Is Ottawa Really The Most Boring Capital?

Summary

Explore the charm of Ottawa, Canada's capital, with its blend of old-world nostalgia and modern vibrancy. This video offers insights into Ottawa's culture, economy, and cost of living. Discover the city's history, job opportunities, and the Christmas magic during winter. Learn about its bilingualism, youthful population, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Experience Ottawa's winter festivals, outdoor activities, and renowned museums. Get a glimpse of the city's job market, focusing on government, life sciences, and technology sectors, and consider the affordability compared to other major Canadian cities.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Ottawa is Canada's capital, chosen for its strategic location on the border between Quebec and Ontario, aiming to be fair to both English and French populations.
• ❄️ Known for its cold winters, Ottawa is the seventh coldest capital in the world, with snow removal being a significant aspect of city life.
• 🏛️ The Parliament building is a central landmark, undergoing a renovation expected to be completed by 2028, costing billions of dollars.
• 🌐 Ottawa is a bilingual city with a 44% bilingualism rate, and the government sector is a major employer, requiring bilingualism for many positions.
• 🌳 The city offers a mix of urban and rural living, with a population of around 1 million, making it one of the youngest cities in Canada.
• 🏘️ Housing in Ottawa is more affordable compared to other major Canadian cities, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $1700 per month.
• 🎓 Ottawa ranks as one of the most educated cities in Canada, with a high number of scientists, engineers, and PhDs per capita.
• 💼 Job opportunities are abundant in sectors like government, life sciences, healthcare, and technology, with companies like Shopify and Microsoft present.
• 🌸 The city hosts over 35 major festivals, including the Canadian Tulip Festival and the Canada Day Festival, showcasing its vibrant cultural scene.
• 🚌 Public transit in Ottawa is comprehensive, with a monthly pass costing $120, and the city is quite walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets.

Q & A

Why was Ottawa chosen as the capital of Canada?

Ottawa was chosen as the capital because it is conveniently located at the border between Quebec and Ontario, the two provinces making up Canada at the time. Queen Victoria decided to be fair to both English and French communities.

What is the historical significance of the Ottawa River in the city's development?

The Ottawa River was crucial for the city's development due to its natural resources, which supported extensive trading and lumbering communities. It also facilitated the city's growth into one of the largest milling operations in the world during the 1860s.

How does Ottawa blend its culture and politics?

Ottawa intertwines culture and politics by maintaining its old nostalgic feeling while embracing modernity. It is home to the federal government and has a rich history, which contributes to its unique vibe compared to other Canadian cities.

What is the significance of the Parliament building in Ottawa?

The Parliament building is significant as it is the seat of the federal government and a major employer in the city, employing over 20 percent of Ottawa's residents. It is also undergoing a major renovation expected to be completed in 2028.

What is the bilingualism rate in Ottawa, and how does it affect residents?

The bilingualism rate in Ottawa is at 44 percent. Residents can generally get by speaking just one of the official languages, but for government jobs, bilingualism is required.

What is the population demographic of Ottawa like?

Ottawa has a population of around 1 million, with nearly half being under the age of 35 and an average age of 40, making it one of the youngest cities in Canada. It attracts young professionals and families seeking a balance between urban and rural living.

How does Ottawa's climate affect its residents and the city's activities?

Ottawa's cold winters, sometimes with temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius, require residents to be well-prepared with winter clothing. The city offers various winter activities like ice skating on the Rideau Canal and skiing to keep residents engaged.

What are some of the major festivals in Ottawa?

Ottawa hosts around 35 major festivals, including the Canadian Tulip Festival, which commemorates the Canadian troops' role in World War II and the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa, and the Canada Day Festival on July 1st, which features a grand fireworks show.

What are the job opportunities like in Ottawa?

Ottawa offers job opportunities in various sectors, with the government being the largest employer. It is also a hub for life sciences, healthcare, technology, and tourism, with companies like Shopify, Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle having a presence in the city.

How does the cost of living in Ottawa compare to other major Canadian cities?

While Ottawa is more affordable than some of the top five largest cities in Canada, it is not cheap, especially considering the capital's status and ongoing renovations. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,700 per month, with other monthly expenses excluding rent estimated at around $1,300.

Outlines

00:00

🗼 Introduction to Ottawa's Winter Charm

The video welcomes viewers to Ottawa, Canada's capital, during the winter holidays, showcasing its blend of old and modern vibes. It highlights the city's unique position as a compromise between Quebec and Ontario and its historical significance, including how it became the capital in 1857. The video sets the stage for exploring Ottawa's culture, economy, job opportunities, and cost of living, all while emphasizing the city's Christmas charm and natural snowy beauty.

