About the Area
A community with its own identity
Orléans sits about 16 kilometres east of downtown Ottawa along the Ottawa River, encompassing a collection of distinct sub-neighbourhoods including Chapel Hill, Convent Glen, Fallingbrook, Avalon, Queenswood Heights, and Chatelaine Village. It grew rapidly from the 1970s onward and now stands as one of Ottawa's largest and most self-sufficient suburban communities.
What sets Orléans apart is its bilingual character — a large Franco-Ontarian population, strong French-language institutions, and a cultural life anchored by the Shenkman Arts Centre and the Mouvement d'implication francophone d'Orléans. The community has its own beaches, breweries, shopping, and events, and residents take genuine pride in what makes it distinct from the rest of the city.
What Makes It Special
Life in Orléans
Established and Growing Housing
A mix of homes from the 1970s through to new builds — detached homes dominate, with townhouses and condos rounding out the options.
Petrie Island and the Ottawa River
Sandy beaches, trails, wetlands, and a beloved summer destination right in the community — one of Ottawa's best waterfront spots.
Excellent Bilingual Schools
One of Ottawa's strongest concentrations of English and French public and Catholic schools, serving a genuinely bilingual population.
Arts, Culture, and Community
The Shenkman Arts Centre, Orléans Ribfest, Canada Day at Petrie Island, and a farmers' market — a community calendar that stays busy year-round.
Shopping and Local Eats
Place d'Orléans mall, local breweries including Stray Dog and Orléans Brewing, and a growing roster of independent restaurants and shops.
Highway 174 and LRT Access
Direct highway connection to downtown Ottawa, with OC Transpo routes and LRT expansion bringing even faster transit links to the city core.
Properties for Sale
Browse current listings in Orléans
