Ottawa
THE ULTIMATE CITY GUIDE
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
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
Location
Ottawa, capital of Canada, is found in Eastern part of Southern Ontario, next to the Quebec border. It is about 400 Km from Toronto and 200 Km from Montreal.
Cost of Living
Ottawa has an above average, yet still affordable, cost of living. Depending on your location, renting an apartment can range from $700 to $1400 per month, depending on criteria. Utilities (internet, electricity, ...) are often included in the rent, but are relatively affordable if not. 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
Summers are warm and humid in Ottawa. On average 11 days of the three summer months have temperatures exceeding 30 °C.
Snow and ice are dominant during the winter season. Cold weather can be expected to last until April, and dressing accordingly is an essential lesson to learn. An average 16 days of the three winter months experience temperatures below −20 °C.
Spring and fall are variable, prone to extremes in temperature and unpredictable swings in conditions. Hot days above 30 °C have occurred as early as April or as late as October.
Snow and ice are dominant during the winter season. Cold weather can be expected to last until April, and dressing accordingly is an essential lesson to learn. An average 16 days of the three winter months experience temperatures below −20 °C.
Spring and fall are variable, prone to extremes in temperature and unpredictable swings in conditions. Hot days above 30 °C have occurred as early as April or as late as October.
Transportation
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The bus system operated by OCTranspo running through the city is efficient and timely. Most neighborhoods 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.
Ottawa is very bike friendly, with many roads having bike lanes so cyclists can enjoy traffic-free commutes.
Pros and Cons
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 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.
