What's Life Like in Ottawa?

Algonquin College shares the many perks and amenities of living in the nation's capital city.

Ottawa has a lot to offer, from proximity to industry to green space to culture

You know it as the city with the world's longest skating rink, the largest Canada Day celebrations and where residents are hardy enough to think of minus 5 degrees Celsius as mild weather. But have you ever considered living in Ottawa? Our nation's capital offers more than just a record-breaking rink and an overly optimistic attitude to snowfall. Here are a few highlights for those considering life in the city:

Excellent vicinity to government and industry

Ottawa has long been known as the heart of legislative activities in Canada, the place where our Members of Parliament and senators have gathered since 1867.

But lately it's also become a hub for technology, home to industry powerhouses such as Shopify and Adobe. There are also many non-governmental organizations and non-profits on the scene. What this means for students in Ottawa is a wide selection of potential connections, classroom guest speakers, and, local co-op placement options. You could meet an MP in the street! Or the CEO of Shopify!

Green space, beautiful green space

With biking trails surrounding the city, the Rideau Canal at its heart, and the impressive Gatineau Park as a hiking destination in nearby Quebec, Ottawa is a nature lover's playground. Residents bike to work, meet for annual festivals such as the Tulip Festival or Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats and generally enjoy spending many summer afternoons outdoors. For winter sports enthusiasts, there is also Camp Fortune or Mont Tremblant nearby for skiing and snowboarding.

Culture and sports

Ottawa has culture in spades to offer visitors and residents alike. In the historic ByWard Market alone, you'll find a wide array of restaurants, outdoor patios and fun shops for window browsing. Ottawa is home to the stunning National Gallery, the vast War Museum, and many other similar attractions. When gathering is permitted, you can see engaging theatre everywhere from the National Arts Centre to the Great Canadian Theatre Company. If sports are more your thing, Ottawa is home to the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa REDBLACKS, Ottawa 67's, and Athletico Ottawa. Whether you're interested in competitive sports or just want to stay fit, Algonquin College has varsity teams in six sports and organizes several campus recreational sports throughout the academic year.

Student friendly

With several large universities and colleges, including Algonquin College, there is a vibrant student population and happening scene. It's no surprise that many top rankings have rated the city highly, including a 2018 Moneysense.ca survey of best places to live, while the YouthfulCities Urban Work Index ranked Ottawa among the top three places in Canada for youth in particular.

If all this piques your interest, why not come for a visit?