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Hintonburg: Ottawa's Artistic Heartbeat

Discover Hintonburg: Ottawa's eclectic neighbourhood brimming with art, culture, and culinary delights, perfect for tourists seeking a blend of history and modern vibes.

Nestled perfectly between Ottawa's bustling downtown and the serene Ottawa River, Hintonburg is a vibrant blend of old and new. This quirky neighbourhood thrives on its unique character, echoing a rich history while embracing a modern, creative vibe. Strolling through its streets, you'll find a mix of heritage buildings and contemporary art installations, making it a visual treat for any visitor. Hintonburg is a paradise for art and culture enthusiasts. The neighbourhood is home to numerous galleries, theatres, and studios. The Great Canadian Theatre Company offers an array of performances, from cutting-edge plays to classic theatre. For art lovers, the Orange Art Gallery and other local galleries showcase the works of both established and emerging artists. The public art scattered throughout the area adds to the neighbourhood's charm, turning every corner into an Instagram-worthy spot. Foodies will also find themselves at home in Hintonburg. The area boasts a diverse culinary scene, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bakeries offering everything from gourmet meals to artisanal coffee and pastries. Don't miss the chance to visit the local farmers' market, where you can sample fresh, locally-sourced produce and handmade crafts. With its friendly community vibe and eclectic mix of shops, Hintonburg offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Local tips in Hintonburg

  • Visit the Great Canadian Theatre Company for a taste of local performing arts.
  • Explore the local galleries like Orange Art Gallery to see works by emerging artists.
  • Stop by the Hintonburg Public House for a true taste of the local culinary scene.
  • Don't miss the Hintonburg Farmers' Market for fresh produce and unique handmade items.
  • Take a leisurely walk to enjoy the public art installations scattered throughout the neighbourhood.
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Popular Attractions in Hintonburg

  • Dominion Arboretum

    Explore the lush greenery and diverse plant collections at the Dominion Arboretum, a tranquil oasis in Ottawa perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

  • Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

    Explore Canada’s agricultural heritage at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, where education meets fun for all ages in Ottawa.

  • Famous Five Statue

    Explore the Famous Five Statue in Ottawa—an iconic tribute to the women who championed equality and women's rights in Canada.

  • Hintonburg Park

    Explore Hintonburg Park: A Beautiful Green Space in Ottawa Perfect for Relaxation and Family Fun.

Popular Experiences in Hintonburg

Popular Hotels in Hintonburg

Local Phrases

    • HelloBonjour
      [bon-zhoor]
    • GoodbyeAu revoir
      [oh ruh-vwahr]
    • YesOui
      [wee]
    • NoNon
      [nohn]
    • Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
      [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
    • Thank youMerci
      [mehr-see]
    • Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
      [ex-kew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
    • How are you?Comment ça va?
      [koh-mohn sah vah]
    • Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
      [byen. ay voo]
    • Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
      [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
    • I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
      [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
    • I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
      [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
    • I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
      [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
    • 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!
      [ah-lay voo ahn]
    • Call the Police!Appelez la police!
      [ah-pay-lay lah plees]
    • Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
      [ah-pay-lay uh meh-deh-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 zah-sheh...]
    • I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
      [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhoost]
    • How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
      [kohm-byen sah koot]
    • That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
      [say troh shayr]
    • Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
      [poo-vez voo beh-say luh pree]
    • What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
      [kell ur ay-teel]
    • It's one o'clockIl est une heure
      [eel ay tun ur]
    • Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
      [dees ur ay duh-mee]
    • MorningMatin
      [mah-tahn]
    • AfternoonAprès-midi
      [ah-pray mee-dee]
    • EveningSoir
      [swahr]
    • YesterdayHier
      [ee-air]
    • TodayAujourd'hui
      [oh-zhoor-dwee]
    • TomorrowDemain
      [duh-mahn]
    • 1Un
      [uhn]
    • 2Deux
      [duh]
    • 3Trois
      [twah]
    • 4Quatre
      [kah-truh]
    • 5Cinq
      [sank]
    • 6Six
      [sees]
    • 7Sept
      [set]
    • 8Huit
      [wheat]
    • 9Neuf
      [nurf]
    • 10Dix
      [dees]
    • Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
      [oo ay uh/luh]
    • What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
      [kell ay la-dress]
    • Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
      [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
    • When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
      [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
    • A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
      [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Hintonburg

