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Ottawa

Ontario, Canada

Arriving, settling in and working in Ottawa: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to OttawaRead the guide ↓
Photo: Mathias Reding / Unsplash
Guide sections12
Sourced facts61
Last verified1 Nov 2026
Areas with rent10

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Ottawa at a glance

The basics about Ottawa, plus official sources for time, weather, safety and prices.

  • The City of Ottawa says Ottawa is home to over one million people.
    ottawa.ca ↗
  • Ottawa uses Eastern Time. In Ontario, clocks go forward one hour on the second Sunday in March and back one hour on the first Sunday of November, at 2:00 a.m.
    nrc.canada.ca ↗
  • For official forecasts and weather alerts, use Environment Canada's 7-day forecast for Ottawa.
    weather.gc.ca ↗
  • The UK government's travel advice for Canada lists seasonal risks, including winter storms from November to April and thunderstorms from April to September.
    gov.uk ↗
Show 1 more
  • Statistics Canada publishes Consumer Price Index (inflation) data for Canada and each province, including an interactive CPI dashboard. Use it to follow changes in the cost of living.
    www150.statcan.gc.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Laws & local rules

Official rules on cannabis, smoking and drugs in Ontario.

  • In Ontario, you must be 19 or older to buy, use, possess or grow recreational cannabis.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • You cannot use cannabis in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or will be driven. You also cannot use it in indoor common areas of apartments or condos.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border without a permit or exemption from Health Canada.
    gov.uk ↗
  • You cannot smoke or vape in enclosed workplaces or public places, or on bar and restaurant patios (including within 9 metres of a patio).
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • No one may smoke tobacco or vape in a vehicle if anyone inside is 15 or younger. Smoking and vaping are banned on playgrounds and within 20 metres of them.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The UK FCDO warns that illegal drugs carry severe penalties in Canada, including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
    gov.uk ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Ottawa

Getting from YOW into the city, and what to do first.

  • O-Train Line 4 links the airport with South Keys station, from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. The Airport station connects to Level 3 of the terminal, at the north end.
    yow.ca ↗
  • Bus route 105 runs 24 hours a day, every 30 minutes, between Uplands Drive (serving the airport) and St-Laurent Station. Catch it on the Departures roadway, Level 3, at the south end of the terminal.
    yow.ca ↗
  • Taxis queue outside the centre door on Level 1 (Arrivals).
    yow.ca ↗
  • When you enter Canada, you must declare currency or monetary instruments worth CAN$10,000 or more. You must also declare all food, plants, animal products, weapons and firearms.
    cbsa-asfc.gc.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • Ontario says there is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, your coverage starts immediately.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Getting around

OC Transpo fares, fare caps and using your licence.

  • OC Transpo adult single fares listed on 1 November 2026: $4.10 with Presto or O-Payment (tapping a bank card or mobile wallet), and $4.15 in cash.
    octranspo.com ↗
  • Fares are capped: you pay no more than a DayPass ($12.25) in a day, or an adult monthly pass ($138.50) in a month.
    octranspo.com ↗
  • Every ride includes at least a 90-minute transfer window from your first tap or the time you buy your ticket.
    octranspo.com ↗
  • Children aged 10 and under ride OC Transpo for free.
    octranspo.com ↗
Show 1 more
  • If you are a new Ontario resident with a valid licence from another province or country, you can use it for 60 days in Ontario.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods & renting

Ontario's tenancy rules and rental data.

  • Landlords of most private rental units must use Ontario's standard lease for all new leases. A lease cannot take away a right or responsibility under the Residential Tenancies Act.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Ontario says: "The rent increase guideline for 2027 is 1.9%." For most tenants, rent cannot go up by more than the guideline each year.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario) resolves disputes between landlords and tenants and deals with applications to end a tenancy.
    tribunalsontario.ca ↗
  • CMHC's Rental Market Report covers rents, vacancy rates and market conditions in major centres.
    cmhc-schl.gc.ca ↗
External links
Renting in Ontario: your rights ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Schools

Ottawa's English and French school boards, and newcomer assessment.

  • The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) runs a Family Reception Centre for newcomers, and offers English as a Second Language programs in elementary and secondary school.
    ocdsb.ca ↗
  • At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, newcomer students in Grades 2 to 12 need an assessment at the Family Welcome Centre before starting school. Register your child first, then book the assessment.
    ocsb.ca ↗
  • To register with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, bring proof of your child's name and age, immigration documents if your child was not born in Canada, and proof of a current Ottawa address.
    ocsb.ca ↗
  • The OCSB assessment checks oral, reading and writing skills in English. It is not a test. Students in Grades 9–12 from outside Canada also take a math assessment.
    ocsb.ca ↗
Show 2 more
  • The Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) is a French-language public school board serving 44 schools. Families can register at any time through its Family Portal.
    cepeo.on.ca ↗
  • EQAO measures reading, writing and math skills in Ontario's public schools. It publishes provincial results and has a 'Find My School' tool.
    eqao.com ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Healthcare

Getting OHIP, finding a doctor, and where to go for care.

  • Ontario says: "There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage." If you are eligible, your coverage starts immediately.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Apply for OHIP in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Bring the registration form and three separate original documents proving your status, Ontario residency and identity. Photocopies are not accepted.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Some work permit holders qualify for OHIP, for example those working full-time for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months. Check the eligibility rules for your status.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Health Care Connect finds a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is taking new patients. Register online or call 811, using your Ontario health card number.
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 3 more
  • Call Health811 to talk to a registered nurse, day or night, for free, secure and confidential health advice. You can also message a nurse online.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Walk-in clinics treat minor illnesses and injuries if you have no family doctor or can't reach yours. Bring your health card. Call the clinic first to confirm it is open.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Ontario lists severe chest pain, breathing difficulty and loss of consciousness among reasons to call 911.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Banking & IDs

Your SIN, a bank account, photo ID and tax basics.

