Moving to Kanata, Barrhaven, or Orléans: A Practical Guide to Ottawa's Suburbs

Most moving guides focus on downtown Ottawa, but the reality is that a huge share of the region's population lives in the suburbs. Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orléans — along with nearby communities like Stittsville, Riverside South, and Findlay Creek — are where families, first-time buyers, and upsizers

Each suburb has its own personality, commute profile, and quirks that affect your moving experience. This guide compares them honestly so you can pick the right one — and move there smoothly.

Ready to move to the suburbs? Get a free quote from movers who know Ottawa's suburban streets inside and out.

Quick Comparison: Kanata vs Barrhaven vs Orléans

FactorKanataBarrhavenOrléansLocationWest OttawaSouth OttawaEast OttawaVibeTech hub, newer buildsFamily-oriented, growing fastBilingual, established communitiesTransit to downtownO-Train extension comingBus-based currentlyConfederation Line East extensionHighway accessHwy 417 (west)Hwy 416 (south)Hwy 174 (east)ShoppingKanata Centrum, Tanger OutletsChapman Mills, Barrhaven Town CentrePlace d'OrléansNatureSouth March Highlands, trailsJock River corridorPetrie Island, Green's CreekNew constructionActive (especially Kanata South)Very active (Riverside South, Half Moon Bay)Moderate (Avalon, Fallingbrook)

Kanata: Ottawa's Tech Suburb

Who It's For

Kanata is ideal for tech workers (Shopify, Nokia, countless startups are based here), families who want newer homes, and people who prioritize suburban amenities over downtown access.

Moving Considerations

Roads and access: Most Kanata homes are accessed via residential streets off larger collectors like Terry Fox Drive, Hazeldean Road, and Eagleson Road. These handle moving trucks well.
New builds: If you're moving into a newly built home, be prepared for construction zones — unfinished sidewalks, muddy shoulders, and limited visitor parking are common in developing subdivisions.
Distance from downtown: Kanata is roughly 25 km west of Parliament Hill. Without traffic, that's 25 minutes. During rush hour, 45–60+ minutes is realistic on the 417.
Winter roads: The 417 west corridor is prone to whiteout conditions in winter, especially past March Road. Schedule winter moves for mid-morning after plows have cleared the route.

Moving Into Kanata: Pro Tips

Check if your new street is in an active construction zone — this can affect where the moving truck parks
If moving into a townhouse, confirm street width for truck access (some newer Kanata streets are narrow)
The Stittsville-to-Kanata corridor along Hazeldean Road gets congested; plan your moving route accordingly

Barrhaven: Family Central

Who It's For

Barrhaven attracts young families with its combination of affordable housing (relative to central Ottawa), excellent schools, and family-oriented infrastructure. Riverside South and Findlay Creek are rapidly expanding extensions of the Barrhaven community.

Moving Considerations

Rapid growth: Barrhaven and Riverside South are among Ottawa's fastest-growing areas. Streets that existed on Google Maps when you bought your house may not be finished when you move in.
Highway access: Barrhaven connects to Highway 416 (heading south to Hwy 401) and has access to downtown via Fallowfield, Woodroffe, or Bank Street. All of these get congested at peak times.
Townhouse density: Many Barrhaven communities feature rows of townhomes with shared driveways and tight street parking. Large moving trucks may need to park on the nearest collector road and shuttle items in.
Community amenities: Walter Baker Sports Centre, Barrhaven Town Centre, and multiple parks and splash pads — the infrastructure is built for families.

Moving Into Barrhaven: Pro Tips

If you're moving into a townhouse complex, ask the builder or property manager about parking restrictions for moving trucks
Weekend moves are common in Barrhaven — book your moving company early, especially in summer
Riverside South is still developing; confirm that road access to your new home is complete before scheduling your move

Orléans: Bilingual and Established

Who It's For

Orléans appeals to bilingual families, federal government employees who want east-end access, and people who prefer established neighbourhoods with mature trees over brand-new subdivisions.

Moving Considerations

LRT extension: The Confederation Line East extension aims to connect Orléans to downtown Ottawa via light rail, which may improve commute times significantly. Check the current status and timeline before factoring it into your decision.
Established streets: Unlike Kanata's and Barrhaven's newer developments, many Orléans streets are well-established — wider, with mature landscaping. This generally makes moving truck access easier.
Bilingual community: Orléans has a strong francophone population. Many local businesses, schools, and services operate in both English and French.
Highway 174: The main artery connecting Orléans to downtown Ottawa. It handles moving trucks fine, but rush-hour traffic is significant — plan accordingly.

Moving Into Orléans: Pro Tips

Older homes in established Orléans neighbourhoods (Convent Glen, Fallingbrook) may have narrower hallways and tighter staircases — measure your furniture before moving day
Place d'Orléans provides all the shopping and services you'll need immediately after your move
If moving from Gatineau, Orléans is the closest Ottawa suburb to the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge — the cross-river commute is manageable

Other Suburban Communities Worth Knowing

Stittsville

Adjacent to Kanata, Stittsville has a small-town feel with a growing commercial core along Hazeldean Road. It's slightly more affordable than central Kanata and attracts families who want space and a community atmosphere.

