What is it like to move to and live in Ottawa, Ontario?
For this article I am interviewing Juliette, who fell in love, moved to Ottawa, and has now called this city home for years.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.
Living in Ottawa, Canada
Name: Juliette
Age: 41
Hometown: Nantes, France
Her Story:
”I’m your typical French woman, apart from three things—I never developed a taste for wine, I have a degree in Chinese studies, and the travel bug bit me in my teens!
I somehow ended up in Ottawa in my early twenties at the end of an epic backpacking trip through Central and South America. Yes, I followed a Canadian guy I met on the road—not a bad move, mind you, we’ve been together for almost 25 years.
Canada’s national capital became a place to call home, and figuring out Canadian culture has kept me entertained ever since.
I became a permanent resident in 2005, a Canadian citizen in 2009, and a mom in 2012.
I work as a freelance translator, copywriter, and editor, and I’m also relentlessly backpacking, taking pictures, querying publishers, and sharing funny or puzzling cultural adventures on my blog.”
Why Did You Move to Ottawa?
”I wouldn’t call it a “move”—I arrived with a backpack at 19 and ended up staying!
On the plus side, relocation costs were minimal. On the downside… well, I was 19, I didn’t speak much English, and had yet to figure out Canada, let alone life.
I always wonder why people live where they live. For me, coming to Canada and becoming Canadian was happenstance.
My story is the story of many people around the world—I ended up somewhere, I was able to stay, and I tried to make the most of my new environment because it looked like there were opportunities for me.”
What Do You Like About Ottawa?
”When was the last time you heard someone say “If only I could move to Ottawa…!”
Right. That’s what I thought.
Ottawa doesn’t have the romanticized glamour of cities like London, Los Angeles, Sydney, or Tokyo. And this is precisely what makes it attractive—less competition for jobs, a lower cost of living (… relatively speaking, for a big city!), a safe environment, and more opportunities.
And it’s not a remote community with Toronto a five-hour drive south and Montreal a two-hour drive north.
Ottawa is also a great place for French speakers. The de facto language is English but since Canada is officially bilingual, Ottawa tries to lead by example. There are enough services in French and enough French speakers (French-Ontario or French speakers from abroad) around to use your mother tongue and get a homey feeling while at the same time leveraging your language skills in the job market.
It’s also an interesting place for newcomers. Ottawa isn’t a magnet for immigrants like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. There aren’t large ethnic communities living in specific neighborhoods. The result is a multicultural city with people from all over the world and all walks of life who interact and work together.
It feels less “salad bow-ly” than Toronto, for instance, where you can work and live with countrymates without adapting much to Canada.”
What Do You Dislike About Ottawa?
”Ottawa has never been a bustling city and it got a lot worse after the pandemic. It’s the only city I know where restaurants can close at 7 p.m.!
It can also be very conservative—not necessarily politically but socially. A very high percentage of residents work for the government as civil servants or contractors and live an overall pretty steady if not sheltered life.
It can be hard for them to relate to other ways of life. Not everybody wants to buy a house, spend long weekends at the cottage, get a 9-to-5 government job, etc.”
Is Ottawa Safe as a Place to Live?
”Both by international and Canadian standards, Ottawa is a very safe place to live.
Interestingly, I used to feel uneasy being the only person on the sidewalk or taking a trail with nobody around—Ottawa was socially distancing before it was necessary to do so, it’s a very spread out city with not that many people out and about outside the downtown core.
I shared the feeling with Canadian friends, who were puzzled. “How can you be scared? There’s nobody around!”
“But that’s precisely why I’m scared!” I explained. “Empty streets are typically sketchy streets in many parts of the world. And if I need help for whatever reason… well, I’m on my own.”
I’m telling you, cultural differences are entertaining!”
Is Ottawa Expensive as a Place to Live?
”When I came to Canada in the early 2000s, Ottawa was cheaper than my hometown in France. But now it’s the opposite—I find life in France much more affordable than living in Canada.
Ottawa, and Canada in general, got so, so expensive after the pandemic. The country experienced the highest inflation rate in decades. Groceries, rent, services… everything costs way too much money.
