A true 15-minute community
Residents live, work, shop, and eat within walking distance. Somerset Ward has the city's highest rate of pedestrian activity, meaning your business benefits from daily, repeat foot traffic — not just destination visits.
Ottawa's Chinatown is one of the city's most recognized neighbourhoods — a walkable, transit-connected commercial strip in the heart of the capital, serving a dense local community and drawing visitors from across the region year-round. For small businesses, few locations offer this combination of foot traffic, cultural identity, and community loyalty.
Chinatown sits at the western edge of downtown Ottawa, on Somerset Street West between Bay Street and Preston Street — directly adjacent to Centretown and Little Italy. It is served by LRT Lines 1 and 2 and major bus routes, and city surveys consistently show that Somerset Ward has the highest pedestrian activity of any area in Ottawa. Your customers are already walking past your door.
Residents live, work, shop, and eat within walking distance. Somerset Ward has the city's highest rate of pedestrian activity, meaning your business benefits from daily, repeat foot traffic — not just destination visits.
Direct access via LRT Lines 1 and 2, and two of Ottawa's most-used bus routes (Routes 6 and 7). Chinatown is easy to reach from across the city — without requiring customers to drive or park.
Commercial rents on Somerset Street West remain competitive relative to Centretown, ByWard Market, and Westboro. You get a central address without the premium price tag of the core.
The Chinatown BIA actively promotes the neighbourhood, organizes major events, and advocates for merchants. You're joining an established network, not starting from scratch.
Chinatown's commercial area is surrounded by one of Ottawa's densest residential areas. You have over 35,000 people within a short walk — and that's before counting the city's broader customer base.
Beyond residents, Chinatown is one of Ottawa's recognized cultural tourism destinations, featured prominently by Ottawa Tourism as a signature neighbourhood experience. Ottawa welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually — and many make their way to Somerset Street for the food, the atmosphere, and the festivals.
See available storefronts for lease or sale in Chinatown.
View listings on Realtor.caRealtor.ca is an external website. The Ottawa Chinatown BIA does not control what is posted on Realtor.ca.
The following real estate professionals have experience with commercial properties in and around Ottawa's Chinatown and have been recognized by our community. Whether you're looking to lease a storefront or purchase a commercial property, they can help you navigate the local market.
No preferred realtors are listed yet.
The realtors listed above are recognized partners of the Ottawa Chinatown BIA. Their inclusion does not constitute a legal endorsement. We encourage prospective tenants and buyers to conduct their own due diligence.
Contact the Chinatown BIA or reach out to one of our preferred realtors to learn more about available commercial spaces and business opportunities on Somerset Street West.
Contact the BIA