Explore Ottawa, ON

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. Located in the eastern portion of southern Ontario, this city borders Gatineau to create the National Capital Region and the name itself is a reference to the Ottawa River and the city’s Algonquin roots.

Founded in 1826, Ottawa has grown into a vibrant city. The downtown core is the political centre of Canada and home to national treasures like Parliament Hill, the House of Commons, and the Peace Tower. However, Ottawa is more than just a government town. With a bustling downtown as well as ample natural spaces, Ottawa is a city that has the best of both worlds. Green areas are accessible and the suburban regions offer affordable housing, and yet there is still a dynamic metropolitan area. Museums, national institutions, and heritage buildings keep the historical feel of the city, while new and exciting activities pop-up everywhere.

National and provincial historical sites and parks are just moments away from the downtown; in fact, the Rideau Canal (a World Heritage Site) runs right through the heart of Ottawa’s downtown core. Expect festivals, exhibits, sports events, restaurants, local markets, and more happening in Ottawa regardless of what the weather brings. Yes, winters in Ottawa are cold (an average winter brings 224 centimetres of snowfall!), but that doesn’t stop residents from enjoying the capital city year round. From skating on the historic Rideau Canal to snowshoeing at nearby Gatineau Park to the famed Winterlude Festival, Ottawa heats up as the winter chill sets in!

Ottawa enjoys one of the highest standards of living in Canada, thanks to its booming economy and highly educated population. The low unemployment rates are a result of continual growth in the hi-tech industry and the federal government. Ottawa is one of the most educated cities in Canada with two major universities leading research and innovation. The University of Ottawa is the only fully bilingual university in Ontario, and continually attracts students from the rest of Canada and the world for its world-class educational facilities.

Ottawa is home to beloved Canadian institutions like the National Art Gallery of Canada, Parliament Hill, the House of Commons, and the Peace Tower. The downtown core is known world-wide as a hotspot of entertainment, music, art, and bold culinary fusions.

Yes, winters in Ottawa are cold (an average winter brings 224 centimetres of snowfall!), but that doesn’t stop residents from enjoying the capital city year round. From skating on the historic Rideau Canal to snowshoeing at nearby Gatineau Park to the famed Winterlude Festival, Ottawa heats up as the winter chill sets in!

Known as one of Ontario's most affordable cities, the Ottawa housing market has something for every budget. Luxurious downtown condos and high rise apartments are perfect for the busy urbanite on the go, while heritage homes on spacious lots in historic villages are ideal for growing families. 

Ottawa boasts an extensive network of pedestrian pathways crisscrossing the city and surrounding areas. The Rideau Canal, running through the heart of downtown, is especially popular on winter days for its famed skating rink!

Ottawa may be cold, but residents don't let that stop them! Expect festivals, exhibits, sports events, restaurants, local markets, pop-up concerts, public art exhibits, and more happening in Ottawa regardless of what the weather brings.

Ottawa is one of the most educated cities in Canada with two major universities leading research and innovation. The University of Ottawa is the only fully bilingual university in Ontario, and continually attracts students from the rest of Canada and the world for its world-class educational facilities.

Ottawa enjoys one of the highest standards of living in Canada, thanks to its booming economy and highly educated population. The low unemployment rates are a result of continual growth in the hi-tech industry and the federal government.