What does living in Ottawa mean to you? In comparison with other Canadian cities, what are the moving and living expenses to Ottawa? Let us help you with some of your Ottawa questions as you prepare to move to Canada’s capital city.
Ottawa: Where it is?
A capital city of Ontario, Ottawa is situated on the province’s southern border. The distance between Toronto and Montreal is approximately five and two hours, respectively. It takes about an hour to drive south to the United States border. At Prescott–Ogdensburg, you can cross the border closest to you.
Getting to know Ottawa
Located in Quebec, Ottawa and Gatineau make up the National Capital Region (NCR). As a political and technological hub, Ottawa has developed from Bytown, which was incorporated in 1855, into what it is today. As a multicultural city with a diverse population, Ottawa was originally a community of Irish and French Christians.
Approximately 934,243 people live in the city, while 1.323,783 reside in the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). In the Americas, Ottawa is ranked second, and internationally, it is ranked fourteenth. Additionally, it is among the world’s cleanest cities. Among the top Canadian cities to live in in 2017, Calgary has received the MoneySense Best Place to Live Award.
A variety of fascinating neighborhoods abound in the nation’s capital, which boasts stunning architecture, a vibrant downtown, and a variety of stunning architecture.
Ottawa’s weather
Climate adaptation or acceptance is necessary for living in Ottawa.
Compared to the cold of many newcomers’ home countries, Ottawa’s winter is considerably colder. Four seasons are experienced in Ottawa. The cold season begins in November, and snow cover lasts through March and sometimes into April. In light of the likelihood that the cold weather will persist until April, every new immigrant should learn how to dress appropriately. There is typically a minimum temperature of -14.8°C (5.4°F) in January.
April to May are the typical months for the spring season. Summers in the region are scorching from June through September. The summertime air may be humid and hot, with daytime highs exceeding 30°C (86°F).
September through November are typically the months that make up the fall season, also referred to as autumn. Despite the low temperatures in winter and summer, Ottawa offers several benefits, one of which is that each season complements the other perfectly.
As a bonus, Ottawa offers a variety of winter sports, such as skiing and snowshoeing, which are within 20 minutes of the city center, and the transformation of the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. The many green spaces and public parks in Ottawa are often filled with festivals in the summertime. Gatineau Park on the Quebec side is a well-known example.
Living Cost in Ottawa
Even though Ottawa has a much higher cost of living than other cities in Canada, it is a very pleasant, safe, and clean city. A one-bedroom apartment can cost as much as $1,200–1600 a month depending on the area you live in, and a three-bedroom apartment can cost as much as $2,000. In addition to the choice, the size of the population, and the specific standards, these factors all play a role. Due to nearby universities, it is possible to find affordable apartments. Common household commodities that are included in rent include internet service, electricity, and garbage collection.
Ottawa residents, however, might sometimes have to pay more for groceries and dining out. The price of a pint of beer in more touristy regions can range from $6 to $10 for imported beer from other countries.
Ottawa: Things you might notice
Cleanliness
The city of Ottawa is clean, green and a great place to set up a home. Aside from its beautiful and scenic footpaths, walkways, jogging areas, and bike lanes, the Rideau Canal provides access to all parts of the city. Wintertime sees the canal transformed into the world’s longest ice-skating rink. The canal is popular with both locals and visitors.
Fitness friendly
Many of Ottawa’s major roads have designated bike lanes, making it a bike-friendly city. The Capital Pathway connects Ottawa with Gatineau, and many major roads in the city have designated bike lanes. It is common for locals in Ottawa to jog, cycle, or skate at any time of the day.
Politics
The politics of Canada are at your fingertips when you live in Ottawa. Federal government headquarters and nerve center are located in Ottawa. Several residents of the area hold government jobs, and many of its bars and restaurants cater to politicians. In addition to being fascinating and diverse, politics in Canada is a good conversation starter when you are out and about. Start a conversation by voicing your viewpoint.
The French connection
In addition to having a bilingual government, Ottawa also has a number of educational institutions and numerous tourism services available in English and French. Ottawa is an ideal city for both anglophones and francophones.
