A Guide To Kanata | Home Prices, Schools & Real Estate
Kanata offers the ideal blend of suburban living and urban convenience, combining well-planned neighbourhoods with major employment hubs
Located in Ottawa’s west end, Kanata is known for its well-planned communities, strong employment base, and excellent family-friendly amenities. Residents enjoy a balance of established neighbourhoods and modern developments, abundant parks and trails, and convenient access to shopping and services, while benefiting from proximity to the Kanata North Technology Park and easy commuting to downtown Ottawa.
Aerial view of Kanata Technology Park
Where Is Kanata Located?
Kanata is located approximately 22 km west of downtown Ottawa. The community is well connected via Highway 417, March Road, Terry Fox Drive, and Hazeldean Road, making it a popular choice for commuters.
OC Transpo provides extensive bus service throughout Kanata, and current and planned LRT expansion in Ottawa’s west end continues to improve transit access—supporting long-term Kanata home values and employment growth.
Neighbourhoods in Kanata
Established & Central Kanata Neighbourhoods
Beaverbrook – Kanata’s original neighbourhood, known for mature trees, larger lots, and classic architecture
Katimavik – Family-oriented community with schools, parks, and recreation centres
Glen Cairn – Affordable housing options with strong access to transit and amenities
Newer & Growing Communities
Kanata Lakes – Master-planned neighbourhood with newer homes, schools, and proximity to tech employment
Bridlewood – Large residential community with parks, trails, and family-focused design
Morgan’s Grant – Popular with tech professionals due to proximity to the Kanata North Tech Park
Golf-Course & Upscale Communities
Kanata Lakes – Golf-course and executive homes with strong resale appeal
Kanata Real Estate & Housing Options
Kanata real estate is known for its diverse housing mix, appealing to first-time buyers, families, professionals, and move-up purchasers.
Homes for sale in Kanata include:
Condos and stacked townhomes
Freehold townhomes
Single-family detached homes
Luxury and golf-course properties
Popular Kanata neighbourhoods include Beaverbrook, Kanata Lakes, Bridlewood, Katimavik, Glen Cairn, and Morgan’s Grant. Housing ranges from established homes built in the 1960s and 1970s to newer construction, offering strong choice across price points.
Schools in Kanata
Kanata is widely recognized for its strong school network, which plays a major role in long-term demand for Kanata real estate. Families are drawn to the area for its broad selection of public, Catholic, English, and French immersion schools, along with access to early learning centres and extracurricular programs.
Public & Secondary Schools
Kanata is served by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, offering well-regarded elementary and secondary options.
Notable secondary schools include:
Earl of March Secondary School – Known for strong academics, athletics, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
A.Y. Jackson Secondary School – Offers diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities
Elementary schools are well distributed across Kanata’s neighbourhoods, allowing many students to walk to school—an important consideration for families buying nearby.
Catholic Schools
Catholic education is available through the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
Multiple Catholic elementary and secondary schools serve Kanata and surrounding communities, contributing to the area’s broad buyer appeal and strong resale performance.
French Immersion & Bilingual Education
French immersion is widely available throughout Kanata, making the community especially attractive to bilingual households and government employees. Many schools offer early and extended French immersion pathways continuing through secondary school.
Early Learning & Childcare
Kanata offers a wide range of licensed daycare centres, Montessori schools, and early learning programs, conveniently located across residential neighbourhoods.
Shopping, Dining & Amenities
Residents enjoy easy access to shopping and services at:
Kanata Centrum
Hazeldean Road commercial corridor
March Road retail and business district
From grocery stores and medical clinics to fitness centres, entertainment venues, and restaurants, Kanata provides excellent everyday convenience close to home.
Parks, Trails & Recreation
Kanata features extensive green space and recreation facilities, including:
Community parks and splash pads
Multi-use walking and cycling pathways
Recreation complexes and sports fields
Access to nearby natural areas and Ottawa’s trail network supports an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Living in Kanata
Living in Kanata means enjoying a safe, well-planned, and community-focused environment. With strong employment opportunities—particularly in the Kanata North Technology Park—alongside family-friendly neighbourhoods and amenities, Kanata is popular with families, professionals, and government employees alike.
Kanata Real Estate Snapshot
Kanata offers strong value within Ottawa’s west-end suburban market, with a diverse housing mix and consistent buyer demand. Employment hubs, newer developments, and continued infrastructure investment support long-term home values.
Market Highlights
Property types include condos, stacked and freehold townhomes, detached homes, and select luxury properties
Strong demand from families, professionals, tech workers, government employees, and relocators
Well-priced homes—especially near schools and parks—often sell quickly
Continued development and transit expansion support long-term resale appeal
Kanata Demographics (2021 Census – Approx.)
Population: ~100,000 residents
Median age: Late 30s
Household type: Predominantly families with children
Average household size: Approximately 3 people
Household income: Above Ottawa average
Languages: English primary, with French and other languages spoken
Community: Diverse, professional, and family-oriented
Education: High level of post-secondary attainment
Kanata Frequently Asked Questions
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Buyers choose Kanata for its combination of strong employment opportunities, well-planned communities, excellent schools, and convenient access to shopping, parks, and transit. Proximity to the Kanata North Technology Park is a major draw.
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Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Kanata include Beaverbrook, Bridlewood, Kanata Lakes, and Katimavik, all known for nearby schools, parks, recreation facilities, and community amenities.
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Yes. Kanata is home to the Kanata North Technology Park, making it especially attractive to tech professionals who value shorter commutes and access to employment hubs.
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Walkability varies by neighbourhood. Areas near Kanata Centrum, local plazas, and community hubs offer good access to shops and services, while most residents rely on a combination of walking, cycling, and driving.
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Kanata offers a quieter, more suburban lifestyle with larger homes, more green space, and family-oriented neighbourhoods, while still providing easy access to downtown Ottawa when needed.
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Yes. Kanata continues to see new residential development, particularly in areas such as Kanata Lakes and surrounding communities, offering modern townhomes and detached homes.
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The Kanata real estate market is generally competitive, especially for well-priced homes near schools, parks, and transit. Demand remains strong due to employment, schools, and lifestyle appeal.
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Kanata offers extensive amenities, including shopping at Kanata Centrum, restaurants, entertainment, fitness facilities, medical services, and community centres.
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Yes. Kanata features numerous parks, walking and cycling trails, sports fields, and green spaces, supporting an active and outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
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Kanata appeals to a wide range of buyers, including families, professionals, and downsizers. Its variety of housing options and amenities allows residents to find a home that fits different life stages.