Mall security is great for protecting our privacy from people live-streaming which is against…read morepolicy, it's good to know that security is on top of things as this woman on a mobility scooter has been making shoppers and staff uncomfortable. She is very reckless on that scooter and is not mindful of others even outside in the parking lots, foot paths, and on the road too.

I love bayshore and shop there often, but there was this hair product salon station in…read moreparticular..this guy kept promoting it, it's the KK salon by cole's. He pulled us over and used me as an example after I said no anyway, like 2-3 times. Used my mother and sister as examples like we were dolls and didn't even fix her hair, the serum totally messed up my hair and my curls fell. Only reason it's bumped down to 3 stars. Do not recommend the KK hair products, mad expensive. $50 for hair serum!?!?!? He attemped to push my mom, who could NOT get it, and pushed more eventually gave up and gave dirty looks. Other stores are great, found the book I was looking for at Cole's too.

In my opinion the mall in general holds most service needed in addition I personally did not expect…read moreto find an E-bike motorcycle store in the mall, to me that is a very good added value to the whole experienc keep up the good work

Great stores for Christmas. The "pop up" stores are great check out Charmed Aroma…read moreLots of parking, groceries are only a step away

Kanata Lakes Plaza is a newly developed plaza and as of my visit in March 2023, not all the…read morebusinesses in the plaza were open yet (e.g. Windbell Sushi). The anchor store is the second location of Kowloon Market (the first location is in Chinatown). This was a much anticipated opening in the area. There's also another location of Equator Coffee in this plaza. I think it's Equator's fifth location. There's also a Gong Cha there (Ottawa's third Gong Cha). There will be a few restaurants opening up here (not yet open during my visit): Crust & Crate, Wings Up Takeout, and the aforementioned Windbell Sushi. Other businesses in the plaza that I haven't mentioned yet (and are of little interest to me personally, lol) are: Chicco Optical, Friendly Cuts, Vitality Physiotherapy, Scholars, Haiyan Dance Studio, OYF Kanata (Yoga), I.D.A. Pharmacy, Groove Dental, Pawllywoof Pet Grooming and Helpful Neighbour Convenience Store. It's pretty much like any other suburban plaza, haha. Although I should mention, it's owned by Urbandale, so it has that Urbandale look and feel to it. So it's different than say a Riocan-owned plaza or a SmartCentres-owned plaza ;)

As per my previous review, Merivale Mall is still a sad little mall, but it is a little less sad…read morenow that a large Marshalls has opened up there. The Marshalls here is not as good as the Marshalls at Trainyards but it's not bad (if you like these kinds of stores, which I do - brand names at discount prices, count me in!). There were big renovations to this mall leading up to the grand opening of the Marshalls. It's no longer dark and grungy. It's bright and very spacious now. Although the lack of tenants makes the mall look rather sparse. There's still a Farm Boy, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Sportchek. T&T Tailors is still there (and they are still great). I think the shawarma place is gone. There's a Pizza Pizza instead. There's a rug store, a tanning salon, a hair salon and a cell phone accessories kiosk. And a handful of other small stores. The weird thing is that some stores are not accessible through the mall. You have to go outside to get into the store (i.e. Payless Shoes). There's lots of free parking, which is always a plus. I only go here for Marshalls, Farm Boy and T&T Tailors.

Small mall usually overlooked for basic stores like Sport Chek and Farm Boy, so there are very low…read morecrowds at any time of day. Still a few empty storefronts, so room to grow. Wish it had a coffee shop.

... memories …read more... When I lived and worked throughout Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Ottawa was almost like a second home to me during the 70's and 80's. I travelled / stayed there often, via business, and even more so for pleasure stays. I chose to stay at hotels offering rooms with kitchenettes. Which allowed me the option to shop during walks and stays, and dine back at my hotel. The Byward Market area was one of my favourite spots to walkabout, browse, and shop. And especially so during the summer and fall months, when it was so alive with street venders, and others featuring locally-grown fresh fruits and veggies. It was a good while ago, but a standout for me during these stays was a fish/seafood shop. I used to purchase squid there. Then on the way back to the hotel, catch a bottle of white wine, and some butter. Cooking the squid back at the hotel was fun, and made for several very fragrant, tasty, and much-enjoyed meals. Street vendor selections of farm-fresh offerings of fruits and veggies, were a delight to see during summer and early-fall stays. Their products not only contributed to meals, were often purchased and enjoyed 'in hand' and enjoyed during walkabouts. And before I forget, so were the several tasty 'beavertails' enjoyed, at any time of year, from a bakery there. (previously reviewed) My visits to the Byward Market, and area, were via day time browsing and shopping walkabouts. They were fun, interesting, and much-enjoyed.

