HERE’S WHY WE’RE RANKED SO HIGH FOR QUALITY OF LIFE.
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Second best city in Canada to raise a family
With more than 1,000 parks, a low crime rate, extensive public transit, a wealth of family-oriented activities and nature just minutes away, Ottawa is recognized as a place for families to grow and thrive.
Sources: Invest Ottawa, CanadianVisa.org -
Third best city in North America for quality of life
According to Global HR consulting firm Mercer, Ottawa has North America’s 3rd highest quality of living based on:
- Affordable housing compared to other metro areas
- Economic opportunity
- Medical and health system
- Education system
- Public services and transportation
- Recreation
- Housing
- Natural environment
Source: Mercer -
Some of Canada’s best
restaurants and barsFrom shared Ethiopian platters, to Punjabi butter chicken, epic brunch options and craft breweries, Ottawa’s food and drink scene offers endless options. The region’s diverse chefs’, brew masters’ and vintners’ creativity invite you to try something new. Or, to find and frequent a familiar local favourite where everyone knows your name.
Fine dining, food trucks and affordable family festivals can be found in every corner of the city all year round. So whether you’re downtown or in a small town, our food scene has something for every palate.
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Historic towns and villages
Historic towns and villages surround the Ottawa region. Open spaces in the great outdoors and even more affordable housing make towns and villages ideal places to call home with your family.
Enjoy life at a slower pace if you choose. There is also plenty to keep busy, including the music festivals, whitewater kayaking, snowmobiling and ATV trails, farmers’ markets, great dining, vineyards, sports leagues for all ages and more.
Live outside Ottawa in a smaller community or make these great towns day-trip and adventure destinations.
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800+ kilometres of
cycling pathsA vast network of recreational pathways make the Ottawa region a paradise for cycling. Biking in the city and in the nearby countryside gives you easy access to museums and galleries, parks, historic sites and breweries and wineries.
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ANNUAL FESTIVALS, FAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Musicians from around the world, diverse food and cultures, national and local celebrations—the Ottawa region has unique festivals, fairs and special events year round.
Here are just a few highlights.
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Canada Day
On July 1, Parliament Hill hosts the biggest Canada Day party in the country. This epic celebration features live entertainment, family activities and spectacular fireworks.
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Tulip Festival
Welcome spring's warmth at the world's largest festival celebrating tulips, with millions in bloom across the city. The 11-day festival also features fireworks, music, family fun and rich cultural experiences.
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Winterlude
Winterlude is a three-weekend-long celebration of all things wintery. Marvel at intricate ice sculptures, skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and take the kids to the Snowflake Kingdom playground.
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RBC Bluesfest
This annual summer festival is ranked by Billboard Magazine as among the world's top-10 outdoor music festivals. Some 300,000 fans gather for more than 200 acts on multiple stages on the grounds of the Canadian War Museum beside the Ottawa River.
Sources: Invest Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism
