🌍 Overview
Ottawa, Canada has emerged as a hidden gem for digital nomads, offering an excellent blend of affordability, community, and infrastructure. As a remote work hub, Ottawa has attracted a growing number of digital nomads who appreciate its laid-back vibe, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings. With a digital nomad infrastructure score of 45/100, Ottawa has made significant strides in recent years to cater to the needs of remote workers, from coworking spaces to high-speed internet.
One of the main draws for nomads is the city’s relatively low cost of living, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $928/month. This, combined with an average restaurant meal costing around $11.5 and a coffee setting you back around $2.6, makes Ottawa an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their dollars further. Additionally, the city’s English proficiency level is high, making it easy for foreign visitors to navigate and communicate.
However, it’s essential to set realistic expectations. Ottawa’s social and nightlife scene scores a relatively low 31/100, which means that those looking for a vibrant party scene might find themselves a bit disappointed. On the other hand, the city’s cultural attractions, including its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, score a respectable 40/100. Nature lovers will appreciate the city’s proximity to the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
1. The Glebe
The Glebe is a charming neighborhood with a strong sense of community. This upscale area is known for its beautiful parks, tree-lined streets, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. The vibe is family-friendly and relaxed, making it an excellent choice for nomads who want to experience a more traditional Canadian neighborhood.
Pros: Safe, family-friendly atmosphere, plenty of green spaces, and a relaxed vibe.
Cons: Some areas can be quite hilly, and parking can be a challenge.
2. Elgin Street
Elgin Street is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood in the heart of downtown Ottawa. This area is known for its lively bars, restaurants, and cafes, making it an excellent spot for socializing and networking. The street is lined with coworking spaces, including the popular WeWork Ottawa.
Pros: Central location, plenty of coworking spaces, and a lively atmosphere.
Cons: Can be noisy, especially at night, and parking can be a challenge.
3. Little Italy
Little Italy is a charming neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage. This area is known for its delicious Italian food, lively restaurants, and vibrant street art. The vibe is eclectic and laid-back, making it an excellent choice for nomads who want to experience the city’s cultural diversity.
Pros: Delicious food, vibrant street art, and a lively atmosphere.
Cons: Some areas can be quite narrow and crowded, and parking can be a challenge.
4. Centretown
Centretown is a bustling neighborhood in the heart of downtown Ottawa. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife, lively bars, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. The vibe is energetic and social, making it an excellent spot for nomads who want to experience the city’s nightlife.
Pros: Central location, plenty of coworking spaces, and a lively atmosphere.
Cons: Can be noisy, especially at night, and parking can be a challenge.
Digital Nomad Guide
Ottawa has a growing number of coworking spaces catering to digital nomads. Some of the most popular options include:
- WeWork Ottawa (approx. $450/month)
- The Work Exchange (approx. $300/month)
- The Ottawa Coworking Space (approx. $200/month)
All of these spaces offer high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and a community of like-minded individuals.
The nomad community scene in Ottawa is thriving, with several popular meetups and events throughout the month. Some of the most popular groups include:
- Ottawa Digital Nomads (Facebook group)
- Ottawa Remote Workers (Facebook group)
- Ottawa Coworking Meetup (Meetup.com)
For remote workers, Ottawa offers a range of visa options, including the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which allows foreign workers to live and work in Canada for up to 2 years.
Best cafes to work from include:
- The Black Squirrel (vibe: cozy, wifi quality: excellent, power outlets: abundant)
- The Coffee Roasters (vibe: industrial, wifi quality: good, power outlets: limited)
- The Bridgehead Coffee (vibe: relaxed, wifi quality: good, power outlets: abundant)
For visa requirements, digital nomads should consult the Canadian government’s official website or consult with the relevant authorities.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Ottawa has a unique cultural landscape, shaped by its rich history and vibrant arts scene. Some of the must-see attractions include:
- The National Gallery of Canada (free admission)
- The Canadian Museum of History (free admission)
- The Byward Market (vibrant street art, eclectic shops, and delicious food)
The city’s food scene is known for its delicious Canadian cuisine, including poutine, beaver tails, and Montreal-style bagels. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Poutine at Frite Alors (approx. $10)
- Beaver tails at BeaverTails (approx. $5)
- Montreal-style bagels at Bagel World (approx. $5)
Nightlife in Ottawa is relatively low-key, but there are several popular spots for socializing and networking. Some of the most popular bars include:
- The Whales Rib Pub (live music, craft beer)
- The Elgin Street Diner (vibrant atmosphere, creative cocktails)
- The Byward Market Pub (live music, pub grub)
Arts and cultural attractions in Ottawa include:
- The Ottawa Jazz Festival (June)
- The Ottawa Bluesfest (July)
- The Ottawa International Film Festival (November)
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the Parliament Hill for a stunning view of the city (free admission)
- Explore the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (free admission)
- Hike in Gatineau Park, just outside the city (free admission)
- Visit the Canadian Museum of History for a glimpse into the country’s rich history (free admission)
- Experience the city’s vibrant street art scene in the Byward Market (free admission)
💡 Practical Tips
For visa requirements, digital nomads should consult the Canadian government’s official website or consult with the relevant authorities.
Getting around Ottawa is relatively easy, with several public transportation options, including buses and a light rail system. Some of the most popular transportation apps include:
- OC Transpo (public transportation app)
- Uber (ride-hailing app)
- Lyft (ride-hailing app)
Safety considerations in Ottawa include:
- Avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit areas
- Keep valuables secure and be mindful of pickpocketing
- Follow local advice and instructions in case of an emergency
Best time to visit Ottawa is during the spring and summer months (April-September), when the weather is mild and there are plenty of festivals and events.
