{"id":280,"date":"2025-04-24T14:48:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T13:48:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/?p=280"},"modified":"2026-03-30T16:25:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T15:25:47","slug":"expat-guide-to-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/guides\/canada\/expat-guide-to-ottawa.htm","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Ottawa &#8211; An Expat&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Thinking about moving to Ottawa from the UK? You&#8217;re not alone. As Canada\u2019s charming capital, Ottawa is an increasingly popular choice for UK expats seeking a fresh start abroad. Nestled along the scenic Ottawa River in Ontario, the city combines a high quality of life with safety, affordability, and stunning natural surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re relocating for work, family, or lifestyle, Ottawa\u2019s strong tech and government job sectors, rich cultural life, and welcoming bilingual communities make it an ideal destination. In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Ottawa from the UK, from visas and housing to what life\u2019s really like on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Table_of_Contents\"><\/span>Table of Contents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#cost-of-living-considerations-in-ottawa\">Cost of Living Considerations in Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#employment-in-ottawa\">Employment in Ottawa<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#finding-housing-in-ottawa\">Finding Housing in Ottawa<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#registering-for-schools-in-ottawa\">Registering for Schools in Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#healthcare-in-ottawa\">Healthcare in Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#getting-around-ottawa\">Getting Around Ottawa\u00a0<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#ottawa-weather\">Ottawa Weather<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#lifestyle-and-culture-in-ottawa\">Lifestyle and Culture in Ottawa<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#shipping-your-belongings-to-canada\">Shipping Your Belongings to Canada<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cost-of-living-considerations-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_of_Living_Considerations_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Cost of Living Considerations in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A family of four living in Ottawa will need roughly \u00a32,924 ($5,382) per month in living costs, before rent is calculated, and a single person will need \u00a3813.3 ($1,497.1). The cost of living in Ottawa is around 26.1% less expensive than London, whilst rent is significantly cheaper at 52.3% lower. If we compare the cost of living in Ottawa to another UK city like Manchester, which is 8.9% more expensive, it\u2019s clear that it\u2019s more affordable than many UK cities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to groceries, the UK is generally cheaper than Ottawa and Canada overall, due to fewer imported goods. Ottawa\u2019s food prices remain lower than Toronto&#8217;s by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/compare_cities.jsp?city1=Toronto&amp;city2=Ottawa&amp;country1=Canada&amp;country2=Canada\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">6.2%<\/a>, with the price of milk being a notable difference at 20% cheaper. The price of cheese is 25% cheaper in Ottawa than in Montreal. Let\u2019s compare average grocery prices with the UK for a proper comparison of the cost of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Item<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Ottawa<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>UK<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Difference<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant<\/td><td>$26 (\u00a315.08)<\/td><td>\u00a315<\/td><td>-0.53%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course<\/td><td>$110 (\u00a363.80)<\/td><td>\u00a365<\/td><td>+1.88%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cappuccino<\/td><td>$5.51 (\u00a33.20)<\/td><td>\u00a33.39<\/td><td>+5.93%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Milk (1 litre)<\/td><td>$3.22 (\u00a31.87)<\/td><td>\u00a31.24<\/td><td>-33.68%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chicken Fillets (1kg)<\/td><td>$17.62 (\u00a310.22)<\/td><td>\u00a36.61<\/td><td>-35.32%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Onion (1kg)<\/td><td>$4.10 (\u00a32.38)<\/td><td>\u00a31.13<\/td><td>-52.52%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)<\/td><td>$18 (\u00a310.44)<\/td><td>\u00a38<\/td><td>-23.37%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local Cheese (1kg)<\/td><td>$16.92 (\u00a39.81)<\/td><td>\u00a37.18<\/td><td>-26.80%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"employment-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Employment_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Employment in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The job market in Ottawa is stable, seeing around <a href=\"https:\/\/creastats.crea.ca\/board\/otta-employment-trends\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2,000<\/a> additional full-time roles added in March 2025. As Canada\u2019s capital, the public sector and government are top employers in the city. Let\u2019s explore the current in-demand sectors, roles, and average salaries in Ottawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Public Sector and Government<\/strong> &#8211; There are many federal departments and agencies in Ottawa, offering roles in policy, administration, and public services.\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology and IT<\/strong>: Ottawa is a tech hub, with opportunities in software development, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthcare<\/strong>: There&#8217;s always high demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and support staff.\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong>: There\u2019s also high demand for educators, especially in bilingual programs and specialised education.\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Construction and Skilled Trades<\/strong>: Ongoing infrastructure projects have led to increased demand for skilled tradespeople.