Island Park: A Local’s Guide to Living Here

Island Park is one of Ottawa’s most exclusive and picturesque neighbourhoods — a peaceful, tree-lined enclave known for its stately homes, wide boulevards, and unmatched location. Situated between Westboro and Wellington Village, with Island Park Drive running through its heart, this neighbourhood offers quiet prestige just minutes from downtown.

If you’re drawn to timeless architecture, mature trees, and elegant curb appeal, Island Park might be your perfect match.

Why People Love Living in Island Park

  • Prestigious, private, and peaceful — ideal for homeowners seeking long-term stability

  • Large lots and grand homes in one of Ottawa’s most desirable residential areas

  • Central location — walking distance to Wellington Village and Westboro

  • Direct access to the Ottawa River Parkway and Gatineau Park

  • Excellent schools, top-tier architecture, and a strong community feel

This is old Ottawa luxury at its finest — sophisticated, understated, and deeply residential.

Types of Homes in Island Park

Island Park is best known for its stately detached homes — many of which date back to the 1920s and 1930s, with beautiful updates and modern additions. The area is characterized by wide lots, elegant facades, and high-end design.

  • Historic homes with modern upgrades

  • Custom-built luxury infills

  • Few semis or townhomes — mostly single-family only

  • Very limited condo options — buyers here are typically looking for space and exclusivity

Price ranges:

  • Detached homes: $1.5M–$4M+

  • Infill builds and luxury customs: Often $2.5M+

  • Rentals: Rare, and typically executive-level only

Who Lives Here

Island Park is home to a well-established community of:

  • High-income professionals and diplomats

  • Longtime Ottawa families

  • Upsizers seeking large homes close to the city core

  • Homeowners who value privacy, architecture, and neighbourhood legacy

It’s not flashy — just quietly elite, with neighbours who tend to stay for generations.

Schools & Education

Residents in Island Park are zoned for some of the city’s best-regarded schools:

  • Elmdale Public School

  • Fisher Park Public School / Summit Alternative

  • Nepean High School

  • École secondaire publique De La Salle (arts-focused)

  • Turnbull School (private)

  • Westboro Montessori School

Families here often prioritize quality education and walkable access to top institutions.

Amenities & Highlights

While Island Park itself is quiet and residential, you’re surrounded by vibrant hubs:

  • Wellington West & Westboro: A short walk to restaurants, cafés, and boutique shopping

  • Transit & Accessibility: Quick access to the Parkway, Queensway, and downtown

  • Parks & Pathways: Near Champlain Park, Hampton Park, and the Ottawa River Trail

  • Architecture Tours: The neighbourhood is known for its stunning streetscapes and preservation efforts

  • Cycling & Running Routes: The area is popular among active residents for its scenic, shaded streets

You get the best of both worlds: serenity at home, vibrancy just a few blocks away.

Getting Around

Island Park offers surprisingly easy connections given its tucked-away feel:

  • Transit: OC Transpo routes nearby and easy O-Train access via Tunney’s Pasture

  • Walkability: Very walkable to amenities in both Wellington Village and Westboro

  • Driving: Direct access to Island Park Drive, Carling Avenue, and Highway 417

  • Cycling: Excellent bike paths and calm streets for active commuters

Many residents here have vehicles, but still walk or bike regularly.

What Does a Home Cost in Island Park?

This is one of Ottawa’s most expensive neighbourhoods — and one where values tend to hold.

  • Detached homes: $1.5M–$4M+

  • Luxury infills: Typically $2.5M–$3.5M

  • Condos or semis: Very rare in this area

  • Rentals: Scarce and often executive-level only

Inventory is low, demand is high, and properties here often sell off-market or with discreet listings.

Explore Island Park Real Estate

From historic grandeur to stunning infill builds, Island Park offers some of Ottawa’s most exceptional homes — all set within a quiet, elegant streetscape just steps from the action. It’s where prestige meets comfort, and where your home is more than just a place to live — it’s a legacy.

Thinking About Buying in Island Park?

Whether you’re ready to move or just curious about what’s available, we can help. Reach out for a tailored consultation or neighbourhood tour — and let’s talk about whether Island Park is the right fit for you.

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Westboro: A Local’s Guide to Living Here