Living In Manotick Ontario
Manotick is a charming riverside village located just south of downtown Ottawa.
Known for its historic Mill, scenic waterfront along the beautiful Rideau River, and welcoming small-town atmosphere, Manotick offers a perfect blend of rural charm and modern amenities. With local boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful parks, it’s an ideal community for families and professionals seeking peaceful living close to the city of Ottawa.
Watsons Mill in Manotick viewed from the Rideau River
Manotick Overview & Location
Population & Size: Approx. 5,315 residents (2021), covering ~6.7 km².
Origins & Name: Founded around 1860–64 by Moss Kent Dickinson, named from the Algonquin word for “island”.
Proximity: ~25 km (30 min) south of downtown Ottawa, hugging the Rideau River, adjacent to Barrhaven and Riverside South.
Character & Communities
Manotick Village Core: Historic stone buildings (e.g., Watson’s Mill, Dickinson House) line the main drag—bridge, shops, boutiques, eateries, art galleries, and pubs.
Subdivisions & Neighbourhoods: Areas include Manotick Village, Mahogany, Rideau Forest, Long Island, Nicholls Island, Colony Heights, Watterson Corners.
Heritage & Growth: The village maintains its 19th-century charm even as newer homes spring up on serviced sewer/water in Mahogany and Rideau Forest.
Schools & Education
Manotick Public School: K–5, dual English/French and 235 students; strong community feel and inclusion.
St. Leonard Catholic School: K–6, English/French bilingual programming.
St. Mark Catholic High School: Grades 7–12 (~1,100 students); noted for its academic & extracurricular programs.
South Carleton High School: Main public high school nearby in Richmond.
Amenities & Lifestyle
Walkable Village: Compact main street on Dickinson Square – ideal for errands without a drive.
Shopping & Dining: Boutique stores, coffee shops, award-winning restaurants, galleries, rustic pubs—all within strolling distance.
Heritage Attractions:
Watson’s Mill: A functioning 1860s gristmill and museum with Sunday milling demos; local legend tells of the ghost Ann Currier.
Dickinson Days: Annual June festival with parade, crafts, pancake breakfasts, wagon rides, and more.
Recreation & Outdoors
Riverside Living: Enjoy easy access to the Rideau River for kayaking, fishing, scenic walks. The historic bridge and riverbank trails are local favorites—fully walkable.
Community Spirit: Tight-knit, family-oriented neighbourhood with events celebrated at village square and mill.
Transportation & Commute
By Car: Quick 30-minute drive to central Ottawa via Hwy 416/Veterans Memorial or Limebank Road; traffic is manageable outside peak times.
By Bus: Limited OC Transpo routes; public transit use is low (~2 %).
Cycling & Walking: High walkability score (~72), good bike score.
Demographics and Stats
Population & Growth
Population (2021 Census): 5,315 residents
Population Density: 791.2 people per km²
Population Growth (2016–2021): Increased by 0.33%
Age & Household Structure
Median Age: 48.9 years
Households: Approximately 5,039
Average Household Income: $178,600
Average After-Tax Household Income: $140,400
Median Household Income: $152,330
Language & Diversity
Languages Spoken:
66.4% speak only English
33.3% speak both English and French
0.3% speak only French Statistics Canada
Ethnic Composition:
1.50% Arab
1.35% Chinese
1.22% South Asian
Employment & Economy
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Labour Force Participation: 59.0%
Real Estate & Affordability
Average Home Price (2021): $1,284,372
Median Home Price (2021): $1,200,000
Homeownership Rate: Approximately 87%
Pros & Cons
Pros
Historic charm with scenic riverside ambiance
Genuine village feel with boutique shops & eateries
Excellent schools and family-friendly spirit
Strong community events (e.g. Dickinson Days)
Easy access to Ottawa and river trails
Cons
Limited public transit—car essential
Higher cost of living and home prices
Smaller population—fewer nightlife options
Tips for Newcomers
Visit during Dickinson Days in early June to dive into local culture.
Explore Watson’s Mill for its historic mill demonstrations and riverside walks.
If working in Ottawa, consider park-and-ride near Hwy 416 to avoid downtown driving.
Join the Manotick Village & Community Association to connect with events and local updates.
Manotick Frequently Asked Questions
-
Manotick is a picturesque village located about 20–30 minutes south of downtown Ottawa, along the scenic Rideau River. It offers the charm of small-town living with easy access to city amenities.
-
Manotick is best known for its historic Watson’s Mill, beautiful riverside views, and strong community atmosphere. It’s a blend of heritage charm and modern living, attracting families, professionals, and retirees alike.
-
Yes. Manotick is very family-friendly, offering excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, parks, and plenty of recreational activities. The sense of community makes it an ideal place to raise children.
-
You’ll find a wide range of homes, including luxury estates, riverfront properties, modern subdivisions, and custom-built houses. The area is known for its spacious lots and upscale neighbourhoods.
-
Commuting to Ottawa is convenient, with major routes like Prince of Wales Drive and Highway 416 nearby. Most residents can reach downtown in 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
-
Yes. Manotick is served by both public and Catholic school boards, as well as private school options nearby. Schools are highly rated and well-regarded by local families.
-
Residents enjoy a variety of local shops, restaurants, cafés, and professional services right in the village. There are also grocery stores, fitness centers, and healthcare providers close by.
-
Manotick’s location on the Rideau River offers boating, kayaking, and fishing. The community also has walking trails, golf courses, and parks perfect for outdoor recreation year-round.
-
Manotick is considered an upscale area, but the quality of life, large properties, and scenic setting make it a desirable investment. Home prices vary depending on size, location, and proximity to the water.
-
Unlike many suburbs, Manotick retains a true village charm with a strong community identity, historic character, and relaxed pace of life—while still being close to the city.