Life in Ottawa

Canada is respected as one of the most peaceful nations in the world, with Ottawa being known as one of the safest cities in Canada. With a population of 1 million residents, Ottawa prides itself on providing a safe environment for all.

Listed below is some key information about Life in Ottawa:

Located in the heart of Canada's picturesque capital, Ottawa's rich history in gastronomy and flair for French architecture makes it the perfect venue to invest in a premier culinary arts education. The campus is situated in downtown Ottawa within the Sandy Hill Area, named one of the best places to live in Canada.

The neighbourhood has easy access to public transit and to the highway along with several bike paths to accommodate easy transportation. A multicultural city, boarding Québec, with endless events and activities, Ottawa is a modern and attractive city. Within walking distance of downtown Ottawa, you can visit Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Public transit in the Capital is through OC Transpo. OC Transpo has a large bus network and newly developped light rail train to take you around the city. Student discounts are available, check the website for eligibility and costs.
Taxi Services in Ottawa include:

• Blue Line
• Capital Taxi
• West-Way Taxi
• Uber
• Lyft

A student's life is more than "just school"; it's about experiencing our city, our culture and our country. Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa is dedicated to providing the complete student experience. We organize numerous events throughout the year so you can enjoy your time away from home, make lasting relationships and take in all that is Canada! Past student events include:

• Horse-drawn carriage ride through a sugar bush
• Attending an Ottawa Senators hockey game
• Wine-tasting tours through Prince Edward County
• Tour of the historic Byward Market

With a solid reputation within the City of Ottawa, Le Cordon Bleu participates in many events for which we offer student volunteer opportunities. From events at local embassies where you could rub elbows with the city's elite, to assisting local Chefs in their own kitchens, to preparing and/or serving food at charity fundraisers and other business or cultural events. Sign up to volunteer and experience all the opportunities we have to offer!

Be prepared for all weather conditions, Ottawa has the FULL four seasons and temperatures range from -30 to +30 degrees Celsius (heads up!).

Recent changes to the Canadian Student Visa Program now permit international students to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Canada. Additionally, these students may also work full time in between school terms.

Study permit holders in Canada may gain work experience by working off campus while completing their studies.

As of June 1, 2014, you may qualify to work off campus without a work permit. If you qualify, your study permit will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week:

• during regular academic sessions and
• full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.

To qualify, you must:

• have a valid study permit,
• be a full-time student,
• be enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level or, in Quebec, a vocational program at the secondary level, and
• be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration.

Read more about the details of the program:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-offcampus.asp

Ottawa is a very affordabe city when compared to other major international cities.
Basic living cost in Ottawa starts from $800CDN per month, and can be lowered with shared occupancy.

Enjoy the vibrant urban oasis of the Byward Market, a pedestrian market centre in the heart of downtown. The market offers year-round farmers' markets specialty food shops, restaurants and nightlife, and fantastic unique retailers selling wares from jewellery to clothing and furniture. Just steps away, you will find the Rideau Centre, the city's premier downtown shopping complex featuring over 180 stores as well as Sussex Avenue featuring upscale retailers and boutiques.

With options like boating on the Ottawa River, skating the Rideau Canal, skiing in the Gatineaus, biking along the Rideau, golfing in one of several beautiful golf courses or horeseback riding in the pretty countryside surrounding the Ottawa area, the opportunities for activites are endless in the beautiful part of the country.