OPEN A BUSINESS

IN CHINATOWN

Bring your business to one of Ottawa's most distinctive main streets - a walkable, diverse neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

Why Chinatown

A Unique Location

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.

A vibrant business community, a unique location, and a supportive network — Chinatown is a great place to start, grow, and belong.

Your Market

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.

Central & Walkable

In the heart of Ottawa, with steady foot traffic and easy access by transit, bike and car.

Well Connected

In the heart of Ottawa, with steady foot traffic and easy access by transit, bike and car.

A Popular Destination

A cultural and culinary destination that draws residents and visitors year-round.

Supported by Your BIA

Get guidance, connections and ongoing support from a dedicated business association.

Find Your Space

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.

View Listings on Realtor.ca

Preferred Realtors

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.

Their inclusion does not constitute a legal endorsement. We encourage prospective tenants and buyers to conduct their own due diligence.

Ruby Xue 薛如冰

KW ICON Real Estate

View profile →

Jun Yu 于军

Coldwell Banker

View profile →

David Wen

Upside Realty

View profile →

Raymond Chin

RC Real Estate

View profile →

Useful Resources

Explore key resources to help you plan, launch and grow your business in Chinatown.

Plan & Register

Choose your business structure, register your business and access guidance to help you build a strong foundation.

Small Business Navigator ↗

Permits & Licences

Find out which federal, provincial and municipal permits or licences may apply to your business.

Check Requirements with BizPaL ↗

Launch & Grow

Access business advice, training, mentorship and local support to help your business grow.

Explore Invest Ottawa ↗

Opening a food business?

The City of Ottawa can help food establishments navigate permits and licences.

Lear More at Ottawa.ca ↗

PREFERRED REALTOR

Ruby Xue
薛如冰

KW ICON Real Estate

Languges:

english | 普通话 | 粤语 | French

613-789-4266

ruby@rubyxue.com

https://rubyxue.com/

205 Catherine St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1C3

The realtors listed on this page have experience with transactions in Chinatown or serve clients in the area. They are included as a resource for prospective businesses and property seekers. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the Ottawa Chinatown BIA.

PREFERRED REALTOR

Jun Yu 于军

Coldwell Banker

Languges:

english | 普通话 | 粤语 | French

613-850-8888

yuju196610@gmail.com

https://coldwellbanker.ca/directory/agents/jun-yu

Ottawa — contact for office location.

The realtors listed on this page have experience with transactions in Chinatown or serve clients in the area. They are included as a resource for prospective businesses and property seekers. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the Ottawa Chinatown BIA.

PREFERRED REALTOR

David Wen

Upside Realty

Languges:

english | mandarin | Ukrainian | Russian | French | Persian/Farsi | Arabic | Hindi | Malayalam | Punjabi

613-447-9983

david@uprealty.ca

https://uprealty.ca/

2148 Carling Ave., Units 5-6 Ottawa, ON., K2A 1H1

The realtors listed on this page have experience with transactions in Chinatown or serve clients in the area. They are included as a resource for prospective businesses and property seekers. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the Ottawa Chinatown BIA.

PREFERRED REALTOR

Raymond Chin

RC Real Estate

Languges:

english | 普通话 | 粤语 | French

613-866-3656

rc@raymondchin.ca

https://raymondchin.ca/

1749 Woodward Drive, Ottawa, ON, K2C 0P9

The realtors listed on this page have experience with transactions in Chinatown or serve clients in the area. They are included as a resource for prospective businesses and property seekers. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the Ottawa Chinatown BIA.

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Add a Business

Know a business that should be included in the Ottawa Chinatown directory? Submit the information below.

Submissions are reviewed before they are published.