Many cafes and bars have a decidedly French feel, and French is often heard on the streets. Some locations would appreciate a French attempt, but it is not necessary since English is widely spoken.
Architecture of Ottawa
Some of Canada’s oldest and most stunning structures can be found in Ottawa, and many of them are works of art in and of themselves. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Ottawa and Gatineau, the city across the river in Quebec, by strolling along Sparks Street or Wellington Street in front of the Parliament building. Don’t miss the building tour, which is free.
Ottawa’s Irish influence
Irish and French immigrants founded Ottawa, and these influences can still be felt today. There are several Irish businesses and names.
Restaurants in Ottawa that serve good food
Ottawa is an established tourist destination, and the neighborhoods of Byward Market and Elgin Street cater to this clientele. A memorable experience can be had dining out in Ottawa, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes catering to all needs, inclinations, and price ranges.
There are mouthwatering treats to be found in Little Italy or Chinatown in Ottawa for fans of either cuisine. It’s recommended that you try Dirienzo’s sandwiches, which are well-known across the city, as well as Jasmine Village’s Dim Sum for brunch on the weekends. Neither is expensive nor overpriced, but both are delicious.
The French-Canadian dish poutine, consisting of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is a local favorite. Although the dish isn’t particularly appetizing or sounds great, it is nevertheless good. It’s worth avoiding beavertails if you’re counting calories. A must-try while in the city is this beaver-tail-shaped pastry topped with Nutella or maple syrup and shaped like a donut.
Nightlife of Ottawa
Going out in Ottawa is enjoyable and laid back, even though it isn’t famous for its nightlife. Most Ottawa residents enjoy sharing nachos and drinking beer after work or in the evening.
It is possible to choose from a wide variety of bars and clubs on Elgin Street and the Market, including the faux Irish Heart & Crown, the arty basement bar The Manx on Elgin, hip-hop lovers Patty Bolands, and Barrymore’s Music Hall, where Drew Barrymore once rang in the New Year. Elgin Street and the Market both have a variety of bars and clubs to choose from, including the faux-Irish Heart & Crown, the arty basement bar The Manx on Elgin, the hip-hop lovers Patty Bolands, and Barrymore’s Music Hall, which is named after Drew Barrymore’s grandfather and where she once rang in the New Year. Every taste is catered to. Lucky Ron, whose performance takes place every Saturday at 4 p.m. at Ottawa’s Chateau Lafayette for free, deserves special recognition. One cannot fully understand or appreciate it until they have gone through it.
Ottawa’s festivals
Winterlude, which takes place in mid-February, promotes all things winter. Mulled wine, ice sculptures, and skating are all beautiful.
Every year before St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Week celebrates all things, Irish. In addition to learning about the Irish community in Ottawa, it offers an opportunity to learn more about Irish culture.
A large number of acts perform at Bluesfest in July, which draws large audiences to the capital. As Foo Fighters, Bryan Adams, and Beck were on the 2018 lineup, you could imagine it was the 1990s again.
The best celebration day in Ottawa is, however, Canada Day. It’s a Canadian experience that you don’t want to miss, whether you live in Ottawa or not! It is an annual tradition in Canada to celebrate the signing of the Constitution Act in 1867, which ushered in Canada’s first confederation, on July 1.
Ottawa’s transit
It is possible to travel between Ottawa’s many neighborhoods using the bus and light rail systems run by OC Transpo. From 2021 onwards, regular fares will cost $3.65. A monthly pass costs $122.50, with discounts available for seniors and students. Housing options are generally available near major bus routes in most major communities. The 95 bus runs nonstop through the night and serves the airport. Prior to crossing the bridge, another bus line serves the Gatineau region through downtown Ottawa.
The city of Ottawa is well-organized and traffic is rarely congested, despite its appearance as a difficult place to drive. A novice driver might find some Canadian driving regulations confusing, such as turning right at a red light at certain times. It is common for Canadians and Ottawa to drive courteously and patiently.
