sleepy country town. But today, they have a combined population of more than 137,000 – Ottawa’s west-end burbs are all grown up.
While the obvious go-to is Canadian Tire Centre for the Ottawa Senators (more on that later), Kanata-Stittsville also has a huge rural area filled with cool destination activities. From Tanger Outlet or its go-to cafes like Quitters Coffee, there’s a little something for everyone.
But if we’re talking about the obvious, let’s start with big-box shopping, delicious eats, and exciting entertainment. Here are some top picks on fun things to do in Kanata and Stittsville:
Shop till you drop
Are you always looking for a good deal? Then head to Tanger Outlets Ottawa. The shopping outlet has a wide variety of stores where you can update your entire wardrobe, including Saks Off 5th, Coach, Calvin Klein, Nike, Guess, and Lululemon. The Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre is only three minutes away if you need more retail therapy. It offers an abundance of other stores, restaurants, and a movie theatre where you can watch the latest blockbuster flick.
Looking to spice up the living room, find new bathroom essentials, or freshen up the bedroom? Stittsville conveniently has HomeSense, Urban Barn, and Bouclair in the same parking lot, so it is your one-stop shop for everything home. You can find furniture, drapery, lighting, wall decor, pillows, greenery, and much more here.
Pro tip: Show your CAA Membership at Bouclair, as you’ll save 5% off your purchase.
Keep calm and caffeine on
Kanata and Stittsville are flooded with cute cafes and coffee shops. There’s no shortage of freshly brewed coffee here. If you’re on the hunt for the best cup of joe in Stittsville, these are some of our favourites, Ritual on Main, Quitters Coffee, and Honey Café. As for Kanata, you’re must–visit cafes are Equator Coffee and Morning Owl.
Enjoy the great outdoors
There’s nothing quite like a nature walk, and Kanata is home to beautiful walking trails where you can get your steps in for the day. Old Quarry Trail, Trans Canada Trail, and South March Highlands Conversation Forest are easy trails to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Keep your eyes peeled up above for unique bird sightings. And if you need new walking shoes, grab a pair at Decathlon and get 12% back in CAA Dollars.
Hungry? Here’s where you can fuel up
Don’t underestimate the fabulous food you can find in Stittsville. Main Street features many hot spots and can get busy over the weekend, so reserve a table in advance. Head to Napoli’s Café for rich Italian cuisine, Hurley’s for wings and pub fare, or The Keg is your calling if you’re craving a juicy steak.
When heading to the big game, dining close to the stadium is always wise. On game nights, Kanata is bumping with thousands of fans from near and far, so finding a table can be tough if not planned ahead! Feast at Fratelli for Italian plates and pizza, Crazy Horse for house-made fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs, and Swiss Chalet for one-of-a-kind rotisserie chicken. Dig into a juicy chicken breast, crispy French fries, and creamy slaw with your family and save 10% on your order of $50 or more when you show your CAA Membership.
Get a sugar rush at these dessert spots
Don’t head home without grabbing something sweet to satisfy your cravings. Bite into 140–layer doughnuts at Holey Confections (and grab a box for the ride home).
And if you need to cool down on a hot summer’s day, head to Jo-Jo’s Creameria for drool-worthy ice cream.
Go Sens Go!
Fun for the whole family? Going to an Ottawa Senators game is an Ottawa staple and the ultimate night out. Cheer on the local NHL team as they battle it at Canadian Tire Centre. CAA is a Sens sponsor, so visit a game when our CAA pop-up is in the house, grab sweet swag, and play fun games for prizes!
Need Sens gear for the big game? Drop by a Sens Store at the Canadian Tire Centre and shop all the best merch from your favourite hockey team. There are tons of items to choose from at the Sens Store, including jerseys, hoodies, sticks, and pucks.
Pro tip: CAA Members save big on select home game tickets and get 10% off official merchandise at the Sens store.
Plan your trip
From food to fun, there are tons of things to do in the Kanata/Stittsville area. The best part? CAA Members can save at our Rewards partners, including the ones mentioned above.