Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is located in southeastern Ontario. Originally a trading and lumber town, Ottawa became the capital in 1867. Due to its location between English-speaking Ontario and French-speaking Québec, Ottawa is one of the most bilingual cities in Canada. The metropolitan area spans the Ottawa River, providing scenic views throughout the city.
The federal government is Ottawa’s largest employer, with additional jobs in technology and telecommunications. The University of Ottawa and Carleton University are both located in the city.
Residents enjoy extensive parks and green space, including the Rideau Canal, which fills with boats in summer and becomes the world’s longest skating rink in winter. Major’s Hill Park offers scenic walks near museums and historic buildings, while Walter Baker Park is a favourite among dog owners. Dining options include French cuisine at Absinthe, casual meals at the Brig Pub, and family-owned favourites like Cumberland Pizza.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is a popular winter attraction.
The Alexandra Bridge in Ottawa
The Ottawa skyline
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Ottawa, ON is $1,474 for a studio, $1,777 for one bedroom, $2,253 for two bedrooms, and $2,532 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Ottawa has decreased by -0.4% in the past year.
Five Most Affordable Neighbourhoods in Ottawa, ON
Looking for affordable neighbourhoods in Ottawa? Compare rent prices and lifestyles in East Central, Downtown, Westboro, Orleans, and Nepean Kanata.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for an Apartment?
While most approvals take 1–3 days, small mistakes can slow things down.
How to Prepare Your Apartment for a Long Vacation
Use this week-by-week vacation checklist to leave worry-free and come home to a ready apartment.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Ottawa, ON is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Good Public Transit
Transit
Very Drivable
Drivability
Moderately Bikeable
Bikeability
École Élémentaire Publique Charlotte Lemieux
Public
Grades K-5
St Elizabeth Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
Public
Grades K-5
Public
Grades K-5
Woodroffe Avenue Public School
Public
Grades K-5
École Secondaire Catholique Paul-Desmarais
Public
Grades 9-12
Public
Grades 9-12
École Secondaire Catholique Franco-Cité
Public
Grades 9-12
Public
Grades 9-12
Public
Grades 9-12
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
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† Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
