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Guide
Ottawa, Canada π¨π¦
#20
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the province of Ontario. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 1,000,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 70 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | CAD (Canadian Dollar); 1 USD β 1.35 CAD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable. |
π Power | 120V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Bell, TELUS, and Freedom Mobile. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Common banks include TD Canada Trust, RBC, and Scotiabank. |
π Accommodation | Options range from apartments via Airbnb to serviced hotels. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Ottawa Jail Hostel. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | ByWard Market: lively area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Ottawa, close to coworking spaces, cafes, and amenities. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Workspace: modern facilities with great community vibes. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Bridgehead Coffee: known for its cozy atmosphere and good WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Tech events hosted at spaces like Startup Ottawa and Invest Ottawa. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Ottawa Expat Community group on Facebook, hosts meetups regularly. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate in Ottawa. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | OVO Bike Share and Lime scooters are available. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Britannia Beach, about 15 minutes drive from downtown. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada Express operates regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Canada and WestJet are the major airlines. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Accessible via Highway 416 and Highway 401. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Ottawa train station (Via Rail connections) and OC Transpo for local transit. |
π Public Transport Passes | OC Transpo monthly passes and single rides available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Train to nearby cities including Montreal and Toronto (Via Rail). |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | The Ottawa Hospital: major medical facility in the city. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Public offers a range of classes for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromat options like Laundry Room Ottawa. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | BeaverTails: a Canadian pastry deep-fried and topped with various toppings. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pure Kitchen and The Green Door are well-reviewed. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Cows Ice Cream and La Bottega Nicastro for delicious treats. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Ottawa Farmers' Market offers local produce and products. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Canada for a wide range of products. |
π Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Save-On-Foods for grocery deliveries. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Elgin Street offers vibrant nightlife options. |
π» Local Brewery | Borealis Brewing Company is known for its craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | The Wine Bar is popular for its extensive selection. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Food trucks in ByWard Market offer a variety of options. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Ottawa has a range of international offerings including Italian and Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal are must-visit spots. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Canadian Museum of History and National Gallery of Canada are highlights. |
π° Historical Sites | The Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum. |
π Religious Sites | Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, an architectural gem. |
π Annual Events | Winterlude and Canada Day celebrations attract many visitors. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The ByWard Market area is rich in culture and heritage. |
π Theater Venues | National Arts Centre offers a range of performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | ByWard Market is famous for local produce and arts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Ottawa International Jazz Festival is notable. |
π¨ Street Art | Visit the murals around the ByWard Market for urban art. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops available at the Ottawa School of Art. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Patrick Mikhail Gallery showcases contemporary art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Fairmont ChΓ’teau Laurier is a historic hotel and architectural landmark. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Ottawa's heritage is celebrated through various festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Gatineau Park offers trails and outdoor activities just a short drive from the city. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Close to Algonquin Provincial Park, offering hiking and canoeing. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Rideau Canal Pathway is popular for cycling and walks. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at Parliament Hill offers stunning views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Mud Lake is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Gatineau Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide reliable shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | iFixit and Tech Know offer device repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Ottawa Table Tennis Club hosts games and competitions. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Ottawa Language Institute offers various courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Ottawa Public Library has many facilities for quiet study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Glebe Community Centre offers various programs and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Lounge provides a space for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Lac-Leamy is a popular local casino. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CA$4,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CA$160,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CA$3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CA$128,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CA$3,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CA$228,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CA$2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CA$168,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CA$3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CA$280,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CA$2,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CA$216,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15% in Ontario. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% for non-residents. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.53% in Ontario. |
π§Ύ VAT | 13% HST in Ontario. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Land Transfer Tax is based on the purchase price (approx. 1% - 2% of purchase price). |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits; healthcare provided at time of service. |