About the Area
Rural life, right on the city's doorstep
Carp sits along the Carp River in Ottawa's West Carleton-March Ward, about 33 kilometres from downtown and just 10 minutes from Kanata's tech corridor. It's technically within city limits, but it doesn't feel that way — and that's exactly the point. The Carp Hills, the river valley, and the surrounding farmland give the village a landscape that locals compare to Gatineau Park.
The community draws families, retirees, and professionals looking to trade subdivision life for something with more space, more character, and a genuine sense of place. The weekly Farmers' Market, the annual Carp Fair (running since 1863), the Diefenbunker, and a string of local restaurants and breweries give it a cultural life that punches well above its size.
What Makes It Special
Life in Carp
Rural and Estate Properties
A strong mix of heritage homes, bungalows, newer subdivisions, and rural estate lots — with space that's hard to find this close to the city.
Farmers' Market and Carp Fair
One of Eastern Ontario's largest producer-based markets runs every Saturday from May to October, alongside the beloved annual Carp Fair each September.
Carp Hills and Outdoor Trails
The 1,000-acre Carp Hills Municipal Nature Reserve offers hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on Canadian Shield terrain.
Local Food and Drink
Alice's Village Café, Ridge Rock Brewing, KIN Vineyards, Carp Custom Creamery, and more — a surprisingly good food scene for a village its size.
Schools and Family Services
Huntley Centennial Public School and St. Michael School in the village, with West Carleton and All Saints high schools just minutes away in Kanata.
The Diefenbunker
Canada's Cold War Museum — a four-storey underground bunker built in 1961 — sits just north of the village and is one of Ottawa's most unique attractions.
Properties for Sale
Browse current listings in Carp