Living in Tunney’s Pasture: A Surprisingly Central Slice of Ottawa Life
Often associated with the large government campus at its core, Tunney’s Pasture is more than just office towers and transit hubs — it’s a quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood that blends convenience, character, and connectivity. If you're looking to live steps from the action without sacrificing calm, this might be the perfect pocket of west-central Ottawa.
Where Is Tunney’s Pasture?
Situated just west of Hintonburg and north of Wellington West, Tunney’s Pasture spans a few residential streets tucked between the Ottawa River Parkway and Scott Street, with Parkdale Avenue serving as a primary artery. It borders one of the city’s busiest LRT stations (also called Tunney’s Pasture), making it an absolute gem for commuters.
What Makes It Special?
Tunney’s Pasture is shockingly peaceful for being so central. The streets surrounding the government buildings are dotted with mature trees, low-rise apartments, and mid-century homes — many of which are being thoughtfully modernized. It’s the kind of place where you can walk to brunch in Hintonburg or bike downtown in 15 minutes, then retreat home to a quiet street.
Plus, if you're a government employee, your "commute" is a short walk across the lawn.
Transit + Commuting
The Tunney’s Pasture LRT station is the westernmost stop on the Confederation Line — and for many, it’s the gateway to the rest of Ottawa. You can hop on the train and be downtown in under 10 minutes, or connect to buses heading to Carlingwood, Barrhaven, or Kanata. There are protected bike lanes, multi-use paths, and excellent walkability.
This neighbourhood earns top marks for those looking to ditch the car or reduce their time behind the wheel:
Transit Score: 9/10
Walk Score: 8/10
Bike Score: 10/10
Lifestyle + Amenities
Though there aren’t as many storefronts within Tunney’s Pasture, you're minutes from some of Ottawa’s best:
Wellington West, Hintonburg, and Westboro are within walking distance, offering everything from indie coffee shops to yoga studios, bakeries, breweries, and trendy restaurants.
Parkdale Market is nearby for fresh produce and local goods.
Tunney’s Pasture Lawn is a massive open green space, ideal for jogging, dog walking, or outdoor workouts.
The Ottawa River Pathway is just steps away, offering scenic river views and direct biking access to downtown or west-end beaches.
Who Lives Here?
It’s a mix of professionals, especially those working in federal government departments or at the nearby hospitals. The area also attracts young couples, mature downsizers, and a few students seeking quiet proximity to Ottawa U or Carleton. There are few families with young children — it tends to skew adult-oriented due to the housing stock and lack of nearby schools.
That said, it’s extremely pet-friendly and incredibly serene for such a central location.
Housing Types + Market Trends
You’ll mostly find:
Mid-century single-family homes (some beautifully renovated)
Duplexes and triplexes
Low-rise apartment rentals
A few newer condo buildings along Parkdale
Average home price varies depending on the property style and proximity to Scott Street, but expect:
Condos/townhomes: $450,000–$650,000
Detached homes: $800,000+
Rental apartments: $1,800–$2,400/month (1–2 beds)
Inventory tends to move quickly here due to the LRT access and limited turnover.
Why People Love It
The location — fast access to downtown, west end, Gatineau, and the airport
The quiet — no constant bustle, despite the major transit hub
The balance — you're close to nightlife, shops, and trails, but can retreat home to calm
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who wants ease, centrality, and calm in equal measure, Tunney’s Pasture is one of Ottawa’s most underrated options. Whether you're a daily commuter, remote worker, or someone who values access to both city life and riverside trails, this pocket neighbourhood delivers — quietly and confidently.