Discover Ottawa's Top Neighbourhoods
Welcome to the Capital of Canada
Located in the province of Ontario near Montreal, Ottawa is the capital of Canada and one of the most historic cities in the nation. Here, you'll discover grand Victorian architecture nestled along quaint city streets that blend modern convenience with historic charm. Spectacular museums, the sparkling Rideau Canal, and even some châteaus give Ottawa a one-of-a-kind locale that simply can't be beat, and its vast variety of neighbourhoods each have their own distinct vibes.
Ready to explore the best of Ottawa? Let's take a closer look at what life is like in this picturesque capital city.
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What You'll Love in Ottawa
National Gallery of Canada
Featuring one of North America's largest exhibition spaces, the National Gallery of Canada is a must-visit for both tourists and Ottawa locals. Here, you can explore the museum's extensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, as well as pieces from all across the globe. In total, the Gallery boasts more than 93,000 works, including the entire interior of the Rideu Street Chapel and paintings by Monet. The Gallery also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as concerts, special exhibitions, and classes.
Parliament Hill
Known to locals as "The Hill," Parliament Hill is the center of Canadian government. This scenic Neo-Gothic suite of buildings showcases dazzling views of the Canal, as well as an assortment of historic monuments and statues like the Centennial Flame. Visitors can tour the Senate and House of Commons, in addition to the East Block, where you'll find ministers and other heads of government. Parliament Hill draws more than 3 million guests each year, including famous figures like Queen Elizabeth II.
Major's Hill Park
Located on the banks of the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, Major's Hill Park is Ottawa's largest green space. Here, you can take in picture-perfect waterfront views, explore the network of paved paths, and take in the scenic gardens and architecture. Flowering trees and overflowing tulip beds create a stunning landscape all year-round, and the park also hosts festivities for both Canada Day and B in the Park. When you're feeling hungry, be sure to stop by Tavern on the Hill, a historic canteen with ice cream and locally sourced food.
Mooney's Bay Park and Beach
Though it might be located on the outskirts of Downtown Ottawa, Mooney's is a hidden gem and favorite amongst locals. There's no better place to take a dip in the Rideau River or relax on the beach, all just a few minutes from the heart of the city. Mooney's also offers sledding in the winter, playgrounds for kids, as well as a fitness center and soccer stadium.
Attractions Around Ottawa
More Details on Ottawa
Shopping and dining
Ready to shop 'til you drop? Ottawa's unique retail districts offer something for everyone, so you'll never experience a shortage of big-box stores or locally owned businesses. Start by exploring The Rideu Center, Tanger Outlets, or Bayshore Shopping Centre to shop all of today's trends. These shopping outposts also offer an array of amenities, including food courts and movie theaters. For more local stores, try visiting ByWard Market, Sparks Street, or The Glebe.
When you're feeling hungry, try dining at some of Ottawa's most iconic eateries. Highlights include vegetarian bites from The Green Door, Riviera's upscale Canadian cuisine, and global-inspired plates courtesy of NeXT.
Education
Even if you don't have children, it's worth taking local schools into account before making a move—they can actually impact property values over time. Luckily, younger residents of Ottawa can choose between four public school boards: English, English-Catholic, French, and French-Catholic. The English-language Ottawa-Carleton District School Board operates 147 schools, making it the largest district in the area. Ottawa also has a number of private schools that aren't part of any board, as well as two major colleges: the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Career opportunities
Thanks to its status as the capital city, Ottawa employs more than 110,000 federal government workers at Parliament Hill and other national facilities. Ottawa is also home to the National Defence Headquarters, as well as major companies like Shopify, Adobe, 3M, and IBM. The health sector employs nearly 20,000 residents across four hospitals. And surprisingly, Ottawa has the largest rural economy among Canada's largest cities—Ottawa's agricultural sector contributes a whopping $1 billion to the nation's gross domestic product each year.
Find Your Ottawa Home
Ottawa offers a wide variety of homes, from old with character to new construction, and many more. If you're ready to find your niche in this amazing city, contact our team today for more information or to schedule a showing.
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