Ottawa city guide
For newcomers & families
Where the community is: Barrhaven, Kanata and the Bank Street corridor have many South Asian restaurants and grocers.
Health coverage
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with proof of status, residency and identity.
Driver’s licence
Ontario driver’s licence (ServiceOntario / DriveTest)
Licences from some countries can be exchanged; others start the graduated G1 → G2 → G process. Bring a letter of driving experience from your home country.
Getting around
OC Transpo (O-Train)
Pay with a PRESTO card.
Schools
Ottawa-Carleton DSB
Ottawa Catholic SB
Public school is free for children of permanent residents and most work- and study-permit holders.
Free newcomer help
OCISO
Catholic Centre for Immigrants
Settlement.Org (Ontario)
Free settlement services help with jobs, English or French classes, housing and paperwork.
First steps in Canada
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Canada Child Benefit for families
Open a bank account and get a local phone number in week one.
Read the full newcomer checklist →
Festivals & events
Diwali and Eid celebrations, plus Canada-wide cultural events on Parliament Hill.
Rules and programs change; always confirm on the official site before you apply.
Local directory
🍛 Indian restaurants
🍢 Pakistani restaurants
🥥 Sri Lankan restaurants
🥟 Nepali restaurants
🍬 Sweet shops & bakeries
🛒 South Asian grocery stores
🙏 Gurdwaras
🛕 Hindu temples
👗 Ethnic wear & jewellery
💅 Beauty salons, threading & henna
Some listing details come from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and may be out of date. Own one of these businesses? Add or update your listing for free.
