Best of Ottawa: Sports and fitness shops

?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

Euro-Sports — 13 Bullman Street, Ottawa

Wether you are an elite athlete looking for custom built road, track or mountain bike or rec rider in search of a fun ride, Euro-Sports will have the bike for you. After sizing you on their in-house bike fitter, Euro-Sports will find or build you a bike, ensuring that you have a comfortable ride. For winter, they have an amazing selection of skate, classic & backcountry skis and boots! 
Photo: www.facebook.com/eurosportsottawa/

Bushtukah — 203 Richmond Road, Ottawa & 5607 Hazeldean Road, Stittsville 

Bushtukah provides a selection of sporting equipment and gear suited to outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and running. As well, they conveniently offer a bike repair service for their customers. Head to their Westboro store or check out Bushtukah online to find the perfect equipment for your outdoor adventures.

Surfside — 544 Bronson Ave, Ottawa

Surfside has been selling boards and boarding equipment to Ottawan's before it was even a thing. The independently owned store is the place to go for all your snowboarding, surfboarding, skateboarding, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and wakesurfing needs.
Photo: facebook.com/surfsideoriginal

Figure 8 and Hockey One — 380 Industrial Avenue, Ottawa

Figure 8 started as a figure skating specialist and now includes Hockey One and even inline skates. The family-owned shop is renowned as a fitting expert and offers custom boot molding, boot stretching, blade sharpening, blade contouring and blade replacement services. Be sure to call and make and appointment before heading over.
Photo: facebook.com/Figure8HockeyOne

Kunstadt Sports — two Ottawa stores plus one Chelsea, QC location 

Specializing in alpine & nordic skiing, bicycles and tennis equipment, Kunstadt Sports has three locations in Ottawa. They provide affordable products, both new and used. Kunstadt Sports is a family owned business that emphasizes customer care and guarantees a welcoming experience. 
Photo: facebook.com/kunstadt

Sports4 — 1371B Woodroffe Avenue & 149 Bank Street, Ottawa

Sports4 has been fitting runners, walkers and hikers with the right shoe for their type of foot and gait since 1982. The Ottawa-based business has two locations and also carries all the accessories to complement your activities: sunglasses, socks, clothing, hats and more. 
Photo: www.facebook.com/sports4ottawa

Trailhead Paddle Shack —  2148 Carling Avenue, Ottawa

Since 1972 Trailhead has been providing Ottawans with everything they need for an outdoor adventure. From canoes, kayaks, snowshoes and cross country skis, to tents, packs and shoes, they literally have all the gear you need. Trailhead also does canoe, kayak and SUP repairs in the summer and ski repairs in the winter.
Photo: facebook.com/trailheadpaddleshack

Fresh Air Experience — 1291 Wellington Street West, Ottawa  

The distinctive blue shop has been a fixture in Westboro for decades . . . er, five decades! In the summer Fresh Air Experience is your go-to place for bikes for the whole family, including ebikes. In winter head there to gear up for cross country skiing. 
Photo: Google Maps

Top of the World Sports — 581 Bank Street, Ottawa

This skate and snowboarding retailer is Ottawa’s oldest and largest independent skateboarding shop and fosters the growth of the skating community. Established in 1993, TOTW offers high-quality skate and snowboard equipment and has friendly and accommodating staff. Check out the wide variety of trucks, decks, wheels, snowboards, shoes, clothing and more!

Disalvo — 1625 Bank Street, Ottawa

Head to Disalvo for all things soccer. With 6000 square feet of retail space, they will have what you are looking for, they even have a second floor practice pitch. Disalvo's also does custom embroidery, team jerseys and printing. 
Photo: Disalvo via Facebook