  • You can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) online, by mail or in person at Service Canada. If your documents are in order, you get your SIN during an in-person visit. There is no fee.
    canada.ca ↗
  • You have the right to open a bank account even if you have no job or no money to deposit right away. The bank must confirm your identity with acceptable ID.
    canada.ca ↗
  • The Ontario Photo Card is government photo ID for Ontario residents aged 16 or older who don't have a driver's licence. Apply in person at ServiceOntario.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The CRA treats your first year as a tax resident as your newcomer year. You can apply for some benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit, before you file your first tax return.
    canada.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Driving & cars

Licence exchange, graduated licensing, insurance and buying a used car.

  • Ontario exchanges licences from all Canadian provinces and territories and from a set list of countries, including the US, UK, Australia and Japan. India is not on the list.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • From July 1, 2026, drivers from countries without an exchange agreement can claim up to 12 months of driving experience. They need an original, valid foreign licence and may also need an authentication letter.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • New drivers go through three stages: G1 (knowledge test), G2 (after a road test), then a full G. Each stage usually lasts 12 months. Take tests at a DriveTest centre.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • FSRA says: "In Ontario, all motorists are legally required to have auto insurance." Carry proof of insurance (the 'pink slip') while driving.
    fsrao.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • Sellers of a used vehicle must give the buyer a Used Vehicle Information Package. It shows the vehicle's Ontario registration history, any liens and its condition status.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Where people live in Ottawa

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 1 Oct 2025. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Downtown (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Downtown', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,601
2 bedroomCA$2,021
Near the centreSingles
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Sandy Hill/Lowertown (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Sandy Hill/Lowertown', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,705
2 bedroomCA$2,119
Near the centre
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Glebe/Old Ottawa South (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Glebe/Old Ottawa South', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,778
2 bedroomCA$2,073
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Chinatown/Hintonburg/Westboro N (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Chinatown/Hintonburg/Westboro N', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,682
2 bedroomCA$2,152
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Vanier (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Vanier', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,407
2 bedroomCA$1,518
Lower rent
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Carlington/Iris (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Carlington/Iris', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,375
2 bedroomCA$1,666
Lower rent
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Alta Vista (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Alta Vista', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,605
2 bedroomCA$1,907
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Hunt Club/South Keys (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Hunt Club/South Keys', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,440
2 bedroomCA$1,768
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Nepean (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Nepean', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,581
2 bedroomCA$1,856
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Gloucester North/Orleans (CMHC zone)

CMHC Rental Market Survey zone 'Gloucester North/Orleans', Ottawa
1 bedroomCA$1,638
2 bedroomCA$1,886
Source: Average Rent by Bedroom Type by Zone — CMHC Rental Market Survey ↗

Average monthly rent in purpose-built rental apartments (row and apartment structures) by CMHC survey zone, October 2025. This covers all occupied and vacant units, including long-time tenants, so it is lower than the asking rent for a newly listed unit.

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs & work

Job search, labour market data, credentials and your rights at work.

  • Job Bank is Canada's national employment service. Use it to search job postings and find labour market information.
    jobbank.gc.ca ↗
  • Job Bank's labour market pages give an overview of conditions by province. You can also look up an occupation's wages, prospects and job requirements.
    jobbank.gc.ca ↗
  • If your occupation is regulated, contact its regulatory body in your province to begin foreign credential recognition. The federal Foreign Credential Recognition Tool helps you check this.
    canada.ca ↗
  • Ontario supports internationally trained workers through Ontario Bridge Training, Skilled Trades Ontario trade assessments, Health Force Ontario and Global Experience Ontario.
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • Ontario's Employment Standards Act sets rules on minimum wage, hours of work, public holidays, vacation, leaves and termination.
    ontario.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Universities & colleges

Public universities and colleges in Ottawa, and study permit basics.

  • Ontario's list of public universities includes two in Ottawa: Carleton University and the University of Ottawa.
    ontario.ca ↗
  • The University of Ottawa calls itself the largest English-French bilingual university in the world. It reports about 49,000 students.
    uottawa.ca ↗
  • Carleton University is at 1125 Colonel By Drive, beside the Rideau Canal. It reports over 30,600 students.
    carleton.ca ↗
  • Ontario's public college list includes Algonquin College and La Cité collégiale. Full-time applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca.
    ontario.ca ↗
Show 1 more
  • To apply for a study permit, you need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI). Check that your post-secondary school is on IRCC's DLI list.
    canada.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Newcomer support

Free settlement help from the government and the library.

  • IRCC's 'Find free newcomer services near you' tool lists government-funded settlement organizations. Eligibility depends on your status. From April 1, 2026, economic-class permanent residents can use these services only for a limited time.
    ircc.canada.ca ↗
  • Settlement.Org gives newcomers information for settling in Ontario. It is funded by IRCC and the Province of Ontario and managed by OCASI.
    settlement.org ↗
  • Ottawa Public Library offers newcomers help getting a library card, free events, materials in many languages and programs to improve English or French.
    biblioottawalibrary.ca ↗
  • The OCDSB runs English as a Second Language and LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes for adults.
    ocdsb.ca ↗
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

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