If you’re considering moving to Ottawa, you’ll probably want to get acquainted with everything the city offers. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa prides itself on its unique old-world charm and modern amenities, giving residents access to everything they need to enjoy their lives in a new city.
Nature
One of Ottawa's best amenities is its sprawling natural landscapes amongst its urban backdrops. The Rideau, Gatineau, and Ottawa rivers join in the city, and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often considered one of the best in Canada.
The city also has many green spaces and parks to enjoy, such as Gatineau Park, allowing people to be close to both the convenience of city living and the peace and serenity of nature.
Cultural
People can expand their cultural prowess in Ottawa by enjoying the multicultural city’s best attractions. Parliament Hill is perhaps one of the biggest and most well-known draws, but there are also other museums to enjoy, such as the Canadian Mint, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the National Gallery of Canada.
Events like the Canadian Tulip Festival and Winterlude offer annual adventures for the whole family.
Health
Healthcare is another excellent amenity, with the Ottawa Hospital being one of the “world’s best,” as ranked by Newsweek. It ranks 11th in the country. People can feel secure in knowing that they’re being cared for by some of the country's brightest and most experienced healthcare providers while living in Ottawa. The Ottawa Heart Institute also has many world renown specialists on staff. Not to mention how fortunate we are for The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) here, delivering miracles everyday.
Retail
There is no shortage of retail in Ottawa. It has three main shopping centres: CF Rideau, Tanger Outlets, and Bayshore Shopping Centre. However, the shopping districts are where the retail opportunities truly shine—areas like the Glebe, south of downtown, house trendy and unique shops and eateries to explore.
The ByWard Market district is well-known amongst Canadians as several blocks of bustling entertainment and retail, offering cafes, shops, and food stalls that can keep you busy all day long. The pedestrian-only Sparks Street Mall is another great place to spend hard-earned cash because of its boutique-style luxury stores and restaurants.
Education
Ottawa is home to many high-level educational institutions representing both of Canada’s official languages. Many schools offer enriching educational programs that serve English and French speakers.
Regarding secondary education, Ottawa University ranks 189th overall in the world, with Carleton University ranking in the 617th spot. Algonquin College is another institute that allows students to grow and learn and is ranked as the 263rd best college in the country.
Public Transit
Ottawa has two public transit systems, bus and light rail, both of which provide convenience to get around without hassle. There are nearly 200 bus routes for people who need to get into the city or out into the suburbs.
The cost may be a bit higher than other places in the country, between $3 and $6 per ride, but the system offers a level of convenience that many places simply don’t have.
Ottawa's mixed-bag amenities make it excellent for both families and single people. There’s a little something for everyone in the city, solidifying its ranking as “Canada’s best place to live,” according to Canadian Business.