Riverside South

Technically part of the greater Barrhaven area, Riverside South is one of Ottawa's newest communities. Almost everything is new construction. Moving here means dealing with construction zones but also getting into a brand-new home.

Findlay Creek

Southeast of Barrhaven, Findlay Creek is a planned community with a mix of townhomes and detached houses. Access is via Bank Street south — straightforward for moving trucks but can be a long drive to downtown.

Moving to the suburbs? We know every neighbourhood and the best routes for moving trucks. Get a free suburban moving quote.

Suburban Moving Logistics: What's Different

Moving to a suburb is not the same as moving downtown. Here's what changes:

Truck Access

Suburban streets are generally wider than downtown, but townhouse complexes and cul-de-sacs can be tight
No loading docks — movers carry everything from the truck to your front door
Driveways are your friend — clear them completely on moving day

Distance Factor

If you're moving from downtown Ottawa to a suburb (or suburb to suburb), the drive alone may add 30–60 minutes to your moving day
Long-distance suburban moves (Kanata to Orléans, for example) are ~45 km — that's a meaningful transit time, especially with a loaded truck
Factor in multiple trips if you're doing a DIY move with a smaller vehicle

Timing

Suburban moves often work better starting slightly later (9 AM vs 7 AM) to avoid rush-hour traffic on the 417, 174, or Bronson corridor
Weekday moves in suburbs are generally smoother because streets are emptier with residents at work

For a full pre-move timeline, see our Ottawa Moving Checklist: Everything You Need.

For a broader overview of moving costs that factor in distance, see How Much Do Movers Cost in Ottawa?.

Schools, Amenities, and Family Infrastructure

If you're moving with kids, here's what each suburb offers:

SuburbSchool BoardsRecreationLibrariesKanataOCDSB, OCSB, CEP, CECCEKanata Leisure Centre, multiple parksBeaverbrook LibraryBarrhavenOCDSB, OCSB, CEP, CECCEWalter Baker Sports Centre, splash padsRuth E. Dickinson LibraryOrléansOCDSB, OCSB, CEP, CECCERay Friel Recreation Complex, Millennium ParkOrléans Library

Note: OCDSB = public English, OCSB = Catholic English, CEP = public French, CECCE = Catholic French. All four boards serve the entire city.

For more on moving with children, see Moving With Kids in Ottawa: Stress-Free Tips.

Cost Comparison: Suburbs vs Downtown

While exact numbers change with the market, here are the general trends:

FactorDowntown OttawaSuburbs (Kanata/Barrhaven/Orléans)Housing cost per sq ftHigherLowerProperty tax rateSame city-wide rateSame city-wide rateTransportation costsLower (walkable, LRT)Higher (car-dependent in most areas)Moving complexityCondos, elevators, parkingEasier truck access, fewer restrictionsInternet/utilitiesSameSame

For cost-saving strategies applicable to any Ottawa location, check How to Reduce Moving Costs Legally and Safely.

Ottawa's suburbs offer space, value, and community — and we've moved families into every corner of Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orléans. We know the streets, the cul-de-sacs, and the construction zones.

👉 Get your free suburban moving quote today

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ottawa suburb is best for families?

All three major suburbs — Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orléans — are excellent for families, with strong schools, parks, and recreation facilities. Barrhaven tends to have the most young families; Orléans offers bilingual community options; Kanata is popular with tech-sector families.

How long is the commute from the suburbs to downtown Ottawa?

Expect 30–50 minutes during rush hour from any of the three main suburbs. Orléans may improve significantly once the LRT extension is operational. Off-peak, the drive is typically 20–30 minutes.

Are moving costs higher for suburban moves?

Potentially — if you're moving a longer distance (e.g., Centretown to Kanata), the transit time adds to the total. However, suburban moves are often simpler logistically (no elevator booking, easier truck access), which can offset the distance.

Can a large moving truck access townhouse streets in Barrhaven or Kanata?

Usually yes, but some newer developments have narrow streets and limited parking. Your moving company should do a site check or ask for photos of your street beforehand.

Is it better to move to a new build or an established home in the suburbs?

New builds offer modern layouts and finishes but may come with construction-zone challenges on moving day. Established homes have mature lots and finished streets but may need renovations. Both have moving trade-offs.

What about Stittsville and Riverside South?

Both are excellent options — Stittsville for its small-town feel adjacent to Kanata, and Riverside South for brand-new housing at competitive prices. They share the same moving considerations as their parent suburbs.

How do I choose between Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orléans?

It usually comes down to three factors: 1) Where you work (choose the suburb with the shortest commute), 2) What you can afford, and 3) Community preferences (bilingual in Orléans, tech-focused in Kanata, family-density in Barrhaven).