05:04

🏙️ Ottawa's History and Demographics

This section delves into Ottawa's history, from its early days as a fur trade center to becoming one of the world's largest milling operations in the 1860s. It discusses how the city's strategic location and interconnectivity made it an appealing choice for Queen Victoria. The video also covers Ottawa's bilingual nature, its youthful population, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Additionally, it touches on the city's climate, being the seventh coldest capital in the world, and the various winter activities available, such as the world's longest naturally frozen skating rink and winter festivals.

10:06

🌸 Ottawa's Festivals and Museums

The video highlights Ottawa's vibrant festival scene, with over 35 major festivals throughout the year, including the Canadian Tulip Festival and the Canada Day Festival. It emphasizes the city's cultural richness and the role of museums, with more than 14 museums and 7 out of 9 National museums located in Ottawa. The video also discusses the city's economic drivers, with a focus on government employment, life sciences, healthcare, and technology, positioning Ottawa as a hub for research and innovation.

15:07

💼 Job Opportunities and Cost of Living in Ottawa

This part of the video focuses on job opportunities in Ottawa, with the government being the largest employer, followed by life sciences, healthcare, and technology. It mentions the city's ranking as one of the top talent hubs in North America and its status as the most educated city in Canada. The video then discusses the cost of living, including housing, utilities, transportation, and taxes, comparing Ottawa's affordability to other major Canadian cities. It concludes with a summary of Ottawa's appeal as a city that offers a blend of urban and rural living, with a safe and compact environment suitable for families and young professionals.

🏡 Ottawa's Vibe and Lifestyle

The final section captures the essence of Ottawa's unique urban and laid-back vibe, emphasizing its cultural diversity and the variety of activities available. It positions Ottawa as an attractive city for future lawmakers, ambitious students, and families seeking a safe and compact environment. The video also notes Ottawa's convenient location between Toronto and Montreal, making it an ideal base for road trips. It invites viewers to share their thoughts on Ottawa and ends with a call to action for subscriptions and likes.

Keywords

💡Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, known for its blend of old and modern vibes. The video explores Ottawa's unique position as a capital, chosen to be fair to both English and French-speaking provinces, and its historical significance in trade and lumbering. The city's role as the political center of Canada is highlighted by the presence of the Parliament building and the federal government as the city's largest employer.

💡Bilingualism

Bilingualism in Ottawa refers to the city's official language policy supporting both English and French. The video mentions that Ottawa is a truly bilingual city with a 44% bilingualism rate. This is important for residents, especially those working for the government, where bilingualism is often a requirement. The city's bilingual nature reflects Canada's commitment to cultural diversity and inclusiveness.

💡Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is the location of the Parliament of Canada and a significant symbol of Canadian democracy. The video discusses the Parliament building's renovation, which is costing three billion dollars and is expected to be completed by 2028. It also mentions the Canadian flag atop the Peace Tower, which is replaced every weekday, symbolizing national pride and the city's status as the political heart of the country.

💡ByWard Market

ByWard Market is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood in Ottawa, serving as a major attraction for tourists. The video describes it as a place to experience authentic Ottawan culture, suggesting that it is a hub for local arts, food, and community life. It exemplifies the city's ability to intertwine culture and politics while maintaining a modern and lively atmosphere.

💡Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ottawa is a significant topic in the video, which provides insights into the affordability of the city compared to other major Canadian cities. It discusses the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment, utility expenses, public transit, and car insurance. The video positions Ottawa as a more affordable option for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and a comfortable lifestyle.

💡Economy and Job Opportunities

The video delves into Ottawa's economy and job opportunities, emphasizing the government as the largest employer and the city's strengths in life sciences, healthcare, and technology. It mentions companies like Shopify, Microsoft, and IBM, and refers to Ottawa as a talent hub and the most educated city in Canada, indicating a thriving job market for professionals and a focus on innovation and research.

💡Diversity

Diversity in Ottawa is touched upon in the video, noting that it is one of the least diverse cities in Canada with only 23% of the population identifying as visible minorities. The largest immigrant communities are Arab, Chinese, and South European. This aspect of Ottawa's demographic profile is contrasted with its cultural institutions and festivals, suggesting a city that is working to balance its historical roots with contemporary multiculturalism.

💡Winter Festivals

Winter festivals are a key aspect of Ottawa's cultural life, as highlighted in the video. It mentions the Winterlude festival, which transforms the city into a winter wonderland with ice carving, snow playgrounds, and performances. The city's embrace of winter activities, such as skating on the Rideau Canal and skiing, showcases its ability to offer entertainment and community engagement during the cold season.

