CPhA Summer Student Positions: Living and Working in Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is the fourth largest urban centre in the country with a population of 865,000. Sitting on the border between Ontario and Quebec, Ottawa lies on the bank of the Ottawa River, where it meets the Rideau Canal and Rideau River. The world’s longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal, plus 850 parks and a wealth of bike and walking paths make Ottawa an excellent city for playing outdoors. A long tradition of culture and entertainment, plus 45 major festivals each year, means there is always something exciting to do.

City of Ottawa visitor’s information
Tourism Ottawa

Room & Board

In the past, students have found a variety of living arrangements. The most popular for the past few years has been the University of Ottawa residences.

Transportation

There are several means to get around Ottawa. Three key methods are:

Public Transportation - OC Transpo & the O-Train
To purchase a student bus pass, proof of enrollment is required.

For additional information, including a travel planner, maps and updated fares, please visit the OC Transpo website.

Cycling:
Ottawa is a great city for cyclists! With over 170km of bike paths in the city, many of them along the scenic rivers and canals, biking is a great way to get to know Ottawa. OC Transpo has also implemented a "Rack & Roll" program, providing bike racks on buses to allow transit riders to bring their bikes with them. Visit the National Capital Commission's Biking Country website for more information on biking in Ottawa. For more information on the Rack & Roll program, visit the OC Transpo website.

Driving:
If you are lucky enough to have a car for the summer, you should be aware of the following:

• It is difficult to park downtown. Allow yourself time to find parking or consider taking the bus.
• Parking at CPhA is limited. If you will require a parking pass let CPhA know as soon as possible.
• For information on carpooling, visit the Ottawa Carpool website.

Attractions

Shopping
Recreation
Events and Festivals
Unique to Ottawa

Shopping

Ottawa's many diverse districts, including the Byward Market, Bank Street, and the Glebe, offer a unique shopping experience. If you prefer shopping malls, we also have those in abundance! Some major shopping malls in Ottawa include the Rideau Centre, St. Laurent Centre, Bayshore Shopping Centre, and Place d'Orleans Shopping Centre.

Recreation

Ottawa is home to many popular recreational activities including golf, boating, water sports, and cycling. There are numerous bike paths throughout Ottawa, many along the city's scenic Ottawa River and Rideau Canal. The city bike paths also support in-line skating. If you're feeling adventurous try the Haunted Walk Inc., a walking tour of haunted spots around Ottawa. The National Capital Commission can help you get to know Ottawa.

Events & Festivals:
The possibilities are endless with events like the Tulip Festival, Bluesfest, Canada Day and the Ottawa Fringe Festival taking place nearly every weekend throughout the summer. There is something for everyone in this beautiful city.

Unique to Ottawa
Ottawa boasts a variety of cultural and historical attractions. Below are some highlights:

Museums and Galleries: Many of Ottawa's museums offer free admission on Thursday evenings and half-price discounts on Sundays. Check with specific museums to ask about special rates. Some of the museums within the Ottawa region include:

• Museum of Civilization highlights Canadian history over the past 10,000 years, special exhibitions, and an IMAX/Omnimax theatre. Also houses the Canadian Children's Museum and the Canadian Postal Museum.
• National Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of Canadian and European art and special exhibitions.
• Canadian Aviation Museum features exhibitions on planes and flying from Canada and around the world.
• Canadian War Museum showcases the military history of Canada.
• Royal Canadian Mint Learn about Canadian currency and see how our money is produced.

Government Sites

• Parliament Hill is the seat of the federal government. Tours take place daily. Parliament Hill features a wide array of statues, stunning views of Gatineau and a shelter for stray cats.
• Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada.
• Laurier House is the historic home of two past prime ministers, Sir Wilfred Laurier and William Lyon MacKenzie King.

• Gatineau Park is an ideal location for all your summer outdoor activities such as bird watching, horseback riding, nature interpretation, hiking and camping.
• Rideau Canal Waterway hosts numerous water-related activities all summer long.

• Somerset Heights is Ottawa's Chinatown, the city's only Asian village.
• Byward Market is our famous outdoor public market that includes vendors ranging from fresh produce to arts and crafts. The district also includes many nightclubs and restaurants.
• The Glebe offers a wealth of shopping, restaurants and character. The area encompasses the Frank Clair Stadium (Lansdowne Park) and the Civic Center. During late May the area also hosts the annual Great Glebe Garage sale.
• Ottawa's Little Italy is located on Preston street. This neighbourhood, with its strong Italian flavour, houses many restaurants and assorted businesses and services.

Neighbouring Cities

Ottawa is situated near several major cities, both within Canada and across the US border. Below are some of the more popular and well-known destinations.

Major means of travel between cities include:

ViaRail - Via offers student discount fares on all trains. You must have an ISIC card to obtain the discounted fares.

Greyhound Bus - Present your student ID when purchasing your tickets to obtain student fares.

Car

Montreal, Quebec
Modes of Travel:

• Car - Distance is 203 km; duration is approximately 2 hours 9 minutes.
• Greyhound bus - Duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes; service is quite frequent.
• Train - Duration is approximately 2 hours.
• Bike - Distance is 219km; route closely follows the Ottawa River.

Toronto, Ontario
Modes of Travel:

• Car - Distance is 476 km; duration is approximately 4 hours 45 minutes.
• Greyhound bus - Duration is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
• Train - Duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

Québec City, Québec:
NOTE: Quebec City is often listed as "Quebec" on transportation websites (such as VIA Rail).
Modes of Travel:

• Car - Distance is 461 km; duration is approximately 4 hours 41 minutes.
• Greyhound bus - Duration is approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes with one transfer.
• Train - Connections are required. You must take the train from Ottawa to Montreal, and then take the train from Montreal to Quebec City (duration: 5 hours 46 minutes) OR take the train from Ottawa to Montreal, then from Montreal to Charny, then from Charny to Quebec City (duration: 7 hours 50 minutes).