  • Before European settlement, the area that is now Hintonburg was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, notably the Algonquin Nation. The Ottawa River served as a vital resource for transportation and trade, and the land was rich with natural resources, supporting hunting and gathering practices. The significance of the river and its surrounding lands continues to be acknowledged by the community.

  • Hintonburg's history as an urban community began in the early 19th century when it was part of Nepean Township. Initially an agricultural area, it gradually developed into a residential neighbourhood as Ottawa grew. The arrival of the railway in the 1880s stimulated growth and attracted new residents, leading to the construction of homes and infrastructure.

  • The early 1900s saw Hintonburg transform into an industrial hub, with numerous factories and workshops established along the Ottawa River. This period marked a significant influx of workers and their families, contributing to the neighbourhood's diverse cultural fabric. The construction of the Hintonburg Bridge in 1911 further connected the area to downtown Ottawa, promoting economic activity.

  • Post-World War II, Hintonburg faced challenges as industries began to decline and many residents moved to suburban areas. This period saw a decrease in population and economic activity, leading to a period of neglect for many of the neighbourhood's historic buildings. However, remnants of its industrial heritage remain visible in the architecture.

  • In the early 2000s, Hintonburg began experiencing a renaissance as artists and young professionals were drawn to its affordable housing and proximity to downtown Ottawa. This revitalization has led to a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, cafes, and local businesses flourishing. While this growth has brought new life to the neighbourhood, it has also sparked discussions about gentrification and the preservation of its cultural identity.

Hintonburg Essentials

  • Hintonburg is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Ottawa. From downtown Ottawa, you can take the OC Transpo bus routes 14 or 2, which provide direct service to Hintonburg. If you prefer cycling, the Ottawa River Pathway leads directly to Hintonburg from the city center. For those driving, the neighborhood is conveniently located just off the Queensway (Highway 417), with street parking available in some areas.
  • Hintonburg is a walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood. OC Transpo buses service various routes within and around the area, making public transport a viable option. For cycling enthusiasts, bike lanes are available on main streets, and bike rentals can be found nearby. Ridesharing services like Uber operate in the area, providing an additional option for getting around.
  • Hintonburg is generally considered a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night. Areas around Wellington West and the Parkdale Market are well-frequented and safe, while certain alleys and less populated streets should be approached with caution. Standard travel safety tips apply: keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus, located just a few minutes away by car. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available throughout Hintonburg.
  • Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the neighborhood vibe, which leans towards casual and artistic. Don’t wear overly formal clothing unless attending a specific event. Religion: Do respect local customs; there are no significant religious sites in Hintonburg, but respect for the community is appreciated. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t engage in loud conversations or disruptive behavior on buses. Greetings: Do greet shopkeepers and locals with a friendly smile or 'hello.' Don’t be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cafes and restaurants; Hintonburg is known for its vibrant food scene. Don’t litter or eat while walking in busy areas.
  • To experience Hintonburg like a local, explore the artisanal shops and cafes along Wellington Street. Visit the local farmers' market on Saturdays to get fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with local artists and attend community events hosted in the area, such as art walks or food festivals. For a unique experience, check out the various murals and street art that decorate the neighborhood's walls.
  • Hintonburg is known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, independent shops, and eateries. Don't miss the Hintonburg Public House for local craft beers and the Parkdale Market for fresh produce. The neighbourhood is also home to several art studios and galleries showcasing local talent. The nearby Ottawa River provides beautiful walking and cycling paths.
  • Hintonburg hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the Hintonburg Arts and Crafts Fair and community festivals that celebrate local talent and culture. Keep an eye on local event calendars to participate in workshops, live music, and other community activities that enhance your experience of the neighborhood.