💡Museums

Museums play a significant role in Ottawa's cultural landscape, with the video noting that there are more than 14 museums in the city, including seven national museums. The Canadian History Museum is highlighted as the most visited, indicating the city's commitment to preserving and showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage.

💡Climate

Ottawa's climate is characterized by cold winters and mild summers, as described in the video. It mentions that Ottawa is ranked the seventh coldest capital in the world, with winter temperatures often dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius. This climatic feature influences the city's infrastructure, such as snow removal services, and recreational activities, emphasizing the importance of adapting to and enjoying the city's seasonal changes.

Highlights

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, chosen for its strategic location at the border between Quebec and Ontario provinces.

The city's name is believed to originate from the Algonquin word 'adawe', meaning 'to trade', reflecting its historical significance in fur trade.

Ottawa became the capital of Canada in 1857 and has since grown into one of the largest cities in the country.

The city is known for its blend of old and modern vibes, especially during the winter holidays.

Ottawa is home to the federal government, which is the city's largest employer, accounting for over 20% of the residents' jobs.

The Parliament building is undergoing a renovation expected to cost three billion dollars and last until 2028.

Ottawa is a bilingual city with a 44% bilingualism rate, and bilingualism is often required for government jobs.

The city has a population of around 1 million, with nearly half being under the age of 35, making it one of the youngest cities in Canada.

Ottawa is one of the least diverse cities in Canada, with only 23% of people identifying as visible minorities.

The city is known for its cold winters, ranking as the seventh coldest capital in the world.

Ottawa hosts the Winterlude festival, one of the oldest winter festivals, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.

The city is home to the Red Dog Canal's Gateway, the longest naturally frozen skating rink in the world.

Ottawa has a thriving technology industry with major tech companies like Shopify, Microsoft, and IBM.

The city consistently ranks as one of the best cities in Canada to live in, attracting young professionals and families.

The cost of living in Ottawa is more affordable compared to the top five largest cities in Canada, with a median household income of seventy-seven thousand dollars.

Ottawa's public transit system includes buses and Light Rail trains, with a monthly pass costing one hundred and twenty dollars.

The city is located between Toronto and Montreal, making it a convenient base for road trips.

Transcripts

bonjour hi and welcome to Ottawa

[Music]

that's right today we're exploring the

capital of Canada with its perfect mix

of old and modern Vibes and this video

is going to be special because we're

here right in the heart of Winter

holidays so you'll get to experience the

Christmas charm of Ottawa and also

you'll get to experience Ottawa in its

natural habitat snowing and cold in this

video we're going to talk about three

main aspects of life in Ottawa it's

people and culture its economy and job

opportunities as well as the cost of

living to give you an idea of what it's

like living in Ottawa let's go

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the

way became capital is the most Canadian

thing ever the thing is is that Quebec

and Ontario were the two provinces

making up the country at the time and

Ottawa was conveniently placed right at

the border between two provinces so when

the decision had to be made Queen

Victoria decided to be polite and fair

to both English and French that's how

Ottawa became capital of Canada

Ottawa is also reasonably far away from

the American border which makes it even

more appealing especially considering

the fact that Americans did try to

invade Ottawa twice once known for its

extensive trading and lumbering

Community

Ottawa became the capital of Canada in

1857 and has since grown into one of the

largest cities in the country with the

greater Ottawa area at 4 million

population many believe that the Ottawa

was named after for the Ottawa Nation

however some evidence suggests that it

was named after the Algonquin word adawe

which means to trade which kind of

sounds plausible given the city's

backstory tribes that originally settled

here were best known for the fur trade

thanks to its natural Rivers the city's

area was actually an unnamed campsite

until 1827 when it got its first name by

Town fast forward to the 1860s Ottawa

has become one of the largest Milling

operations in the entire world the grand

trunk Railway and other American rail

networks made Ottawa one of the most

interconnected cities in North America

and that was another perk for Queen

Victoria to make it capital

[Music]

this city does a fantastic job

intertwining culture and politics

encompassing the old nostalgic feeling

of Ottawa while maintaining its

modernity with such a fascinating

history ottawa's Vibe does feel special

especially comparing to hustle and

bustle of Toronto and sophistication of

Montreal if you like this video please

tap the like button below because one

I'm freezing and two this video is going

to get even more interesting now

foreign

[Music]

if you want the Perfect Blend of all the

new buy Work Market is the place to

start your acquaintance with the city

it's attraction number one for tourists

in Ottawa around this place is a vibrant

and colorful neighborhood that spans

over four blocks and this is a perfect

way to get the feel of the authentic

culture in Ottawa

[Music]

