Vanier Ottawa's Historic French Quarter has atmosphere that permeates the one-square-mile area of the former City of Vanier, just a short distance from downtown.
In the early days, Vanier was a residential refuge for well-to-do public servants and Ottawa merchants who wanted to live away from the city bustle. Early in the 1900s, they were joined by French Canadians, whose culture and heritage is strongly reflected in shops, boutiques and restaurants - now side by side with a wonderful mix of many cultures.
Check out in Vanier the Sugar Shack Festival; and on the third Wednesday in August a charity golf tournament.
The many parks in Vanier Quarter provide everything from a relaxing walk beside the gently flowing Rideau River, respite in the pocket rose garden on Marier, or a chance for the children to expend some energy in parks equipped with children's play-structures and pools.
Consult Vanier's Outdoor Gallery guide, and tour many outdoor murals. Shop and dine along streets lined with hanging flower baskets in summer, and festive lights at Christmas.
Tags: French, Historic, ottawa's, quarter, Vanier