OTTAWA TOP 5
2×1
Bilingual – English and French: 37% of the population speaks both languages.
Close to everything!
Centrally located between Montreal and Toronto.
Go Green!
Green and environmentally friendly city, with many parks.
The typical Canadian city
A small city that is safe and quiet.
Find new friends
Ottawa’s citizens are very welcoming and friendly: it will be easy to make friends!
Canada’s capital city is located in the province of Ontario and is the nation’s fourth-largest city. It sits on the south bank of the Ottawa River, in the most easterly part of Southern Ontario. The conglomerate of Ottawa and Gatineau has 1.5 million inhabitants. Ottawa, located in the easternmost time zone, is 6 hours behind Italy.
Ottawa is a student city and is home to the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and Algonquin College as well as other language and business schools. Many international students live in Ottawa and create a ‘nightlife’ at The Market and other hot spots in the city. Ottawa is known for being very clean and liveable. It offers a quiet life and all amenities are within easy reach.
The city is characterized by Parliament Hill, the home of Canadian legislative power, and architectural heritage of national importance. The Rideau Canal (UNESCO heritage site), a waterway that runs through the city, becomes the largest ice-skating ‘rink’ in the world during winter. There you can also find the best Beavertails (a delicious Canadian fried batter cake in the shape of ‘Beavertails’, one of Canada’s symbols).
To get around the city you can choose between the ‘major highway’ and the unexpected scenic route, 53 km of spectacular roads connecting various parts of the city to downtown and the Byward Market, known simply as The Market: home to artisans, food market, restaurants, pubs, and clubs.
Ottawa’s geographic location makes it ideal for weekend getaways, including Montreal for shopping, Mont-Tremblant for skiing, the Ottawa River for rafting and finally Gatineau Park for forest and scenic walks.
Cost of living in ottawa
Ottawa is a safe, clean and welcoming city, and has an above-average but still affordable cost of living. Depending on your location, renting a flat can range from $700-1400 per month or more. Again, this depends on your preferences, the number of people and certain criteria. However, cheaper accommodation can be found, largely due to the presence of local universities. Household utilities – internet, electricity, rubbish – are often included in the rent.
Shopping and eating out, however, can be more expensive for people living in Ottawa. A pint of beer can be purchased for as little as $6, but imports can cost up to $9 in the more touristy and popular areas. Tipping is standard practice (15-20% for good service) and the local sales tax rate is 13% (federal and provincial taxes combined).
Time zone and climate
Ottawa, located in the easternmost time zone, is six hours behind Europe.
Ottawa has a humid continental climate with 4 distinct seasons. Like Toronto, the summers are warm/humid but compared to Toronto the winters are much more aggressive with more snowfall and ice. Spring and autumn are generally quite enjoyable, although the weather remains variable.
Working in Ottawa
With focus and motivation, it is possible to find the right job in Canada for you. But it is important to plan carefully.
The Canadian economy is growing, and employment growth is expected in all sectors in the coming years. Ottawa will be a key city for the next stage of Canadian economic development. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Contact us to find out about study and work opportunities in Ottawa!
Studying in Ottawa
If you’re looking for an international destination to continue your education and launch your career, look no further. Ottawa is home to many universities, educational institutions, private colleges and language schools, and offers a huge choice of courses of study. As a student in Canada, you can earn money while you study, allowing you to pay for university or college while gaining crucial work experience – this is one of the main reasons to study in Canada.
Canadian colleges and universities churn out incredibly talented graduates. These well-funded, internationally renowned institutions attract the best professors and offer courses tailored to a changing economy.