all right guys now let's address the

elephant in the room I mean in the city

it's really hard to ignore the gorgeous

Parliament building on the Parliament

Hill as the capital of Canada

Ottawa is home to the federal government

in fact the government is the city's

largest employer employing over 20

percent of the residents so you're bound

to see government officials strolling

the streets and if you're wondering

where your taxes are going the

Parliament building is currently

undergoing a three billion dollar

renovation which is not expected to be

completed until 2028. you know I found

it hard to believe but apparently

another thing that our taxes go towards

is the Canadian flag at the top of the

peace Tower it's replaced every weekday

except for statutory holidays any

Canadian resident can request to receive

one of the previous flags for free but

there is a catch the waiting list is

currently over 100 years long let's

count the amount of Canadian flags I can

see here in the radius of 100 meters one

two three four five six seven eight nine

ten eleven eleven Flags

Ottawa is a truly bilingual city is

bilingualism rate is at 44 you can

certainly get by speaking just one of

the official languages unless you want

to work for the government in which case

you have to be bilingual

although way smaller than Montreal or

Toronto

Ottawa still has this big city feel

without being too overwhelming it's a

good balance between open Green Space

and skyscraper buildings and skyscrapers

aren't that tall in fact there are only

seven buildings in Ottawa that exceed

100 meters in comparison Toronto has

nearly 100 buildings taller than 100

meters it's a great place to settle down

if you want the best of both urban and

rural Worlds the population of Ottawa is

around 1 million people and nearly half

of that population is under the age of

35 and the average age is 40 years old

which makes Ottawa one of the youngest

cities in Canada most of the youngsters

live around by World Market Sandy Hill

and Center town the other half are

families who look to settle down in

urban area that save for Less noisy and

less expensive than the big three some

of the family-friendly neighborhoods

include Orleans Kanata Bar Haven and

Alta Vista

it's also important to mention that you

know here even though technically it's

in Quebec many people still consider it

like an extension of Ottawa just because

it's 14 minutes drive away or a bus ride

and many people commute back and forth

for work or recreational purposes

Ottawa is also one of the least diverse

cities in Canada only 23 percent of

people here identify as visible

minorities and the largest immigrant

communities in Ottawa are Arab Chinese

and South European did you know that the

current prime minister of Canada Justin

Trudeau was born in Ottawa guess he

didn't have to move too far when he got

the job

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

foreign

[Applause]

is in the Confluence of three major

rivers with the most of the city center

spanning across the Ottawa River Winters

here can get pretty cold so cold that

Adam is actually ranked the seventh

coldest capital in the world and it kind

of makes sense with the cold

temperatures and the strong window we

get here if you live in Ottawa let me

know how you feel about the city's snow

removal services because uh there's a

lot of snow here

[Music]

football usually happens in November and

the snowy weather can last until as late

as May on the coldest days you could

expect temperatures going below minus 20

degrees Celsius you definitely need to

pack proper winter clothes before you

come here with these cool temperatures

you absolutely have to keep Winters warm

and fun as much as you can so the Ottawa

people came up with a long list of fun

things to do in the winter

Ottawa is home to the Red Dog Canal's

Gateway which is the longest naturally

Frozen skating rink in the entire world

it's open from late December to late

February and you can experience ice

skating with beautiful views for free if

hitting the slopes is more your style

there are many places around the city

for cross-country ski downhill ski

snowboard tube and toboggan or you can

visit national parks Omega or gatino for

trails with stunning views campsites and

cabins with Wildlife sightings

[Music]

Ottawa is also home to one of the oldest

winter festivals the winter loot during

the month of February every year the

city is transformed into a winter

wonderland with snow playgrounds ice

carving challenges and performances

summer in Ottawa is simply wonderful

June to August is known for sun-filled

days and blue skies on average the

summer months will see highs of 25 to 30

degrees Celsius the Ottawa river is a

popular destination for water adventures

and activities like wild water rafting

or cliff jumping for a more relaxed vibe

there is a handful of beautiful beaches

there is definitely plenty of outdoorsy

things to do and that's not all

[Music]

