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Shopping & districts

West Centretown

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West Centretown

West Centretown

West Centretown is a residential and commercial neighborhood in downtown Ottawa. It serves as a cultural hub that encompasses both Chinatown and Little Italy. Travelers visit this area primarily to experience a concentrated variety of international cuisines and ethnic grocery stores within a walkable urban setting.

Getting There

The neighborhood is located within the downtown core. From the city center, it is accessible via a short bus ride or a 10 to 15 minute walk, depending on your starting point.

Time Allocation

Allow 3 to 5 hours to explore the district. This provides enough time to walk through both the Chinatown and Little Italy sections and stop for a meal.

When to Visit

The area is active throughout the year. Visiting during lunch or dinner hours is common for those seeking food, though these times can be crowded. To avoid the heaviest crowds, visit during weekday afternoons.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this neighborhood can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:

  • Little Italy: 0.5km
  • Christ Church Cathedral: 1.1km
  • National Holocaust Monument: 1.1km
  • St. Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa: 1.1km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near West Centretown

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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West Centretown Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Little Italy

Shopping & districts

Little Italy

The heart of Ottawa's Italian community, lined with shops and restaurants along Preston Street. It's a great place to stroll and dine while soaking up the Italian atmosphere.

0.5 km away
Christ Church Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Christ Church Cathedral

This Anglican cathedral sits on a hill at the west end of Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa, overlooking the Ottawa River. It's a peaceful stop to take in during a walk through downtown.

1.1 km away
National Holocaust Monument

Heritage & monuments

National Holocaust Monument

A memorial site about 1.5 km from Ottawa's Parliament Hill, located across from the Canadian War Museum. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, it's a quiet place to reflect on history.

1.1 km away
St. Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa

Temples & religious sites

St. Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa

This Roman Catholic basilica on Nepean Street in downtown Ottawa is the city's oldest English-speaking parish church. It opens its doors for Doors Open Ottawa, making it worth a visit for anyone interested in architecture.

1.1 km away
Memorial to the Victims of Communism

Heritage & monuments

Memorial to the Victims of Communism

A memorial in Ottawa honoring the victims of communism, officially unveiled in December 2024. It commemorates Canada's history as a refuge for those who fled communist regimes.

1.1 km away
Centretown

Shopping & districts

Centretown

Centretown is a neighborhood in downtown Ottawa, Canada, bordering the Rideau Canal. The name was once used to refer to all of Ottawa west of the canal.

1.1 km away