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Northeast of downtown
New Edinburgh, Ottawa
New Edinburgh is a heritage village on the Rideau River, beside Rideau Hall and close to downtown, with tree-lined streets of older houses. Stanley Park and the Rideau River pathways are at its door. Beechwood Avenue’s shops and cafes are close by.
In brief
What defines New Edinburgh
- A Heritage Conservation District beside Rideau Hall
- Stanley Park and the Rideau River pathways
- Rideau Falls, where the Rideau meets the Ottawa River
- Beechwood Avenue shops and cafes close by
- Close to downtown and the ByWard Market
About this guide
- Last reviewed
- Guide from
- Poonam Babbar, REALTOR®, eXp Realty of Canada, Inc., Brokerage
New Edinburgh began as a small village laid out by Thomas MacKay for the workers at his mills near Rideau Falls. It was incorporated as a village in 1867 and joined the City of Ottawa in 1887. Its compact grid and older houses still reflect that history.
Living in New Edinburgh
Rideau Hall, the residence of Canada’s Governor General, sits at the edge of the neighbourhood. Its presence has long given New Edinburgh a quiet prominence, and the streets nearby have a settled, established feel. The district is a Heritage Conservation District, so the look of the streets is treated as part of the neighbourhood’s value.
The Rideau River forms the neighbourhood’s edge, and Rideau Falls lies at the point where the Rideau meets the Ottawa River. Stanley Park gives the area an open green centre. The mood is calm, residential and village-like, even though downtown is close.
Homes in New Edinburgh
Detached and semi-detached houses are typical, with a mix of nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century homes on streets lined with mature trees. Lots are smaller than in neighbouring Rockcliffe Park, which suits buyers who want character and a village feel with less land to maintain. For a wider look at where luxury homes are found in Ottawa, see Ottawa luxury homes.
As with any heritage district, exterior alterations and new construction can require heritage review. If you plan to renovate, ask early what the district’s guidelines allow, and have your lawyer confirm the status of the specific property.
Getting around New Edinburgh
Much of New Edinburgh is comfortable to walk. Beechwood Avenue has everyday shops and cafes, and the river pathways are a short walk from most streets. Sussex Drive leads to the ByWard Market and downtown, and many residents cycle there. OC Transpo bus routes serve the area, though service varies by street, so check the routes for any address you are considering.
Who New Edinburgh suits
New Edinburgh suits buyers who want a character home in a settled, green neighbourhood close to downtown, with the river, a park and a main street within walking distance. It is less suited to those who need a large lot or a modern open-plan layout without compromise, since older heritage homes come with their own maintenance and renovation considerations.
This guide is general information about the area, not legal, financial or planning advice. Rules, services and transit change, so confirm details with the City of Ottawa, OC Transpo and the relevant school board before you decide.
Questions about New Edinburgh
Is New Edinburgh a heritage district?
Yes. New Edinburgh is a Heritage Conservation District, designated by the City of Ottawa in 2001. Exterior changes, additions and new construction can require heritage review, so check with the City’s heritage staff before planning work on a house here.
What is New Edinburgh known for?
It is known for Rideau Hall, the residence of Canada’s Governor General, for its tree-lined streets of older houses, and for its setting on the Rideau River near Rideau Falls. Stanley Park is the neighbourhood’s main green space.
How is New Edinburgh different from Rockcliffe Park?
They are neighbours. New Edinburgh is more compact, with smaller lots, a village street pattern and an easier walk to shops and the river. Rockcliffe Park has larger lots and a more secluded feel.
How do I get downtown from New Edinburgh?
Residents reach downtown and the ByWard Market by car along Sussex Drive, by OC Transpo bus, or by bicycle on the pathways. Distances and routes vary by address, so test the trip you would make most often.
What parks are near New Edinburgh?
Stanley Park, Rideau Falls Park and the Rideau River pathways are all close, and the National Capital Commission’s riverside parkland extends toward Rockcliffe Park.
Collections
New Edinburgh in the collections
New Edinburgh appears in these collections, which group Ottawa homes and neighbourhoods by way of living.
Heritage
Character homes with history
View the collection: HeritageWaterfront
Homes on the Rideau and the Ottawa River
View the collection: Waterfront
Journal
More on New Edinburgh
Articles from the journal that mention this neighbourhood.
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Private consultation
Thinking about New Edinburgh?
Poonam can set New Edinburgh beside Rockcliffe Park for you on lot size, upkeep and how far you can walk to shops and the river.