A family-friendly guide to Ottawa

We’ve put together a family-friendly Ottawa guide! As a recent arrival to Ottawa, you should be aware of the abundance of family-friendly events and activities the city has to offer. Many of Canada’s most important historical and cultural sites, including Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, are located in Ottawa, the country’s capital. However, Ottawa also has a lot of family-friendly events and activities all year long. Festivals, outdoor activities, and age-appropriate educational museums are available to families. Parks and trails offer ideal locations for bicycling and picnics. Centennial Moving will list some of the top kid-friendly activities in this Ottawa family travel guide. Additionally, this guide can give you suggestions for the ideal family weekend. Searching for day trips, parks, museums, or festivals? This all-inclusive family vacation to Ottawa.

Welcome to ultimate family guide to visiting Ottawa!

Welcome to a vibrant and family‑friendly city! Ottawa, with over one million residents, ranks as Canada’s fourth‑largest municipality and a wonderful place for families. Whether you’re relocating from a neighborhood or from across the country, trusted cross country moving companies Canada can ensure your move to Ottawa is very easy.

A Maclean’s survey named Ottawa the best Canadian city to raise a family. The city supports growing families with excellent education, strong healthcare, and affordable living. You’ll discover over 200 parks and trails for year‑round outdoor fun. As of 2025, Ottawa expects a population of 1,126,300.

Ottawa’s museums and galleries spark curiosity in both kids and adults. Families can enjoy skating, biking, and boating. Ottawa has something for everyone. If you choose Ottawa as your family home, you’ve made a great decision. For a smooth move, rely on relocation services in Canada to assist. Your exciting new life in Ottawa awaits!

Ottawa is one of the best family-friendly cities in Canada!

Experience family life and community spirit in Ottawa

In Ottawa, there is a strong sense of family and community, and work and play must be balanced. Ottawa is a great place for families because of its strong healthcare system, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods. The best schools in Ottawa for your kids are Ashbury College, Lisgar Collegiate, and Colonel By.

There are plenty of family-friendly activities available. In the winter, you can toboggan in nearby parks following a fresh snowfall or skate on the Rideau Canal. Families love biking along the Ottawa River Pathway or hiking in Gatineau Park during the summer.

For enjoyable and interactive learning, visit the Children’s Museum or the Canadian Museum of Nature. For fun for all ages, check out local events like the Canadian Tulip Festival or Winterlude. Children of all ages can participate in summer reading programs, craft sessions, and storytelling at public libraries. Recognize that Ottawa offers everything you require for a contented and joyful existence. For every member of your family, this is a true community rather than just a city. When it’s time to make the move, find a long distance movers Ottawa to help your family settle in smoothly.

What are the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Ottawa?

These are a few of Ottawa’s greatest family-friendly neighborhoods. Think about which neighborhood is ideal for raising kids if you’re relocating to Ottawa with family. Every neighborhood has its own amenities, charm, and proximity to parks and schools.

Westboro

There are many parks and green areas in this hip neighborhood, including McKellar Park and Byron Linear Park. Westboro Beach, neighborhood stores, and bike routes alongside the Ottawa River are popular with families. Additionally, Westboro boasts year-round community events and walkable streets.

Barrhaven

Families with small children frequently choose this neighborhood. Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School and John McCrae Secondary School are two excellent schools in the area. Families also value the quiet streets, sports complexes, and sizable shopping malls.

Orléans

Despite being further from Ottawa’s downtown, this area offers a lot of family-friendly spots and recreational opportunities. Shenkman Arts Centre, Millennium Sports Park, and Petrie Island Park are well-liked locations. The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum’s historical exhibits and outdoor activities make it a popular destination for families.

Ottawa has a lot to offer, as you can see! Because Ottawa is more fun, family-friendly, and reasonably priced, many people relocate there from Toronto. If you’re planning a move, long distance movers Toronto can help make your transition smooth and stress-free. Ottawa offers neighborhoods that suit your family’s interests and needs, regardless of your lifestyle.

