Lifestyle in Ottawa

Living in Ottawa gives you an abundance of leisure pursuits to choose from. Thanks to the abundance of galleries, music festivals, and dynamic exhibitions in Ottawa, you can immerse yourself in the city’s arts and culture. Locals also enjoy an active lifestyle throughout the year.

Whether you prefer shopping, eating out, or partying the night away, Ottawa has it all.

Shopping in Ottawa

Shopping in Ottawa offers a unique experience, with everything from large malls and outlet centres to quirky boutiques and designer stores. ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets, where you can sample a mix of local artisans, boutiques, and speciality food shops. The Glebe, just south of downtown, has trendy boutiques and independent shops offering fashionable items along Bank Street.

Most of the city’s shopping options are downtown. If you want everything under one roof, head to the CF Rideau Centre. For special gifts, the historic Sparks Street also has a variety of craft shops and boutiques. If you’re looking for a bargain, you can travel slightly out of town to one of the city’s outlet malls, such as Ottawa Train Yards or Carlingwood Shopping Centre. Other popular shopping malls include the Bayshore Shopping Centre, Place d’Orleans, and St Laurent Shopping Centre in east Ottawa.

Nightlife and entertainment in Ottawa

Nightlife in Ottawa comes alive when the sun goes down, especially around the ByWard Market district. By day, this area is bustling with local farmers, artisans, and boutique shops. By night, it transforms into a lively district where you can find an array of bars and clubs, perfect for a night out.

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy shows and performances at venues such as the National Arts Centre or Theatre du Casino. If you’re feeling lucky, Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau offers over 1,800 slot machines, poker tables, and roulette wheels to keep you entertained.

Eating out in Ottawa

Eating out in Ottawa is an experience that highlights the city’s rich cultural diversity and commitment to fresh, local produce. The farm-to-table movement is thriving here, with initiatives like Savour Ottawa connecting local producers with restaurants.

Whether you enjoy French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Ethiopian, or Fusion cuisine, Ottawa has something for every palate. The city’s culinary scene is also seeing a rise in craft breweries, with plenty of establishments offering a variety of stouts, IPAs, and pilsners.

In neighbourhoods like Wellington West, you can find a mix of Italian, Jewish, and other ethnic cuisines, reflecting Ottawa’s immigrant heritage. The food scene is also influenced by recent trends, including a resurgence of nostalgic comfort dishes and creative fusion items.

Outdoor activities in Ottawa

Outdoor activities in Ottawa are as diverse as the city’s landscape. The ‘emerald necklace’, a green belt of preserved federally-owned parks, forests, and wetlands, is the jewel in Ottawa’s crown. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you’ll enjoy using one of Ottawa’s many green spaces to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with trails ideal for cycling, jogging, and rollerblading.

The region boasts hundreds of kilometres of cross-country ski trails and a network of parkways along scenic rivers and canals. Just a short journey from the city centre, you’ll find some of Ontario’s best beaches, popular during the summer months for relaxation and watersports. If golf is your passion, Ottawa offers some of the most accessible courses in Canada, with both public and private options.

In the winter, you can enjoy activities like ice skating on the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway, skiing, or even just being a spectator at one of Ottawa’s famed ice hockey games. For adventurists, Ottawa also offers skydiving, bungee jumping, windsurfing, white-water rafting, scuba diving, and kayaking – there’s always something exciting to do.

See and do in Ottawa

There is plenty to see and do in Ottawa, regardless of the weather. As Canada’s capital, the city is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions in Ottawa that are worth reconnoitring.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, with its ornate twin spires, is a marvel of Gothic architecture. It’s located near Parliament Hill and ByWard Market, making it a convenient stop while exploring the city. The cathedral’s historical significance and beautiful design continue to attract visitors year-round.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park, in the heart of Ottawa, is one of the city’s most cherished natural wonders, perfect for a family day out. The park features scenic trails, and more than 50 species of trees, birds, and mammals call it home.

Little Ray’s Nature Centre

Little Ray’s Nature Centre is the largest animal rescue centre in Canada. It’s a great place for kids to learn from live shows, interact with reptiles, and understand the importance of animal conservation.

National Gallery of Canada

Dating back to 1880, the National Gallery of Canada offers a superb collection of European and Canadian art to enjoy and study, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. The National Gallery remains a premier destination for art lovers, with new and diverse exhibitions added regularly.

Rideau Hall and Canal Skateway

Rideau Hall has been the home of every Governor General since 1867 and is open to the public for tours. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rideau Canal, is also home to Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest ice rink – an iconic winter experience in Ottawa. During the warmer months, Rideau Hall hosts numerous public events, offering insights into Canada’s political heritage.

Meeting people and making friends in Ottawa

Making friends in a new city can be challenging, but Ottawa’s friendly locals and diverse social scene make it easier. Consider joining local clubs or attending community events to connect with others who share similar interests. Fitness classes, cultural festivals, and volunteering are all great ways to meet new people and integrate into the community.

You could start by checking the Meetup app for groups interested in outdoor adventures, social meetups, social networking and much more.

If you're a young professional, networking events hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce or international groups can provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people. Language exchange meetups are also popular, offering a chance to practice French or English while making new friends.

Useful Links

• Meetup in Ottawa
• Chamber of Commerce Networking Events