Westboro got its start in the late nineteenth century, when flyers were published proclaiming 'Move to Westboro,' and offered prospective residents scenic views of the Laurentian Mountains. This slightly creative name for the distant geological formation along the Eardley escarpment is now better known as the Gatineau Hills and can be seen across the Ottawa River from the community.

Located 6 kilometers west of Parliament Hill, Westboro existed as a police village from 1903 to 1949 when Ottawa annexed it.  An Ottawa streetcar line used to run through the village bringing Ottawa residents west to an area once considered cottage country. Many cottage-like residences still exist today, especially by the Ottawa River.

With shops, services and restaurants just a short walk away, it's not surprising that Westboro Village has become one of the most sought after addresses in Ottawa. Over the next few years, a number of new developments will see more residents, and businesses joining the community. As the Village grows so do the number of professional services, accountants, software developers, mortgage brokers and lawyers are setting up shop. The core area offers a unique mix of boutiques, restaurants and many other delightful stops along the way.

Street parking in Westboro Village is always free, so you can relax and take your time visiting select boutiques, or enjoying a meal in one of the fine restaurants. The shopping district boasts a wide variety of shops including: gourmet chocolates, beautiful fresh flowers, luxurious body products, exclusive furniture, designer clothing, high-end outdoor gear for healthy lifestyles, as well as great shopping for kids. Finish a day of shopping with dinner in the village, or sit in one of the coffee or tea shops and watch the world go by.

Westboro is a thriving community with a lively street scene. Several condominium projects are encouraging densification and promising to bring more people to the neighbourhood. The village features murals painted by a local artist. Westfest, a free music festival, is held every year during the second weekend in June, and features a variety of local and national performers. The neighbourhood also boasts a concentration of outdoors and sport stores including Mountain Equipment Co-op, Vancouver-based trendy lululemon athletica, Bushtukah, The Expedition Shoppe and Trailhead and is close to cycling trails and whitewater rapids in the Ottawa River. Boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops on Richmond Road have helped turn Westboro into a trendy neighbourhood.

The other prominent street in Westboro Village is Churchill Avenue. This street was known as Main Street, but was renamed in honour of Winston Churchill following World War II. A few blocks to the west, another street was originally named River Road since it bisected the neighbourhood and led down to the beach on the Ottawa River. That street was renamed Roosevelt Avenue for similar post-war reasons.

The exclusive home to some of the trendiest shops in Canada, Westboro Village offers a quaint, yet urban lifestyle experience. The village is experiencing a time of growth and transformation with new developments and shops springing up, but is determined in the preservation of its village ambience.  If your preference is urban/naturalist, this community is for you.