Life in Ottawa, Canada’s National Capital
Ottawa on the charts
Safe and spacious
Ranked #2 safest large city in North America – Northern America: Quality of Life Index by City 2024, Numbeo.
Where learning meets living
Among the top 80 cities for students in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking.
Balanced lifestyle
#1 in Canada and #5 worldwide for work–life balance – Global Work-Life Balance City Index 2025, Blueground.
Explore Ottawa virtually
The City of Ottawa honours the peoples and land of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation. The City of Ottawa honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land. See the City of Ottawa’s Reconciliation Action Plan
Silicon Valley North
Ottawa provides rich opportunities for those looking for work experience or a career after graduation.
Inside and outside the classroom, students benefit from Carleton’s connections to Canada’s federal government and the region’s many knowledge-based businesses in sectors such as clean technology, digital media, aerospace and software.
Ottawa is known as Silicon Valley North, with a technology industry of over 1,900 companies and a large percentage of Canada’s major medical, clinical, and life sciences research centres located in the area. Moreover, Ottawa is second among North American tech markets with the highest tech job growth rate – Scoring Tech Talent 2024, CBRE.
Natural beauty and lots to do!
Ottawa is also one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, with many neighbourhood parks and tranquil green spaces, waterways that wind through the city, and historical and architectural landmarks.
The magnificent Gatineau Park, which features 165 kilometres of hiking trails, is located just across the river in Quebec.
Historic sights and bike paths
The historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs through the city, where residents run, walk, cycle, cruise, paddle, and skate, enjoying the canal all year long.
Along with popular spots like Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, Ottawa also offers endless bike paths that weave through a city with many hidden gems to explore – such as the Arboretum, Major Hill’s Park and Hogsback Falls.
Upcoming events
Register for our upcoming events to learn more about Ottawa and Carleton University