We prepare this guide to help you answer some basic questions about Ottawa. Where is it? How’s the cost of living? What’s the weather like? How’s the public transportation?
Overview of Ottawa
Province: Ontario
Population: City -> 0,9 million / Metropolitan area -> 1,3 million (2016)
Climate: Humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons.
Demonym: Ottawan
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time EST (GMT -5 hours)
Area phone code: beginning with 613 or 343
Postal code: beginning with K1A to K4A
Population: City -> 0,9 million / Metropolitan area -> 1,3 million (2016)
Climate: Humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons.
Demonym: Ottawan
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time EST (GMT -5 hours)
Area phone code: beginning with 613 or 343
Postal code: beginning with K1A to K4A
Cost of Living in Ottawa
The cost of living in Ottawa is affordable, although above the Canadian average (understandable given it being the capital of Canada). A one-bedroom apartment rent could go as high as $1,600 in the city center and as low as $800 outside the center. A monthly metro pass would cost you around $100/month (compared to $80 in Montreal).
Check here for detailed prices of the cost of living in Ottawa. You can choose your currency for more ease of comparison.
Check here for detailed prices of the cost of living in Ottawa. You can choose your currency for more ease of comparison.
Weather in Ottawa
Summers in Ottawa are known for their humidity and warmth. There is an average of 10 days during summer that have temperatures of more than 30°C.
Winter season, as in most Canadian cities, is characterized by snow and cold temperatures. Cold weather can be expected to last until April, and dressing accordingly is an essential lesson to learn. There is an average of 16 days during winter that have temperatures of less than -20°C.
Fall and spring are unpredictable, as temperatures can often reach extremes (30°C in April or October).
Winter season, as in most Canadian cities, is characterized by snow and cold temperatures. Cold weather can be expected to last until April, and dressing accordingly is an essential lesson to learn. There is an average of 16 days during winter that have temperatures of less than -20°C.
Fall and spring are unpredictable, as temperatures can often reach extremes (30°C in April or October).
Transportation in Ottawa
The bus system operated by OCTranspo running through the city is efficient and timely. Most neighbourhoods of Ottawa have a main bus route nearby. Most bus lines run until around 1 AM, except the 95 that runs through the night and services Ottawa’s airport.
A separate bus route services the Quebec side of Ottawa , the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO).
For OCTranspo’s fares, you can visit this link, and for STO, here.
Ottawa is very bike friendly, with many roads having bike lanes so cyclists can enjoy traffic-free commutes.
Pros and Cons of Ottawa
Negatives :
Positives :
- Too hot/humid in summer for some.
- Winter too long and too cold for some.
- Insects in summer.
- No city-wide light rail (or subway) for really fast commutes.
- Not an exciting nightlife.
Positives :
- Houses are fairly priced.
- Incomes are the highest in Canada.
- Low crime rates.
- Cleanliness.
- Plenty of cultural, sport and outdoor activities.
- Good schools and educational opportunities.
For more information on how to get an Ontario Healthcare Card, click here.
To learn more about driving and getting a driver’s licence in Ontario, click here.
To learn more about driving and getting a driver’s licence in Ontario, click here.
