Experience in Ottawa, Canada by natasha

What is it like to live in Ottawa? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Source:

Ottawa is similar to living in a bunch of small towns combined together to make one large city. If you are looking for city life, I would suggest living right downtown Ottawa in either the market or business district. I recommend Ottawa for it's safety and things to do. If you are looking to live outside of Ottawa, the countryside is beautiful.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ottawa?

Students in Ottawa are genuinely nice and informative. If you are looking to go to a university I recommend Carleton University because it is right on the famous Ottawa river. It is in it's own way a town of it's own. It has access to the train and busses that take you right downtown. If you are looking to go to college, Algonquin college is a little more out of downtown but still has access to plenty of amenities such as groceries, entertainment and shopping.

Both schools have direct public transportation to the market, which is where you want to be if partying is a must for you.

How much does it cost to live in Ottawa?

The average cost for apartment varies depending on where you live. I lived in a beautiful one bedroom apartment right downtown in a place called Sandy Hill. 10 minutes away from major shopping plaza, the market (bars), and scenic parks and areas, I paid $1005. 00 a month.

Source:

When I lived outside of the downtown core, I paid $645. 00 for a large one bedroom apartment but the location wasn't the greatest.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ottawa? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not difficult. Check out kigigi.com for listings under accommodation.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Ottawa is known for the famous beaver tail. A sweet snack made of pastry and added condiments. Very similar to the Belgian waffle. Zack's dinner is a 24 hours restaurant where you can eat all the greasy foods you want at 2am after a night out.

There are a lot of chain restaurants in Ottawa as well from fancy attire to casual dress.

I love the sushi in Ottawa. Sushi Kan is a good place to start if you're not sure about eating raw food. It is a buffet meal, a la carte, for $14. Eat as much as you can in a period of an 1 1/2, and the service is fast.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ottawa?

If you're a history buff I recommend Watson's Mill in Manotick. About 15-20 minutes outside of Ottawa, It's a famous old stone mill that used to make bread. Word has it, it's haunted as well.

Source:

The Parliament building's are also great for photo's.

Ottawa also has great bike paths.

Is it good to eat out in Ottawa? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Sushi Kan for sushi, eating out often can become pricey because it is a government city.

Is the nightlife good in Ottawa? Where is good to go?

The market downtown Ottawa, or Barrymores on Elgin street (80's 90's night)

What advice would you give future students heading to Ottawa?

It gets cold in the winter-bundle up. There are some great skiing places around the area also for those outdoorsy, wintery types.

Skating on the Rideau Canal with a Beaver tail is a must.

Source: