Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the province of Ontario. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,000,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | CAD (Canadian Dollar); 1 USD ≈ 1.35 CAD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Bell, TELUS, and Freedom Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include TD Canada Trust, RBC, and Scotiabank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from apartments via Airbnb to serviced hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Ottawa Jail Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | ByWard Market: lively area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Ottawa, close to coworking spaces, cafes, and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workspace: modern facilities with great community vibes. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bridgehead Coffee: known for its cozy atmosphere and good WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events hosted at spaces like Startup Ottawa and Invest Ottawa. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Ottawa Expat Community group on Facebook, hosts meetups regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate in Ottawa. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | OVO Bike Share and Lime scooters are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Britannia Beach, about 15 minutes drive from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada Express operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada and WestJet are the major airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Highway 416 and Highway 401. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ottawa train station (Via Rail connections) and OC Transpo for local transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | OC Transpo monthly passes and single rides available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train to nearby cities including Montreal and Toronto (Via Rail). |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Ottawa Hospital: major medical facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Public offers a range of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat options like Laundry Room Ottawa. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | BeaverTails: a Canadian pastry deep-fried and topped with various toppings. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pure Kitchen and The Green Door are well-reviewed. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cows Ice Cream and La Bottega Nicastro for delicious treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ottawa Farmers' Market offers local produce and products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Canada for a wide range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Save-On-Foods for grocery deliveries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Elgin Street offers vibrant nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Borealis Brewing Company is known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar is popular for its extensive selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks in ByWard Market offer a variety of options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Ottawa has a range of international offerings including Italian and Indian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Canadian Museum of History and National Gallery of Canada are highlights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, an architectural gem. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Winterlude and Canada Day celebrations attract many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The ByWard Market area is rich in culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | National Arts Centre offers a range of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | ByWard Market is famous for local produce and arts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Ottawa International Jazz Festival is notable. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Visit the murals around the ByWard Market for urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops available at the Ottawa School of Art. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Patrick Mikhail Gallery showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Fairmont Château Laurier is a historic hotel and architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ottawa's heritage is celebrated through various festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gatineau Park offers trails and outdoor activities just a short drive from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Close to Algonquin Provincial Park, offering hiking and canoeing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Rideau Canal Pathway is popular for cycling and walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at Parliament Hill offers stunning views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mud Lake is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Gatineau Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixit and Tech Know offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ottawa Table Tennis Club hosts games and competitions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Ottawa Language Institute offers various courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Ottawa Public Library has many facilities for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Glebe Community Centre offers various programs and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Lounge provides a space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Lac-Leamy is a popular local casino. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CA$4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CA$160,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CA$3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CA$128,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CA$3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CA$228,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CA$2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CA$168,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CA$3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CA$280,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CA$2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CA$216,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% in Ontario. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.53% in Ontario. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% HST in Ontario. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Land Transfer Tax is based on the purchase price (approx. 1% - 2% of purchase price). |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits; healthcare provided at time of service. |