Alta Vista is a charming neighbourhood located in Alta Vista Ward in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Known for its close-knit community and peaceful residential setting, Alta Vista was designed in the 1960s as Ottawa's premier family neighbourhood.
The area is defined by a strong sense of community and a considerable amount of greenspace, parks, and recreational facilities that contribute to its appeal. The boundaries of the neighbourhood, as defined by the Alta Vista Community Association, extend south of Smyth Road in the north, north of Walkley Road, east of the Rideau River (and Bank Street), and west of the greenspace underneath Haig Drive.
Alta Vista is largely residential, with several elementary and high schools, churches, and community centres scattered across the neighbourhood. The community prides itself on being safe, welcoming, and close to excellent schools. It’s a neighbourhood with an old-fashioned suburban feel, lots of trees, parks, and campsites. The residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, all the while having easy access to downtown Ottawa and bustling Bank Street.
Centrally located, Alta Vista offers easy access to Downtown Ottawa and a number of important institutions, including The Ottawa General Hospital, Riverside Hospital, and the Childrens' Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), all of which are situated within the neighbourhood.
For retail and shopping, residents have convenient access to two shopping malls: the Billings Bridge Plaza Shopping Centre and the Elmvale Shopping Centre. Public transportation is readily available, making it easy to navigate the city and beyond.
The Alta Vista Community Association represents the interests of the residents, focusing on areas like planning and development, traffic, parks and recreation, quality of life, and social events. The community association also stays updated on City of Ottawa planning developments and trends.
The housing market in Alta Vista offers a variety of options, from apartments for rent to houses for sale. Listings typically range from two to five-bedroom apartments and houses.
The community also has its local newspaper called VISTAS, which offers both current and past issues online and also has several pickup locations within Alta Vista.
Alta Vista is home to one of Ottawa's public library branches, located at 2516 Alta Vista. It operates six days a week, providing a valuable resource for residents and students in the area.
In summary, Alta Vista is a vibrant and welcoming community that offers a great mix of residential tranquillity, proximity to key city institutions, and easy access to downtown Ottawa. Its family-friendly vibe and ample amenities make it one of Ottawa's most sought-after neighbourhoods.