there are around 35 Major festivals in

Ottawa the Canadian Tulip Festival is

one of the most famous ones located in

Commissioners Park it preserves the

memorable role of the Canadian troops in

the liberation of Netherlands and Europe

as well as it commemorates the birth of

Dutch Princess Margaret in Ottawa during

the World War II the annual Canada Day

Festival on July 1st is also one of the

biggest in all of Canada for obvious

reasons there is no better place to

celebrate the country's birthday than

its capital it's a glorious fireworks

show and celebrations that the entire

city takes part in

Ottawa is also known for its museums

there are more than 14 museums here and

Canadian history museum is the most

visited in the whole country

Ottawa is also home to 7 out of nine

National museums in the whole Canada

which means if you're interested in

something

Ottawa has a museum for it

[Music]

thank you

let's get down to business and talk

about job opportunities in Ottawa we've

already mentioned that the major

employer in the city is the government

of Canada and there's many government

buildings sprinkled all across downtown

Ottawa so if you'd like to start your

political career there is no better

place to do that than in Ottawa life

sciences and Healthcare is the second

largest employer in Ottawa it's a hub

for research development and Innovation

with a world-class research Labs that

consistently make worldwide discoveries

and scientific advancements that is why

the city has more scientists engineers

and phds per capita than any other city

in Canada in 2021 the city climbed into

the top 10 position for ranking the list

of North American talent hubs in fact

Ottawa actually ranks as the most

educated city in the country we're

currently at the campus of the

University of Ottawa and the very cool

thing that we just observed is that

every street here is named after a

famous scientist the technology industry

is also thriving in Ottawa with some of

the top names in Tech like Shopify

Microsoft IBM Oracle

Ottawa has a high performing technology

sector in fact

Ottawa born software companies raised

more money in public markets than any

other city in Canada take that Toronto

sometimes Ottawa is even refer to as the

Silicon Valley of Canada with the

abundance of activities museums and

natural sites tourism in Ottawa is key

economic driver approximately 10 percent

of ottawa's million population are

employed in the sector so if you are

considering Ottawa as your future home

there are plenty of job opportunities

whether you want to join a startup or a

well-established company there are many

job opportunities with decent salaries

Ottawa also consistently ranks as one of

the best cities in Canada to live in so

it's no wonder why so many young

professionals come here with dreams to

land their dream job and start their

families

[Music]

the cost of living is essentially the

most important factor in determining

which city to live in especially in

these times the times of high inflation

and the looming housing crisis

Ottawa lends itself as a more affordable

option especially when we look at the

top five largest cities in Canada but

it's still not cheap it's the capital

city after all and somebody's got to pay

for those Parliament Hill Renovations

and the thousands of Canadian flags on

average a one-bedroom apartment costs

around Seventeen hundred dollars a month

this definitely depends on what area of

the city you want to live in with costs

going higher the closer you get to the

downtown core if you decide to live on

the other side of the river in gatino

your rent will drop by a couple hundred

bucks as for other costs it's estimated

that a person's monthly expense

excluding rent would come to around

thirteen hundred dollars and here is our

breakdown the monthly cost of utility is

for an average household would be around

160 dollars just slightly cheaper than

Toronto and your home internet would be

around 80 dollars

Ottawa has a comprehensive public

transit system with buses and Light Rail

trains and a monthly pass at one hundred

and twenty dollars unlike the top three

cities Ottawa does not have a public

bike sharing service but the good news

is that otherwise pretty walkable with

white sidewalks and pedestrian friendly

streets and most attractions are easily

within walking distance just so you know

today's Christmas day so the city is

empty it's just us and homeless people

if you decide to drive though annual car

insurance in Ontario is the second

highest in Canada the only thing that

makes this fact a little nicer is that

Ottawa car insurance is lower than that

in Toronto so be ready to budget for

approximately twelve hundred dollars per

year that number varies great based on

your driving record

Ottawa is located in the province of

Ontario so expect to pay the Ontario

provincial tax if you decide to live in

the gatino area be careful because you

will be considered a resident of Quebec

and therefore you will have to pay

Quebec income tax which is five to ten

percent higher median household income

in Ottawa according to statscan is

seventy seven thousand dollars

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

is a unique City in itself with the

Perfect Blend of urban and laid back

Vibe with plenty of things to do and

unique culture given as past and present

it's not the most affordable of the

Cities but it's definitely one of the

best ones among the biggest cities in

Canada it's a popular choice for future

lawmakers ambitious students and people

with families who'd like to settle in in

a compact and safe City and it's also

conveniently located between Toronto and

Montreal so if you'd like to do road

trips

Ottawa would be a perfect choice so tell

us what was your favorite part about

Ottawa to learn would you move here and

live here or maybe you're already living

in Ottawa so do let us know what's your

favorite part of the city here please

make sure to subscribe to our channel to

make sure you don't miss any of the

upcoming videos and if this video was

helpful for you hit the like button

below to make sure that more people see

it and we'll see you next time