Best family activities as a part of a family-friendly guide to Ottawa

Ottawa is a wonderful city for families. It offers a wide range of activities perfect for kids of all ages. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or educational fun, Ottawa has something for every family member. Families can spend weekends exploring or relaxing—there’s never a shortage of things to do here.

Ottawa is a lovely city with lots of fun family activities!

Here is the summary of some of the most popular family activities you can enjoy:

• Visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature is among the top family-friendly things to do in Ottawa.
• Walking calmly beside the Rideau Canal,
• Visiting the Canada Science and Technology Museum’s interactive displays and enjoying a pleasant summer day at Calypso Waterpark.
• Additionally, you can bike along beautiful trails, paddle the Ottawa River, or hike in Gatineau Park. For families who enjoy the outdoors, the park has picnic areas, fishing spots, and stunning views.
• For culture lovers, Ottawa is home to events like the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Winterlude, and Canada Day celebrations.
• Families love the lively festivals and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere in every season.

As you can see, Ottawa is a fun place with unforgettable moments for every generation!

Before choosing a mover for your relocation, be sure to familiarize yourself with the 5 key traits of reliable professional movers.

All you need to know about Ottawa

If you intend to relocate to Ottawa, we’ve included helpful information. For both newcomers and families, Ottawa provides an excellent balance of safety, convenience, and quality of life. First of all, you should be aware that Ottawa has many accessible neighborhoods and is a very walkable city. Many locals, particularly in central locations like Centretown and the Glebe, can get around with ease without a car. For a seamless move, take into account Canadian auto shipping services if you choose to bring a car. OC Transpo provides a vast bus and light rail public transportation network for longer commutes. More than 800 kilometers of connected bike paths allow you to ride a bike through Ottawa.

Another thing to consider before moving is the weather. Pack clothing for every season because Ottawa experiences cold, snowy winters and hot, muggy summers. Summer days can reach over 30°C, while winter temperatures frequently fall below -10°C. To enjoy outdoor activities all year long, always check for seasonal updates and dress appropriately. And keep in mind to eco pack your belongings when moving. This city combines nature, urban life, and family-friendly infrastructure—ideal for building a new life.

This family-friendly guide to Ottawa can be of great help to you after your move, so keep it handy!

Why Ottawa is a budget-friendly city for residents

Additionally, compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Ottawa is typically thought to be more affordable. The average monthly cost of living, which includes necessities like housing, food, and transportation, is about $1,872 per person. Modern downtown apartments and condos as well as roomy single-family homes in peaceful suburbs are among the available housing options. Sandy Hill and Centretown are two neighborhoods that offer lively city living close to eateries, retail establishments, and cultural attractions.

Family-friendly neighborhoods with parks, schools, and bigger yards can be found in suburbs like Barrhaven and Kanata. You can find something that suits your budget because rental costs vary by location and type of property. Families can save money because transportation, groceries, and utilities are typically less expensive than in larger cities. Ottawa is appealing to newcomers because of its high standard of living and reasonable cost of living.

There is housing in Ottawa to suit every lifestyle and budget, whether you like the bustle of the city or the peace and quiet of the suburbs. With a variety of affordable housing options, this city welcomes professionals, families, and students.

And finally, enjoy what Ottawa has to offer!

As you can see, Ottawa is a great place for families who wish to experience everything that Canada has to offer. That is among the primary causes of the large number of people who relocate from Winnipeg to Ottawa. Visitors of all ages are drawn to the city by its world-class attractions, lively culture, and rich history. All year long, families love going to museums, parks, festivals, and outdoor events. We hope that this Ottawa family vacation guide has inspired you to plan a fantastic family getaway. Never forget that we are always available to assist you with any plans or inquiries you may have.

With so much to explore, Ottawa extends a warm welcome to you and your family!