Diaspora Directory: 20+ Useful Links for Nigerians in Ottawa → Churches, Afro grocery stores, community groups, event hubs.

If you’ve just landed in Ottawa — welcome to the capital. Beyond Parliament Hill and snowflakes, there’s a community here full of Nigerians and Africans building life and belonging.

If you’re asking: “Where can I buy Nigerian groceries? Who will braid my hair? Where’s a church that feels like home?” this list is for you.

We’ve pulled together trusted, Nigerian-friendly (and broader African) places across Nepean, Orléans, Vanier and South Keys to help you get comfortable from week one. Save it, share it, and drop your own finds in the comments because this list grows with our community.

💡 Tip: Ottawa is spread out. Get your Presto Card early so you can ride transit without stress.

 Grocery & Afro-Food Stores

• Africa World Market – 1392 Cyrville Rd. A go-to spot for yams, garri, palm oil, suya spice and more. Facebook+1
• Uplands Afri & Caribbean Store Inc – 1036 Merivale Rd. Handy for fresh produce and African staples.
• Food Africana Shop – 100 Castlefrank Rd. In-store & delivery option — great when you’re just settling.
• J4 Market Afro Caribbean Groceries – 3771 Spratt Rd Unit 8. Quick stop for weekend runs.
• Rhema’s African & Caribbean Market – 4380 Innes Rd, Orléans. East-side support.
• AfriMarketPlace – 269 Greenbank Rd, Nepean. Online + physical; wide range of African goods.
• Savannah Afro Caribbean Products – 1838 Bank St. Also beauty & hair supplies.
• M&J Tropical Supermarket – 1383 Clyde Ave, Nepean — good backup option.
• The 3Ms African Caribbean Market – 1743 Carling Ave. Central location for city dwellers.

 Churches & Faith Hubs

• Lighthouse Church Ottawa – 1558 Merivale Rd, Unit 107, K2G 3J9. Warm Nigerian-pastored parish of Redeemed Christian Church of God. Lighthouse Church Ottawa+1
• Faith Chapel Orléans (RCCG) – 2133 Mer-Bleue Rd, Orléans, K4A 3T9. Family-friendly worship + community. rccgfcorleans.org
• Igbo Catholic Community Ottawa‑Gatineau (NICCO) – Monthly Igbo Mass & cultural fellowship; great for Igbo-speaking Nigerians.
• Anglican Church of the Cross (ADOTT Mission) – Anglican tradition with Nigerian support programs.
• Ottawa Church of God – 1820 Carling Ave, K2A 1E2. Welcoming and multicultural.

Hair, Braids & Barbers

• Mashia Braids – 1642 Merivale Rd. Skilled braiders who ‘get’ Nigerian/Black hair texture.
• Queen Ebony Salon – 1611 Bank St. Friendly stylists, good for natural hair & wigs.
• Afro Hair Studio – 1463 Merivale Rd. Braiding + beauty supplies.

Cultural & Community Groups

• Isokan Yoruba Ottawa – Yoruba cultural association; good for language & culture events.
• African, Caribbean & Black (ACB) Wellness Resource Centre – Wellness, food support & youth programs for the African diaspora.
• [Nigerian Canadian Association of Ontario (Ottawa Chapter) – Check Facebook “Nigerians in Ottawa” for meetups and annual events.
• [Black Business Association of Ottawa (BBABC) – Network for Black-owned businesses, including Nigerian entrepreneurs.

🎉 Event & Social Spaces

• Afrobeats Ottawa Events – Parties, DJ nights, social gatherings.
• Hogan’s Alley Society – Celebrates Black history in Ottawa; arts + heritage events.

Starting life in a new city comes with costs. At Paper, we help you send money from Canada to Nigeria safely, fast, and transparently, so you focus on community, not fees.

Over to you:

Which store, church or group will you check out first? Drop a comment below — share your find, add your favourite spot, and let’s build this list together. 🇳🇬❤️🇨🇦