Orleans, Ottawa

Orleans, known as Orléans in French, began as a small francophone village on the Ottawa River. Highway 174 linked it to Ottawa and encouraged growth, but the community has kept a distinct identity, and its bilingual character remains one of its defining features.

Living in Orleans

Orleans is a suburban community in Ottawa’s east end with a settled, community-minded feel. French and English are both part of daily life, with services, shops, schools and community organizations in both languages. Four publicly funded school boards operate in Ottawa, two English-language and two French-language, and families in Orleans often consider all four.

The Ottawa River is the community’s natural edge. Petrie Island, a nature area on the river with beaches and trails, is a favourite for walking and swimming in summer. Greenbelt trails are also close, giving residents access to open space without leaving the east end.

Homes in Orleans

Orleans has neighbourhoods from several different periods. Convent Glen, Chapel Hill and Avalon, among others, each have their own age, street pattern and feel. Detached homes, semi-detached homes and townhouses are the most common, and mature areas have established trees and settled streets, while newer subdivisions offer more recent construction.

Because the age and style of homes change from one neighbourhood to the next, it is worth seeing several before you decide. Ask about the age of major systems in resale homes, and read the surroundings at different times of day.

Getting around Orleans

Highway 174 is the main road link between Orleans and downtown, with arterial roads such as Innes Road and Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard crossing the community. OC Transpo buses serve Orleans. The O-Train Line 1 east extension to Trim is part of the city’s rail expansion, but its timing has changed more than once, so check OC Transpo for current service. Most households use a car for at least some trips.

Who Orleans suits

Orleans suits buyers who want established streets, a bilingual setting and access to the river and green space. It also suits those who work in the east end or who are comfortable with a commute along Highway 174. It is less suited to those who want an urban, walkable street, or a short trip to downtown on foot.