I send pictures of food prices to my family in France just to make them laugh. I mean, $9 for butter, really?”
What is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Ottawa?
”Experience the seasons—the first snowfall, fall colors, hot summer days—in one of the many scenic spots around the city, for instance, the locks on the Ottawa River, the Experimental Farm, or along the Rideau Canal.”
What is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Ottawa?
”There are two coffee shops I love—Ten Toes on Somerset and Happy Goat on Laurel.
My favorite “Ottawa” meal is the Vietnamese phở. There are tons of Vietnamese restaurants all over the city and each of them offers an interesting twist on the classic soup. Try Pho Bo Ga La on Somerset as a good place to start.”
What is the Expat / International Community Like in Ottawa?
”It’s… rather hard to find!
I mean, we all come from somewhere, often another continent, but we blend in. I often have a five-minute conversation with a perfect stranger in English and then at one point, we discover we both speak French. We are chameleons!
I met many newcomers through my blog, and quite a few became good friends.”
Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Ottawa?
”If you’re aiming for a government job, be patient. Half of the city is “swimming” in various pools of candidates, trying to be hired and become permanent.
You will probably need a security clearance at one point in your career if you become a civil servant or work with the federal government. The paperwork can take a while for foreign workers and permanent residents, especially if you’ve completed national service back home (mandatory or voluntary).
It can be hard to meet people and make friends. Canadians are great at small talk and generally friendly but moving to the friend stage is quite challenging—good luck getting invited to someone’s home, for instance.
Try to socialize where Canadians socialize. Volunteer, attend events, go to the gym, and make the first, second, and third step to meet up.”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Ottawa?
”The Government of Canada offers amazing, reliable, up-to-date info. From newcomer services to finding a job as a newcomer, everything is online and easily accessible in both official languages (I hope you won’t find typos in French, I’m sure I translated quite a few pages…!).
For general Ottawa questions, r/Ottawa on Reddit is quite useful.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Ottawa?
”The amazing Canadian Museum of the Story is technically in Quebec, just across the river, but it’s one of the best museums I’ve visited. The War Museum is also a must-see.
Watching the sunset from Parliament Hill is my top free activity in Ottawa.
And if you’re around on July 1, don’t miss Canada Day in Ottawa!”
About Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, combines a rich history with modern amenities.
Situated in Ontario, along the picturesque Ottawa River, this bilingual city (English and French) offers a high quality of life with clean, safe neighborhoods, excellent public services, and a strong sense of community.
A Hub of Culture and History
Ottawa is renowned for its cultural and historical significance.
As the country’s capital, it hosts numerous national museums and landmarks, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian Museum of History.
The city is also famous for vibrant festivals such as Winterlude, the Canadian Tulip Festival, and Canada Day celebrations, which attract visitors from around the world.
Quality of Life
One of Ottawa’s most appealing aspects is its high standard of living.
The healthcare system is good, and you can find top-tier educational institutions in the city, including the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Public transportation is efficient and well-connected, with an expanding light rail transit system (LRT) that facilitates easy commuting.
Nature and Recreation
Ottawa’s extensive green spaces and recreational opportunities are great for people who love nature and outdoor activities.
The city is home to numerous parks, such as Gatineau Park, offering activities like hiking, cycling, and skiing.
The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into the world’s largest skating rink in winter.
Diverse and Welcoming Community
Ottawa is known for its multicultural environment and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
With a diverse population, the city embraces various cultural communities, offering a wide range of international cuisines, cultural festivals, and community organizations that support integration and connection.
Economic Opportunities
The city’s economy is thriving, with key sectors including government, technology, healthcare, and education.
Ottawa’s growing tech industry, often referred to as “Silicon Valley North,” provides ample employment opportunities for professionals in the field. Additionally, the presence of numerous federal government agencies and international organizations creates a stable job market.
Safe and Family-Friendly
Ottawa consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Canada, making it a good place for families.
The city offers excellent public schools and a wealth of family-friendly activities, from museums and parks to sports facilities and community events.
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