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"average-salaries-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Average_Salaries_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Average Salaries in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, the average annual salary is <a href=\"https:\/\/ca.talent.com\/salary?job=ottawa+on\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">$65,000<\/a> (\u00a335,165), which is only slightly lower than the national average and 18% higher than the UK&#8217;s. Let\u2019s explore the average salary for some in-demand roles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Policy Analyst &#8211; $78,000 \u2013 $86,600<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Software Developer &#8211; $80,000 \u2013 $85,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registered Nurse &#8211; $75,000 \u2013 $85,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High School Teacher &#8211; $80,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrician &#8211; $70,000 \u2013 $80,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"job-search-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Job_Search_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Job Search in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular job sites include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ca.indeed.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Indeed<\/a> \u2013 broad listings site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/jobs.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Government of Canada Jobs<\/a> \u2013 public sector roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.workopolis.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Workopolis<\/a> \u2013 professional careers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/charityvillage.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CharityVillage<\/a> \u2013 non-profit sector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check eligibility criteria for work permits and Social Insurance Numbers when applying for jobs. Leverage professional connections and immigrant employment agencies for support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"finding-housing-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_Housing_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Finding Housing in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The average house price in Ottawa is $685,866 (\u00a3397,800), increasing by 0.6% in the last year and 2.4% month-on-month. You can get single-family homes for $851,653, townhouses for $558,232, and apartments for $426,413. marking the biggest change and down by 4.9% year on year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best-ottawa-neighbourhoods-popular-areas-for-newcomers-include-centretown-the-glebe-westboro-kanata-and-orleans-centretown-and-the-glebe-offer-walkability-and-easy-transit-access-to-downtown-the-glebe-is-trendy-charming-and-family-friendly-situated-conveniently-near-lansdowne-park-and-the-rideau-canal-it-offers-great-schools-boutiques-and-food-spots\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Ottawa_Neighbourhoods\"><\/span>Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular areas for newcomers include Centretown, the Glebe, Westboro, Kanata and Orleans. Centretown and the Glebe offer walkability and easy transit access to downtown. The Glebe is trendy, charming, and family-friendly, situated conveniently near Lansdowne Park and the Rideau Canal. It offers great schools, boutiques, and food spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kanata appeals to young professionals, families, and tech workers, offering good schools, parks, and shopping. It\u2019s an ideal location for families and has lots of newer builds on offer. Families also often gravitate towards Orleans or the suburbs for more affordable single-family homes. It\u2019s worth noting that some neighbourhoods, like Orleans, are predominantly French-speaking. Make sure to consider the language environment that suits your family best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"average-monthly-rent-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Average_Monthly_Rent_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Average Monthly Rent in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside of a city centre is around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zumper.com\/rent-research\/ottawa-on\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">$2,100<\/a> (\u00a31,218), 11% higher than the national average. Real estate websites like <a href=\"https:\/\/rentals.ca\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rentals.ca<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtor.ca\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Realtor.ca<\/a> are among the best ways to search current listings. Working with a rental agent can also simplify the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Property types<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average rent<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Apartments<\/td><td>$2,100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Condos<\/td><td>$2,350<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Houses<\/td><td>$2,699<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rooms<\/td><td>$880<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Neighbourhood Average Rent:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>East Central &#8211; $1,892<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Downtown &#8211; $1,980<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nepean\/Kanata -$2,054<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Westboro &#8211; $2,080<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"registering-for-schools-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Registering_for_Schools_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Registering for Schools in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding schools or childcare is critical for families moving to Ottawa from the UK. About 36% of Ottawa residents are bilingual and speak both English and French, meaning around 15\u201320% of children attend French-language schools, while a much larger number take French Immersion in English schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city has four publicly funded school boards, as well as private options, for both English and\/or French speakers. The CEPEO (French Public) and CECCE (French Catholic) run French-Language Schools, and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (Public) and Ottawa Catholic School Board (Catholic) operate English-language schools in Ottawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a British expat, your child can attend public school if you hold a work permit, study permit, or are a permanent resident, have proof of residency in Ottawa, and your child meets the age requirements. Attending school is free for newcomers, unless you are attending private educational facilities. To find the schools you can apply for, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ocdsb.ca\/our-schools\/school-locator\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">OCDSB\u2019s School Locator<\/a> and contact OCDSB Admissions. There is also a thriving private school scene, which requires admissions applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"healthcare-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Healthcare_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Healthcare in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare in Ottawa is part of Ontario&#8217;s publicly funded healthcare system, which means most