Sandy Hill is one of Ottawa’s oldest communities built up on both sides of Laurier Ave. East. Today it is an eclectic mix of embassies, heritage residences, residential and condominium homes, student housing, co-operative housing, all anchored by the campus of the University of Ottawa.
During the 19th and 20th centuries Sandy Hill was Ottawa’s wealthiest neighbourhood, home to Prime Ministers, and Ottawa’s elite.
Sandy Hill is well served by transit, and it is an easy stroll to Parliament Hill, the Byward Market, the National Arts Centre, the Rideau Canal and the Rideau Centre Shopping Centre.
Parkland is plentiful and beautiful. Sir Wilfred Laurier Park on Chapel street is home to a splash pad. Strathcona Park sits along the river’s edge. Springtime brings ducklings and goslings, fun for the whole family to observe and follow. The children’s area includes a wading pool, sand area, swings, slides and creative climbing structures composed of salvaged heritage building stones from the Parliament buildings, Chateau Laurier Hotel and the Royal Canadian Mint. This park hosts many family activities including Art in the Park and theatre groups.
Neighbourhood demographics change dramatically within blocks. Larger heritage homes and over 30 embassies are nestled closer to the River, while housing becomes denser and more student oriented nearby the University campus. Prices tend to be somewhere lower than other homogenous central neighbourhoods.
