Located along the south bank of the River Thames, Canada Water is a vibrant and dynamic district in Southwark, London. Once a thriving dockland, the area has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving into a sought-after neighbourhood brimming with contemporary apartments, trendy bars, and exciting restaurants. 

Whether you’re a resident of Porter’s Edge or just wanting to explore London, this Canada Water area guide will help you navigate the best that this exciting neighbourhood has to offer.

Things to do in Canada Water, London

The Arch Climbing Wall

Within just a 10-minute walk from our Porter’s Edge development lies The Arch Climbing Wall. This is one of London’s premier bouldering centres, consisting of 7,000 square feet of open space as well as an on-site cafe.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned climber, The Arch offers a welcoming environment with a variety of climbing routes to challenge all skill levels. Their staff also provide beginner lessons to get you started. So lace up your climbing shoes and get ready for one of the most exhilarating activities in Canada Water!

Surrey Docks

Once a busy port in the heart of London, Surrey Docks is now a delightful area rich with historical sites, museums and canals. While visiting, you can explore the Brunel Engine House, a marvel of Victorian engineering, or delve deeper into the area’s fascinating docklands heritage at the Southwark Heritage Centre

Surrey Docks offers a captivating blend of old and new, perfect for an afternoon out or a late night stroll.

Stave Hill Ecological Park

Spread across 5 acres, Stave Hill Ecological Park boasts a diverse range of habitats with woodlands, ponds and wildlife. There are a selection of trails you can follow, with some leading you to vantage points giving you panoramic views of the city skyline. 

So if you’re looking for a summer’s day stroll or an evening dog walk, the park is the perfect place.

Best places to eat in Canada Water

Canada Water Cafe

Right on the doorstep of Canada Water Station sits Canada Water Cafe. This restaurant is your one-stop shop for Italian dining, with starter options like bruschetta or main dishes of pizza and pasta. Food is served from 7.30am till 11pm on weekdays, giving you the choice of one of their three menus, depending on the time of day.

One of their most popular options is their homemade wood fire pizza. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail. This extensive range of food makes Canada Water Cafe one of the best restaurants in Canada Water.

Nam Nam

If you’re looking for some faster food, Nam Nam offers just that. This Vietnamese street food restaurant adds their own contemporary spin on traditional south-east Asian dishes. With a menu consisting of classic Vietnamese dishes, from fragrant pho noodle soups and sizzling stir-fries, to vibrant summer rolls and flavourful curries.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to their Surrey Quays location, they have recently opened a second location in Shoreditch, proving their excellent popularity among the local community.

Best places to drink in Canada Water

Leadbelly’s Bar

Leadbelly’s is one of the most popular bar and kitchen spots in Canada Water. With happy hours running Monday to Friday and live sport showing all the time, it’s easy to see why they are so popular. 

To top this all off they have a wide variety of food served from 10am to 10pm every day. So if you fancy a full English in the morning or a pizza or burger in the evening, Leadbelly’s are sure to deliver.

Pedro's Wine Bar

Although this location lies just outside of Canada Water, we couldn’t miss it off this list. Pedro’s Wine Bar specialises in serving you a range of different wines, including some of their signature Portuguese bottles. 

On top of this they also provide a range of small plates and dishes for you to enjoy. This includes charcuterie & cheese platters, seasonal tomatoes with Burrata, and traditional Portuguese tarts.