medical services are free once you&#8217;re enrolled in the provincial plan. New residents must register for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ontario\u2019s public health insurance<\/a>, known as OHIP. There is no longer a 3 month waiting period before coverage kicks in, so if you are eligible, you will receive immediate coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be eligible for OHIP and free access to healthcare, you must live in Ontario full-time, have a valid work permit, study permit, or permanent resident status, and be physically present in Ontario at least 153 days out of your first 183 days. You\u2019ll get access to free GP appointments, hospital stays, emergency care, surgery, x-rays, and maternity care. OHIP doesn\u2019t cover most medications, so it\u2019s worth opting in for employer health insurance if possible or taking out your own private health insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"getting-around-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_Around_Ottawa\"><\/span>Getting Around Ottawa&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa offers several effective transportation options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Public Transit<\/strong> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.octranspo.com\/en\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">OC Transpo<\/a> operates an extensive network of buses and light rail via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.octranspo.com\/en\/our-services\/bus-o-train-network\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">O-Train<\/a>. Purchase monthly passes or reloadable smart cards to save on fares.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Driving<\/strong> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoshippers.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-obtain-a-canadian-driving-licence\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Drivers require an Ontario license within 60 days of arriving<\/a>. Book road tests well in advance due to backlogs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cycling<\/strong> \u2013 With an <a href=\"https:\/\/open.ottawa.ca\/datasets\/cycling-network\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">extensive network<\/a> of dedicated bike lanes, cycling is very popular. Just beware of cold winters!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Taxis &amp; Rideshares<\/strong> \u2013 Uber, Lyft and traditional taxis are available. Winter snowstorms can occasionally disrupt service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-and-weekend-trips\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_and_Weekend_Trips\"><\/span>Day and Weekend Trips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nature lovers have endless options to choose from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hiking, biking and camping in <a href=\"https:\/\/ncc-ccn.gc.ca\/places\/gatineau-park\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gatineau Park<\/a> across the Ottawa River in Quebec<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kayaking and canoeing the area\u2019s many lakes and rivers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relaxing at cottages and beach towns along the Ottawa River<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visiting rural towns like Perth, Cumberland, and Wakefield<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cycling the forests and farmland of the Ottawa Valley or stargazing in nearby Dark Sky Preserves offer more fresh air fun just minutes outside the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"travel-within-ontario\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_Within_Ontario\"><\/span>Travel Within Ontario<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of Ontario\u2019s most iconic attractions within driving distance of Ottawa include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Toronto \u2013 Canada\u2019s largest city with museums, sports, shopping and nightlife<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Niagara Falls \u2013 the spectacular natural wonder and tacky tourist town<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muskoka and Algonquin \u2013 lakeside cottages and majestic provincial parks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kingston \u2013 history, campus life and lake cruises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Trains and buses provide easy public transport to these and other Ontario destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"crossing-the-u-s-border\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Crossing_the_US_Border\"><\/span>Crossing the U.S. Border<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa\u2019s proximity to the United States border makes weekend trips south convenient. It\u2019s just a two-hour drive to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Upstate New York to visit American cities like Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Northern Vermont for skiing and mountain escapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Montreal and Quebec City offer a taste of European charm and French Canadian culture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure passports, visa documents, and identification are in order when crossing the border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ottawa-weather\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawa_Weather\"><\/span>Ottawa Weather<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa has a humid continental climate, which means it experiences four distinct seasons, cold winters, warm summers, and moderate spring and fall transitions. Here\u2019s a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Spring<\/strong> (March \u2013 May) \u2013 Temperatures range from 5\u00b0C to 15\u00b0C. A warm jacket, layers, and waterproof shoes are recommended as snow still lingers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Summer<\/strong> (June \u2013 August) \u2013 The warmest season with temperatures from 20\u00b0C to 30\u00b0C. Light clothing, shorts, swimwear for outdoor pools\/beaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fall<\/strong> (September \u2013 November) \u2013 Temperatures begin dropping back below 20\u00b0C. Sweaters, light jackets, and waterproof outerwear for rain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Winter<\/strong> (December \u2013 February) \u2013 The coldest season with highs around -5\u00b0C and lows nearing -20\u00b0C. Warm winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots are essential for the snow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Department stores offer high-quality seasonal fashions. Second-hand stores are also popular for finding used winter coats and accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lifestyle-and-culture-in-ottawa\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lifestyle_and_Culture_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>Lifestyle and Culture in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the basics, what is living in Ottawa actually like? One of Ottawa\u2019s defining features is its bilingual English-French identity. All city services are offered in both languages. According to the latest census, <a href=\"https:\/\/glebereport.ca\/articles\/ottawas-multilingualism-the-2021-census\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">53.4% of Ottawa residents speak English<\/a> as their mother tongue, 30.6% speak French, and 21.7% speak a non-official language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond language, Ottawa provides a remarkably friendly welcome to newcomers. It\u2019s easy to meet friendly locals interested in different cultures. Tipping at restaurants isn\u2019t required, but 10-15% is customary for good service. Queueing patiently is the norm. Otherwise, just come with an open mind and a positive attitude!