This area of the city is a popular destination that you must see for sight seeing in Ottawa…read more There's a lot to see and do down here, and more Restaurants than you can possibly eat at in a month of Sundays! They also host special events down here. Certain streets are pedestrian only, where you will find crafters and fruit/vegetable vendors, people who sell honey and maple syrup, Beavertails, and seasonal items all sold at booths on the streets. This visit, I found a rare treasure: a bracelet with my name on it!! The Byward Market is coming up to a remarkable anniversary: in 2026, it will be 200 years old!! Found this snippet on the internet: "The ByWard Market is where Ottawa was born. Established by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. The legendary builder of the Rideau Canal; Lt-Col. By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George and York Streets to be extra wide to accommodate the horse-drawn carriages that brought foodstuffs to the market every day." We seem to gravitate there at least once a year in the warmer months. It's also a terrific area for people watching!!

This establishment has always played apart of my life here as a Ottawan, and I am a colossal…read moredevotee to the fairview malls. Since the closure of the nearby Rideau street McDonalds, there has been fewer suspicious activity around, which is a shame as I enjoyed the entertainment. Whats a nice day at the mall without someone pulling a racoon out of their coat? Regardless, they have a New York Fries, which automatically gives it much more value. Always nicely decorated as well. Beware of the first floor as some report getting asked odd questions by even odder individuals.

Oh gosh this mall was exhausting ! The amount of people I felt like I was in a movie. Non stop…read moreyelling and running around was wild. They did have a lot of stores but it was way to much we left. The outlets was wayyyyyy better

Westgate Shopping Centre is a sad little mall :( I shop here sometimes because I feel bad for it…read more The anchor store is Shoppers Drug Mart, which is open 24 hours a day, everyday, even Christmas and New Year's!! The food court has only 3 selections. A Subway sandwiches, a shawarma place and a Thai place. At every visit, I noticed that most of the people sitting at the food court are scratching lottery tickets. There is also a Second Cup and a sit down restaurant called Rockin' Johnny's. There is a Kardish Health Food Store in this mall, which is cool, and the Marianne's has lots of specialty lingerie and unique clothes with Canadian brands like Neon Buddha (although a bit pricey). There's a shoe store there called Carducci's which looks like a cheap shoe store, but carries awesome brands like Fly London, Miz Mooz and Blondo (at expensive prices though)! There is also a dollarstore, a Wine Rack, a place that sells scrubs (healthcare uniforms, not facial scrubs), and a handful of independent stores. Oh, and an Ottawa Gold (so you can sell your unwanted gold). This mall would likely be disappointing to anyone who hails from a place with a population greater than 5000. It is not an awesome shopping experience. But I feel that it has its own little charm in a sad pathetic way, the same way that Galleria Mall on Dupont St. in Toronto does (or at least did in the 80s). Apparently this Mall opened in 1955 and it's Ottawa's oldest Mall. Kind of cool for historical reasons, I guess. Despite its age, this mall is not poorly kept. It is relatively clean. It is not scary or anything like that. It reminds me of a small town shopping plaza. Nonetheless, I go here at least once a month o_O

Oh, poor little Westgate. I can't figure out how the mall hasn't been gutted and revamped. That, or…read moreturned into something else by now. You've likely made your way to this somewhat odd mall if you're in search of: 1) A 24hour Shoppers 2) A Service Ontario centre 3) A sweet straight razor shave at the barbershop I've come here for all of the above - though not a straight razor shave - HA, but my bf swears this is the best barbershop in Ottawa, and I've sat on the bench a time or two waiting for him. Surprisingly, there's a gem of a salon in this place as well, which I've already reviewed (L'Image). Other than those 4 things, and the sweet girls that work at Second Cup, this place leaves a lot to be desired. It's old, grey, interior is dreary and the food court has about 3 spots (a Subway, Shawarma Spot and I believe a new Greek place) and the store selection caters mostly to the elderly. Now that I think of it, perhaps this older generation is what keeps this place going. There's some speciality shoe stores, a dollar store, some clothing stores and a few healthcare spots but really nothing to get excited about. I suppose it serves a purpose, but I really think a facelift is in order. Bust out some paint and inject this place with at least a little bit of cheer.

