Ottawa is a bustling and active city with some major appeal! Canada’s capitol is a dynamic and thriving city. Once labelled as “dull” and “boring” you’ll quickly see that Ottawa is anything but! Ottawa is filled with so many gems and it’s no surprise that people are making their way to this city. 

People

As the nation’s capital many people flock to Ottawa for its welcoming attitude. Ottawa is a very multicultural and diverse place, making it quite the vibrant city. After Toronto, Ottawa is the second most popular city in Ontario for immigrants to reside. With Ottawa being such a diverse city, there is also the opportunity to experience many different cultures, religions, foods, and more.  

Weather

One of the fun things about Ottawa is that you will experience every type of weather (yes, every type). From bone chilling winter days to humid sticky summers, and a good mix of everything in between. Ottawa winters are filled with snow and cold temperatures and can last a long time.

On the bright side they are often complemented with beautiful sunny summers. Many people who come from larger cities often comment on how good the air quality is and how little smog there is. 

Lifestyle

One of the best things about Ottawa is that it doesn’t feel overwhelming or intimidating. It has all the perks of city living without that daunting “big city” feel. You will find the core of Ottawa composed of many vibrant little neighbourhoods that each offer their own unique charm. If living right in the core is not for you, Ottawa has many suburbs where folks get to enjoy the proximity of the city without actually being right in the middle of it. Many people are drawn to Ottawa because it is a very clean and safe city. It is also a very active city. There are great bike paths throughout the city and tons of green spaces and trails. Being active in Ottawa is easy to do year-round with all the trails and parks around. From hiking and biking in the warmer months to skiing, snowshoeing, and even enjoying skating on the famous Rideau Canal in the winter months. 

Food 

A fun fact about Ottawa is that it is the Shawarma capital of Canada. That’s right. You can find shawarma almost anywhere at any time in Ottawa. And we can’t get enough of it. Shawarma aside, Ottawa is a great place to find some really great food. And we’ll start by saying we know it’s no Toronto in terms of a food scene, but let’s not count it out so quickly. Ottawa has really upped its restaurant game, and there are some real gems in the city. From cozy and intimate cocktail bars like The Moonroom in Little Italy to fine dining steps away from Parliament Hill at Rivieria. Whether you’re looking for a great sandwich or something a little (or a lot) fancier, Ottawa definitely delivers. 

Events

One of the perks of living in the nation’s capital is that there are all kinds of events and festivals that take place here. Year-round, there is always something going on. Winterlude is a three-week festival that takes place the first three weeks of February every year. Celebrating all things winter and the cultural and artistic diversity of Canada. Ottawa can be pretty chilly and snowy in February and this festival is always looked forward to by many. While we are all here to celebrate the winter, Ottawa is like a whole new city once spring and summer rolls around. Out of hibernation the city is electric with events and festivals. From the tulip festival in the spring to Ottawa’s favourite music festival, Bluesfest. Bluesfest is one of Canada’s largest outdoor music festivals and draws in over 250,000 people out every summer. Being a culturally diverse and dynamic city with people of many interests Ottawa is brimming with events that reflects just that. From independent film showings, to live music and cultural art nights, Ottawa’s event scene is thriving. 

Work

Dubbed a government town (for obvious reasons), Ottawa is the place to be if you have an interest in working for the government. There are a lot of employment opportunities in the government at the federal, provincial, and municipal level. Ottawa is also home to numerous not-for-profit organizations and specialized industries that are thriving. Also, a hot spot for the private sector including numerous tech and finance jobs. Ottawa is also home to many entrepreneurs who find the diversity and welcoming city an ideal place for their business. Many people who don’t live in the city are always curious if they need to know French to get a job. The short answer: you don’t need to speak French to find a job. It is often considered an asset if you are able to speak French and will vary job to job. 

Education 

As the capital, Ottawa is often a first choice for many international students who wish to come study in Canada. There are several post-secondary schools in the city including Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Saint Paul University, and Algonquin College. Ottawa is a desired location for many students, especially those with a heavy interest in politics, social sciences, and policy. Ottawa is a very student-friendly city, and a heavy student presence definitely makes the city feel alive. 

Living costs 

Living costs in Ottawa can vary depending on where you’re located and your lifestyle. Rent and home prices can range depending on the neighbourhood and your proximity to downtown. For this reason, many people opt to live in the surrounding suburbs, such as, Kanata or Stittsville. However, due to popularity and more people moving out of the core, the cost of renting or buying in these places has also increased. Like a lot of places, home prices have increased in the last few years. Along with an increase in the housing and rental market, Ottawa is also seeing a rise in food costs which has been prevalent nationwide. Things like going out and entertainment in the city also vary in cost. The one great thing about Ottawa though is that there are lots of budget friendly and free entertainment options (hello free museum nights!).