So you’re moving to Ottawa- now what? Prepare yourself for every scenario in the capital city with these helpful tips and tricks.
1. Ottawa is a capital city, which means that things operate a little differently.
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is actually federally mandated by the NCC (National Capital Commission) to look beautiful. The NCC aims to maintain a capital region that creates a sense of pride for Ottawan’s and Canadians alike. With that, they manage a variety of key elements like our parks, monuments, bike and walking paths, historic buildings, the Rideau Canal, roads, and more. If you have ever visited Disney’s Celebration Village, our downtown core is kind of like a Canadian version of that.
2. Opting for cycling over public transit is super common.
To say that Ottawa is bike-friendly is an understatement. With its lack of parking, heavy renters population, and 800 km of recreational pathways- moving to Ottawa is a cyclist’s dream.
3. Often labeled as the snowiest capital on the planet, Ottawa revels in its winter season.
One of the absolute best things about living in Ottawa is how much so it becomes a postcard-worthy winter wonderland. Unlike other cities that shut down after a few inches of snow, Ottawa thrives. Skate on the world’s largest ice rink, ski in the city’s parks or on Quebec’s hills, and enjoy the holiday lights all season long…and free of charge.
A tip from the locals: Fun comes before fashion. Our temperatures often reach as low as -30°C so it is important to have your winter ensemble down to a science. Skip the nice shoes and dressy jackets and opt for some layers and weather-resistant gear. It is one of the most important investments you will make.
4. The differences between Ottawa’s neighbourhoods are major.
The core of Ottawa is quite uniquely divided into a number of awesome neighborhoods, but all boast different housing options, levels of transportation access, lifestyles, budgets, and more. Check out this interactive map for an in-depth look into each area and what they are like.
5. The debate between pou-teen and pou-tin is very real.
There are a few things that are very important to Ottawan’s, and the pronunciation of poutine (pou-tin) is at the top of that list. Other foodie mantras that are important to know when moving to Ottawa the great shawarma debate (shoutout to Shawarma Palace) and the normalcy of ordering a Beaver Tail at any time of the day.
6. Ottawa is much smaller than you may think.
Although online maps may give off a bit of a different vibe, Ottawa is not a big city. In fact, it takes just 15 minutes to drive from one end (Westboro) to the other (Vanier). With that, it is extremely walkable and the need for a vehicle is pretty low.
7. Most activities, events, and attractions are free and enjoyed outside…regardless of the season.
Whether you’re looking for a food festival, outdoor activity, or historical attraction, odds are that on any given day there will be a ton of options and they’ll be free.
8. The Rideau Canal has a big effect on the city.
The city of Ottawa is nestled around the Rideau Canal, a boat-way and skate-way that shifts into a waterway leading into Lake Ontario. This multi-use city feature attracts a boatload (no pun intended) of tourists year-round and even acts as a mode of transportation for Ottawa locals.
For more tips, tricks, and recommendations, follow the ultimate Ottawa guidebook on Instagram and TikTok.