Digital Nomad Life in Ottawa, Canada
Summary: Digital nomads like living in Ottawa, Canada because of its affordability, quality of life, and access to nature. Ottawa is a vibrant city with a population of approximately 1.4 million people. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Ottawa is estimated to be around $1,500 USD. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Ottawa is approximately $1,400 USD. The best neighborhood to live in Ottawa is the Byward Market area, as it is centrally located and offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The weather in Ottawa, Canada is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s F in the winter to the mid-70s F in the summer.
How do I meet people in Ottawa?
When we asked people living in Ottawa about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Ottawa can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural organizations. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and art shows. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as to attend meetups and networking events," said one person in Ottawa.
What is life like in Ottawa?
When we asked people living in Ottawa what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Ottawa is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live and work. The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent quality of life. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's many parks, museums, and galleries, as well as its vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a wide range of job opportunities, with many companies offering remote work options. The cost of living in Ottawa is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live and work in Canada. Additionally, the city is well-connected, with easy access to public transportation and a wide range of international flights. All in all, Ottawa is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a great place to live and work," remarked one member in Ottawa.
Where should I live in Ottawa?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"By location and building amenities (The Richlin) a great building for adults, not a good neighborhood for kids, Everything you can imagine is within 3 1/2 miles from here," explained one person living in Ottawa, Canada.
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Ottawa is to use online resources such as rental websites, classifieds, and real estate agents. You can also search for rental properties in the local newspapers or on bulletin boards in the area. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in the area for recommendations. Once you have identified potential properties, you should visit them in person to get a better sense of the neighbourhood and the amenities available," said one expat in Ottawa.
What do I need to know before moving to Ottawa?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Ottawa, they said:
"Before retiring in Ottawa, expats should familiarize themselves with the cost of living in the city. They should also research the availability of healthcare services, as well as the local climate and weather patterns. Additionally, expats should look into the local culture and customs, as well as the job market and housing options. It is also important to research the local transportation system and the availability of recreational activities. Finally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Canada," said one person in Ottawa.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What do people appreciate most about the culture in Ottawa?
"Expatriates in Ottawa appreciate the city's vibrant cultural scene, which includes a wide variety of festivals, events, and activities throughout the year. They also appreciate the city's diverse population, which brings together people from all over the world. Ottawa is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which makes it easy for expats to settle in and feel at home. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around and explore the city. Finally, expats enjoy the city's natural beauty, with its many parks, trails, and outdoor activities," explained one expat living in Ottawa, Canada.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Ottawa?
"Expats in Ottawa often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The cold weather and long winters can be a challenge for those who are not used to it. Additionally, the local culture can be quite reserved and formal, which can be difficult for those who are used to more relaxed and informal social interactions. Furthermore, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak English or French, as these are the two main languages spoken in Ottawa. Finally, the cost of living in Ottawa can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy," said one person in Ottawa.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Ottawa for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Ottawa for a while, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Additionally, you may need to apply for a work permit if you plan to work while in Canada," said one person in Ottawa.
Get Quote
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote
What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Ottawa?
We asked people in Ottawa if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"In Ottawa, it is important to be respectful of the Indigenous peoples of the area. Avoid making jokes or comments that could be seen as offensive or insensitive. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and traditions, and to be respectful of them. It is also important to be mindful of the local language, and to avoid using language that could be seen as offensive or inappropriate. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and to abide by them," explained one person living in Ottawa, Canada.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What are healthcare services like in Ottawa?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ottawa, they replied:
"Ottawa offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. These services include primary care, such as family doctors and nurse practitioners, as well as specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and mental health services. Ottawa also has a number of hospitals, including the Ottawa Hospital, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and the Montfort Hospital. In addition, Ottawa has a variety of community health centres, walk-in clinics, and long-term care facilities. Ottawa also has a number of home care services, such as home nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Finally, Ottawa has a number of programs and services to support those with disabilities, including the Ontario Disability Support Program and the Ontario Autism Program," explained one person living in Ottawa, Canada.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
What are the pros and cons of living in Ottawa?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Ottawa appreciate the city's vibrant culture, diverse population, and abundance of outdoor activities. They also enjoy the city's low cost of living, excellent public transportation system, and easy access to the rest of Canada and the United States. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's cold winters and lack of nightlife to be drawbacks," explained one expat living in Ottawa, Canada.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote
Canada Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Canada on our Canada forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Canada by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Canada.
Digital Nomads in Canada offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Canada.