Ottawa

Ottawa City Guide

Overview

The nation's capital, Ottawa, offers a vibrant life right where Canada's major events unfold. For renters, Ottawa is an appealing choice, blending its famous winter celebration, Winterlude, and massive Canada Day parties with a strong job market and top-tier educational institutions. This city delivers exceptional quality of life and is known as one of Canada's cleanest urban centers.

Walk Score ®

Transit Score ®

Neighbourhoods

Ottawa features stunning architecture, an efficient public transit network, and many pedestrian and cycling paths. Homes, apartments, condos, and townhouses here are generally more affordably priced compared to Toronto and Montreal. The average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1120, despite a low vacancy rate of 1.7 percent. Ottawa is a city of numerous distinct and vibrant neighbourhoods—let’s take a look at a few of the best!

Central Ottawa

Lowertown/Byward Market - Sandy Hill - Downtown

The Lowertown/Byward Market is a central attraction. This area is the nightlife capital, boasting 105 restaurants and 79 bars/nightclubs, and also hosts Ottawa’s largest indoor/outdoor market. Sandy Hill, historically an affluent area, houses the University of Ottawa and numerous rental properties. Residents praise its strong community and accessibility. Downtown Ottawa borders the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal, containing landmarks like Parliament Hill. Housing includes condos, apartments, and older homes, providing diverse job opportunities and endless activities, from shopping and museums to outdoor recreation.

East Ottawa

Rockliffe Park - Vanier - Overbrook

Rockliffe Park feels like a serene countryside escape in the city, abundant with parks and green space. It's Ontario's sole Heritage Conservation District. Vanier is historically francophone, maintaining its French roots while embracing diversity, and is undergoing revitalization with new condo projects. Overbrook is one of the most culturally diverse and accessible neighbourhoods, featuring pedestrian and cyclist bridges and great access to public transit and VIA Rail. Vanier’s wide selection of schools makes it an excellent choice for families seeking rentals.

West Ottawa

Westboro - Carlingwood/Glabar Park/McKellar Park - Westgate Shopping Centre/Experimental Farm

Looking for the city’s trendiest spot? Westboro is ideal for renters, offering a blend of old and new homes alongside chic cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The Carlingwood/Glabar Park/McKellar Park area is perfect for renters, featuring townhouses and low-rise apartments interspersed among single-family homes, along with shopping centers, parks, and sports facilities. The Westgate Shopping Centre/Experimental Farm area has deep military roots, with many homes built post-WW2 for returning soldiers. Community events foster a strong local bond.