Your Guide to Moving to Ottawa

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city that sees a great deal of newcomers each year. Some are moving to Ottawa for work, whereas others are arriving to start a new life in Canada. Whatever the reason, moving to Ottawa is an exciting opportunity to discover all that the city and region have to offer.  

Ottawa is more than just a government town. In fact, Ottawa is the home to arts, music, sports, and more. It also serves as a gateway into some of the world’s most stunning nature, with a cornucopia of opportunity for the outdoorsperson just a short drive away. There truly is something for almost anyone who is considering a move to Ottawa.    

To help those who are moving to Ottawa, MoveBuddy is happy to offer this guide of helpful things to know before relocating to Ottawa.

Ottawa is a city of art, culture, and fun!

Don’t believe the stereotypes. Just because Ottawa is a government town, doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do there. Far from it, if you are moving to Ottawa you will find it to be a city full of museums, art galleries, and nightlife.

The trendy Glebe neighborhood has been a gathering place for decades and provides a foodie with an opportunity to sample some of the best menus the country has to offer.

Looking for some late-night fun? The ByWard Market is always hopping!  

When moving to Ottawa you will never be short on things to do and see.

Bienvenue!

Some might think that you only find the French Canadian character in Quebec. That’s far from the case. Ottawa is very much a bilingual city, where you can easily go entire days only speaking French, if that’s your desire.  

Beyond that, the city borders the city of Gatineau in Quebec’s Outaouais region. The Outaouais Region is, simply put, gorgeous – a true paradise of forest, wildlife and tranquility. When moving to Ottawa, the Outaouais will be your backyard  

Fun on the water

Ottawa is a city where water – whether flowing or frozen – provides the fun and soul of the city.  

From ziplining over it, to enjoying a cocktail on it, to trying to ride the rapids of it, the Ottawa River provides endless recreation opportunities for anyone moving to Ottawa. There is even an amphibious bus you can experience!

Come winter, the fun doesn’t stop. The world-famous Rideau Canal offers nearly 8km of natural ice skating for you to enjoy. Some even use the canal in winter as a commuting option, by skating to work. Only in Ottawa!  

A strong sporting culture

In addition to the amble running, cycling, and hiking trails that you can enjoy, Ottawa offers plenty of spectator sports to enjoy.  

With a long history in both football and hockey, your two most popular teams in the city are the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators and the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa REDBLACKS. The REDBLACKS games are famous for having some of the loudest and most fun-loving fans in the CFL.  

The city also supports Junior Hockey’s Ottawa 67s and the Canadian Premier (soccer) League’s Atletico Ottawa, so there is something for almost anyone to get behind.  

A gateway to Central Canada and beyond

As the Capital of Canada, Ottawa is well-served by several major transportation links.  

The Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport has direct flights to all other major airports in Canada as well as several American and Caribbean destinations. It also offers a direct flight to Paris.  

Served by Via Rail, there are multiple passenger rail trips per day to both Toronto and Montreal.  

Finally, Highway 416 will connect drivers to the United States border crossing at the Ogdensburg–Prescott International Bridge, or to Highway 401, which will take you to Toronto and beyond. Montreal is about an hour's drive along Highway 417/Autoroute 40.

Whatever you are looking for when moving to Ottawa, you will be sure to find it in one of Canada’s most beautiful and historic cities.  

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