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Glebe: Ottawa's Charming Oasis

Discover Glebe: Ottawa's lively neighbourhood with a mix of historic charm, vibrant shopping, dining, and outdoor activities along the picturesque Rideau Canal.

Nestled just south of Ottawa's downtown core, Glebe is a vibrant and picturesque neighbourhood that effortlessly combines urban charm with natural beauty. This area is renowned for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a lively atmosphere that invites both locals and tourists to explore its many offerings. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to soak up some local culture, Glebe has something for everyone. One of the standout features of Glebe is its thriving shopping and dining scene. Bank Street, the neighbourhood's main artery, is lined with an eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. From artisanal bakeries and gourmet coffee shops to international cuisine and local craft breweries, there's no shortage of places to indulge your taste buds. Be sure to check out the Glebe Farmers' Market, held every Sunday at Lansdowne Park, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious treats. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Glebe offers plenty of green spaces and recreational activities. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, runs along the eastern edge of the neighbourhood and provides a scenic backdrop for walking, cycling, and boating in the warmer months. In winter, the canal transforms into the world's largest skating rink, offering a unique way to experience Ottawa's winter wonderland. Additionally, Lansdowne Park hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, making Glebe a hub of activity and entertainment. History enthusiasts will appreciate the rich heritage of Glebe, which is reflected in its well-preserved architecture and local landmarks. The neighbourhood dates back to the early 19th century and has managed to retain much of its historic charm. Take a leisurely stroll through the residential streets to admire the beautiful heritage homes and visit the Ottawa South History Project to learn more about the area's fascinating past. In summary, Glebe is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Ottawa. Its blend of historic charm, vibrant community, and abundant recreational opportunities make it a unique and appealing neighbourhood that captures the essence of Ottawa's diverse cultural landscape.

Local tips in Glebe

  • Visit the Glebe Farmers' Market on Sundays for fresh produce and local crafts.
  • Explore Lansdowne Park for events, festivals, and family-friendly activities.
  • Take a leisurely walk or cycle along the Rideau Canal for beautiful views.
  • In winter, skate on the Rideau Canal, the world's largest skating rink.
  • Don't miss the eclectic shops and diverse dining options along Bank Street.
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Popular Attractions in Glebe

  • Rideau Canal National Historic Site

    Experience the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ottawa.

  • Dundonald Park

    Experience tranquility at Dundonald Park, a serene city park in the heart of Ottawa offering lush landscapes and vibrant community events.

Popular Experiences in Glebe

Popular Hotels in Glebe

Local Phrases

    • HelloBonjour
      [bon-zhoor]
    • GoodbyeAu revoir
      [oh ru-vwar]
    • YesOui
      [wee]
    • NoNon
      [nohn]
    • Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
      [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
    • Thank youMerci
      [mer-see]
    • Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
      [ex-koo-zay mwah/dey-zo-lay]
    • How are you?Comment ça va?
      [koh-mohn sah vah]
    • Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
      [byen/et twah]
    • Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
      [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
    • I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
      [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
    • I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
      [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh men-yoo/seel voo pleh]
    • I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
      [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
    • Cheers!Santé!
      [sahn-tay]
    • I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
      [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay/seel voo pleh]
    • Help!À l'aide!
      [ah layd]
    • Go away!Allez-vous en!
      [al-lay voo ahn]
    • Call the Police!Appelez la police!
      [ah-puh-lay lah po-lees]
    • Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
      [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
    • I'm lostJe suis perdu
      [zhuh swee pair-doo]
    • I'm illJe suis malade
      [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
    • I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
      [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
    • I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
      [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
    • How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
      [kohm-byen sah koot]
    • That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
      [say troh shair]
    • Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
      [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]
    • What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
      [kell ur ay-tee-uhl]
    • It's one o'clockIl est une heure
      [eel ay oon ur]
    • Half past (10)Dix et demi
      [dees ay dem-ee]
    • MorningMatin
      [mah-tan]
    • AfternoonAprès-midi
      [ah-pray mee-dee]
    • EveningSoir
      [swahr]
    • YesterdayHier
      [yair]
    • TodayAujourd'hui
      [oh-zhoor dew-ee]
    • TomorrowDemain
      [duh-man]
    • 1Un
      [uhn]
    • 2Deux
      [duh]
    • 3Trois
      [twah]
    • 4Quatre
      [katr]
    • 5Cinq
      [sank]
    • 6Six
      [sees]
    • 7Sept
      [sett]
    • 8Huit
      [wheat]
    • 9Neuf
      [nurf]
    • 10Dix
      [dees]
    • Where's a/the...?Où est...?
      [ooh ay]
    • What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
      [kell ay lad-res]
    • Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
      [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray/sur lah kart]
    • When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
      [kohnd ay luh proh-shahn/bus]
    • A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
      [uhn bee-yay/poor]

History of Glebe

  • The Glebe area was originally part of the land granted to the Anglican Church in 1828, hence the name 'Glebe', which refers to church-owned land. The neighbourhood began developing in the late 19th century as a residential area, attracting affluent families drawn to its proximity to the city center and the Rideau Canal.

  • The 1880s saw significant growth in the Glebe with the arrival of the Ottawa and Prescott Railway, which increased accessibility. This development encouraged residential expansion and contributed to the area's establishment as a desirable neighborhood for Ottawa's upper class.

  • By the mid-20th century, the Glebe had transformed into a vibrant community known for its cultural diversity. The area became home to various cultural institutions, including the Glebe Community Centre, fostering a strong sense of local identity and community engagement.

  • In the 1970s and 1980s, the Glebe faced challenges from urban development projects threatening its historic architecture. Community activism led to the establishment of heritage conservation districts, ensuring the preservation of its Victorian and Edwardian homes, which are now key features of its character.

  • Today, the Glebe is a bustling neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and vibrant community events. The annual Glebe Garage Sale and the Glebe Farmers' Market reflect the area's strong community spirit, while its close proximity to the Rideau Canal continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Glebe Essentials

  • Glebe is located just south of downtown Ottawa, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. From the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, you can take a taxi or rideshare service, which will take approximately 20-30 minutes. If you are arriving by train, the Ottawa Train Station is about a 10-minute drive away. Public transit is also a convenient option; you can take OC Transpo buses that service multiple routes to Glebe. Major routes include the 1, 7, and 14, which connect to the downtown area and other neighborhoods.
  • Glebe is a walkable neighborhood with many attractions, cafes, and shops located within a short distance of each other. OC Transpo buses operate frequently throughout the area, and you can use the OC Transpo app to plan your journeys. Biking is also a popular way to explore Glebe, with several bike lanes and rental options available. For a scenic ride, consider cycling along the Rideau Canal, which runs adjacent to the neighborhood. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for longer distances.
  • Glebe is generally considered a safe neighborhood for tourists; however, it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant, particularly at night in areas bordering less populated neighborhoods.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in the nearby downtown area, and there are several hospitals within a short drive, such as The Ottawa Hospital – General Campus. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the Glebe where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
  • Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking. In winter, dress warmly as temperatures can drop significantly. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting places of worship, such as the Glebe Community Centre's events. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local restaurants and cafes, and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food, as it’s considered impolite.
  • To experience Glebe like a local, visit the weekly farmers' market at Lansdowne Park for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Explore the charming boutiques and specialty shops along Bank Street. Engage with locals at community events or festivals, which are frequent in the area, especially during summer. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll along the Rideau Canal, especially during the winter when it transforms into the world’s longest skating rink.