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This section outlines some of the city\u2019s top draws for lifestyle and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"things-to-do\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Do\"><\/span>Things to Do<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of Ottawa\u2019s top attractions and activities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Major Attractions<\/strong> \u2013 Parliament Hill, National Gallery, Canadian Museum of History<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Festivals<\/strong> \u2013 Winterlude, Tulip Festival, Jazz Festival, BluesFest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Outdoor Activities<\/strong> \u2013 Hiking Gatineau Park, skating the Rideau Canal, cycling trails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sports<\/strong> \u2013 Ottawa Senators NHL hockey, OSEG football, baseball and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With four distinct seasons, there is something fun happening year-round. The city strikes a natural balance between access to nature and major city amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shopping-and-dining\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shopping_and_Dining\"><\/span>Shopping and Dining<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Find all your shopping needs around areas like the Rideau Centre downtown or Bayshore Shopping Centre in the west end. Boutiques, gift shops and high-end stores are concentrated in the ByWard Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa offers culinary options from around the globe. Savour German sausages at the Rideau Centre\u2019s food court, authentic Chinese dishes in Chinatown, or fresh produce at the ByWard Market. Sample poutine, Montreal-style bagels, BeaverTails pastries and other local foods. For fine dining, make reservations at one of the city\u2019s many acclaimed restaurants, caf\u00e9s and bistros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"arts-and-culture\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arts_and_Culture\"><\/span>Arts and Culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Arts Centre offers world class opera, ballet, orchestra and theatre productions, including touring Broadway shows. Smaller venues like the Gladstone Theatre and Arts Court provide more indie and local productions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For live music, ByWard Market is home to famous blues and jazz clubs where you can catch local bands any night of the week. Larger touring concerts and festivals take place at venues like Canadian Tire Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also plenty of kid-friendly museums and galleries like the Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and National Gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"family-activities\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Family_Activities\"><\/span>Family Activities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa provides endless fun for families:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Museums and indoor playgrounds are lifesavers in winter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seasonal festivals like Winterlude and Canada Day celebrations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skating the Rideau Canal is a quintessential winter activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amazing parks and splash pads open in summer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Farms and apple orchards outside the city for fall fun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular family neighbourhoods include Orleans, Kanata, Barrhaven, and areas outside the downtown core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nightlife\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nightlife\"><\/span>Nightlife<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ByWard Market area is the prime nightlife hub with buzzing bars, pubs and clubs along Clarence, York and King Edward Streets. For a more low-key scene, head to craft breweries or smaller neighbourhood pubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shipping-your-belongings-to-canada\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shipping_Your_Belongings_to_Canada\"><\/span>Shipping Your Belongings to Canada<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shipping personal belongings and pets from abroad is easy with 1st Move International.\u00a0 We handle the entire process door-to-door and have over 25 years of experience in the industry. We specialise in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/removals-to-canada\">removals to Ottawa<\/a>, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/faster-shipping.htm\">faster weekly shipping<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/safer-packing.htm\">safer packing<\/a> to ensure that your belongings arrive in Canada intact and on time. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/guides\/canada\/expat-guide-to-ottawa.htm#quote-me\">Request a free quote here on our website today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about moving to Ottawa from the UK? You&#8217;re not alone. As Canada\u2019s charming capital, Ottawa is an increasingly popular choice for UK expats seeking a fresh start abroad. Nestled along the scenic Ottawa River in Ontario, the city combines a high quality of life with safety, affordability, and stunning natural surroundings. Whether you&#8217;re relocating [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":957,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,19],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-280","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-canada","8":"category-guides"},"modified_by":"Adam","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=280"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":120014,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/280\/revisions\/120014"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/957"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipit.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}