Living In Ottawa

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is the fourth largest city in the country. It resides on the border of Ontario and Quebec on the south bank of the Ottawa River where it meets the Rideau River and Rideau Canal.

The capital of Canada, Ottawa is rich in culture and heritage, comprising of many national institutions, and historic buildings. Ottawa began as a bilingual city and is a place where our founding linguistic communities (French and English) have always lived and worked together. Adding to the multiculturalism, Ottawa houses Canada’s foreign embassies, consulates and diplomats.

Ottawa’s citizens enjoy unparalleled health, comfort, and economic well-being. Benefiting from a unique combination of urban convenience and accessible nature, Ottawa combines small-city life with a cosmopolitan vibe.

Quick Facts

• A population of over 1.2 million makes the Ottawa region the fourth-largest urban area in Canada
• Ottawa is home to such high tech giants as Alcatel, JDS Uniphase, Cognos, Cisco, MDS Nordion and Entrust
• Our technology companies are complemented by MBNA Canada, ING Direct, Clarica and MD Management
• Ottawa is also the home of government organizations such as the Government of Canada, Parliament, the Senate, and the Supreme Court of Canada
• More than 1,500 advanced technology companies employ more than 65,000 people
• With the highest-educated workforce in Canada, Ottawa has more engineers, scientists and PhDs per capita than any other city in the country
• The Capital's tourism and convention industry generates more than $2 billion in economic activity
• Languages spoken include English (50%), French (32%) and a host of other languages including significant capabilities in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Arabic

Ottawa's rich array of services and natural treasures allow the citizens of this community to enjoy unparalleled health, comfort and economic security. In return, the people of Ottawa share a profound pride in, and affection for, their Capital -- its history and accomplishments, and its magnificent potential. A bilingual place to live and grow, Ottawa is ranked among the world’s most desirable cities to call home.

Learn more about all that Ottawa has to offer you and your family:

• Ottawa Urban lifestyle
• Ottawa Rural lifestyle
• Ottawa History
• Quality of Life
• Ottawa Condos
• Ottawa Education
• Ottawa Recreation
• Ottawa Healthcare
• Raising Children in Ottawa
• Senior Citizens in Ottawa