This is a shopping plaza that is anchored by Ikea. Therefore the parking lot is always a zoo, lol…read more There's a Corbeil Appliances, Linen Chest, Terra 20, Michaels, Chapters, Indigo, Structube, and Globo Shoes as well. I rarely ever go out there unless it's to go to Ikea. Food options in this plaza are the Ikea cafeteria, the Starbucks inside of Chapters, Subway Sandwiches, and Bridgehead Coffee. If you're looking for something a bit more, across the street there is another small strip mall with Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery, and Supreme Kabob House. The plaza is good if you're looking for appliances or house furnishings.

I dislike this mall, mostly for accessing it, and parking. Oh, and the size of the Ikea there…read more.. Biggest in Canada? Why would that be impressive? It is huge, and I feel like I'm being herded like cattle, just to get through the store. My biggest beef about that is I'd rather go to the section I'm looking for, rather than have to schlep through every single other department just to get there! By then I'm exhausted! Mind you, I thought it was big enough before they expanded! On the other hand, the times I have shopped at Ikea and actually bought something, I have to admit that their prices are great. Having said that I really don't like going to this mall, we have been going here occasionally, and more frequently than before (yes, for Ikea!). Aside from Ikea, we've gone to the Starbucks with some regularity. That's a calming force after a trek through Ikea! And when we go to Ikea, we always take a gander in the bookstore next door. I like that Chapters / Indigo a lot, although it's not my favourite one to get to. Sears used to have an appliance store there, when they were still in business. Didn't go there often. I don't like Corbeil (overpriced IMHO) as we've had bad luck shopping for appliances there. I used to go to the Michael's in this mall, before they opened up in Kanata; so now I never go to this Michael's store anymore. In general, I go to this mall only when I have to, and only to get done what I absolutely have to, and usually can't wait to get out. Two stars because I do actually occasionally shop there. Based on parking and access alone, I would give this mall a 1-star. By access, I'm including taking the bus there: they let you off at the intersection of the highway and Pinecrest, and you have to walk too far to get to the mall, crossing the highway entrance. I feel like it's taking your life in your hands! And it's too long a trek to get into the mall by foot, taking the same route you would take if you were driving. I'm not sure how you would make it better; maybe a footbridge?

College Square is an acceptable outdoor mall/plaza. It's shaped like a square so you can walk…read morearound the perimeter and get to every store. The anchor store is Loblaws, which is quite large with a good Joe Fresh (clothing) selection. There is also a medical clinic in the Loblaws. There's an LCBO and Rexall Pharmacy here. The retail stores are Aldo, Le Chateau, Addition Elle, Reitman's, Bath and Body Works, Carter's Osh Kosh, Dynamite, Femme Carriere, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and New Balance. The Aldo and Le Chateau are outlets, so they have stuff from past seasons. The Femme Carriere here has a large clearance section. There's a Chatters here too (hair salon that sells salon products). And a BMO, a computer store called NCIX, and a Roger's Video. The only real restaurant here is Chances R. For food though there's a Timothy's Coffee and an Extreme Pita as well. There's a long lane way (next to Loblaws) that connects the square to another area like an annex of sorts. This other area has a Home Depot (with a Harvey's inside), Pizza Pizza, McDonald's, Tim Horton's and Subway. I go here sometimes mostly to check out the Femme Carriere clearance section and the Le Chateau outlet.

This is a fairly large mall, and quite handy for the neighbourhood. It's especially handy for…read moreanyone working or studying at Algonquin College across the street. In the years I have been coming here, there have not been a lot of good restaurants to choose from in this plaza: "Chances R" has been there only for ever! But more recently, a snazzy new Kettleman's Bagel, and a Popeye's have also opened up.These last two are not sit-down-get-service types of restaurants, but they are still popular. There's also a Tim Horton's nearby. The fact that there are so many take-away restaurants that succeed in this mall says a lot about the clientele here. Loblaws is indeed the anchor store (as Jennifer P noted). I have been frequenting their take out prepared foods counter, and I'm pleased to see the variety of take out dishes that are ready for you, such as: fresh prepared sushi, various salads: vegetables and / or potato, as well as macaroni salad. Loblaws also provides the chain store standard of a whole prepared chicken for about $8.00 (this is usually too much for me to eat alone, just before going to class!) This mall is sort of a big box store mall, a bit like an outlet mall - although I'm not convinced that the prices are any better than anywhere else. However, there is a good selection of stores here. Lots of clothing and shoe stores. It would seem that we as Canadians really enjoy our coffee, as this mall also has a Timothy's, and across the street at the college, there's a Starbucks in the Commons building. I can attest that the parking lot at College Square is pretty much always full! So, do drive carefully.