08/30/2026
Ottawa’s Little Italy is centred along Preston Street (aka Corso Italia) and was settled in the early 1900’s by Italian immigrants. St. Anthony’s church opened in 1913 at the corner of Gladstone and Rochester and became a landmark in the community.
The neighbourhood continued to grow and flourish as many family run businesses popped up and helped to create the tight knit community it continues to be today. For example; Preston Hardware opened in a small house in 1945 and has grown into one of the largest independent hardware stores in Canada.
The neighbourhood has changed a lot in the past 10 years with a number of high rise condo buildings changing the landscape, but many of the original homes remain and showcase some beautiful vintage iron work fashioned by Italian craftsmen and lovely urban gardens.
This area is home to the annual Tulip Festival in the spring and Italian Week every June. It is also home to some of the finest restaurants in the city. If you are looking to live in a vibrant walkable neighbourhood that is centrally located and is still affordable, Little Italy should be at the top of your list.
