Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Ottawa is Canada’s capital, the center of politics and the second-largest city in Ontario. Ottawa is the perfect place to experience Canada’s best attractions, celebrations and flavors in one city.
If you’re considering moving to LGBT Ottawa, chances are high that you’re wondering what life is like here. Ottawa has everything you want, from a unique blend of urban and rural beauty, an LGBT-friendly business environment, year-round outdoor activities, shops and restaurants that cater to queer customers and lively neighborhoods that are easy to love.
Ottawa was actually the location for the country’s first gay and lesbian demonstration, commemorated by a mural aptly named “We Demand.” Ottawa’s gay village, located in downtown Bank Street is also still growing with thriving LGBTQ bars and drag shows on the regular.
Ottawa welcomes all those searching for a progressive, inclusive and liberal place for work, play, and family. You’re not only surrounded by beautiful nature all year round in Ottawa but living here comes with vast diversity and an inviting atmosphere that you or your family should thrive in.
Even better, just like in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and other fabulously gay Canda cities, there is an outsized and often overwhelming gay scene here. Thankfully, this is something a gay realtor in Ottawa can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here.
If you’re thinking about moving to LGBT Ottawa, there’s no need to be intimidated by the prospect of making this big change in your life.
Ottawa has everything you could want from a metropolitan city and more, thanks to its LGBT-friendly business environment, nightlife, neighborhoods full of independent shops and restaurants that cater to queer customers … and a general atmosphere that it’s easy to love even if you’re not queer.
The vast majority of people here are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and it is unlikely you will discover a business, shop or service that won’t serve you with pride.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT Ottawa, as well as how you can make the transition easier on yourself (or with your family) and make sure you’re prepared to enjoy every minute of your new life here! If you need a more nightlife and travel-focused guide detailing all the LGBT clubs, parties, and more, check out our Gay Ottawa Travel Guide.
Moving to LGBT Ottawa is not what you think it is, so leave all of your preconceived notions at the door…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Ottawa
- Does Ottawa Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Ottawa An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Ottawa
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Ottawa
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Ottawa
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Ottawa
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Ottawa
- Finding Gay Realtors In Ottawa
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Ottawa
Think of Ottawa as your typical stodgy capital, only appearing to be semi-active from 9 to 5 on work days. Rethink that!
Ottawa is exciting, modern, friendly, and, dare we say it, seductive. There is always something going on here because of the modest, active, and well-organized homosexual community, which includes activists, professionals, pioneers, and young queer dreamers. Drag shows, poetry readings, bear coffee meetups, pop-up queer takeovers, and more arts and culture than we ever imagined are just a few examples.
Ottawa residents will not be surprised by this news and are already well aware that their fabulous city is full of hidden gems. Once you will live here, you will be able to talk with locals and spend your free time discovering that Ottawa is brimming with culture and captivating sights…
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details. Each city has something special about it. Ottawa is no different. Below are some highlights of moving to Ottawa.
Outdoor Spaces
Ottawa boasts one of the greatest park-to-resident ratios in the country. Parks are littered everywhere in the city, with most neighborhoods within walking distance of a park that has a playground for children. In addition, the city has numerous bigger parks with green areas, such as Gatineau Park, which is ideal for a picnic in the park.
For folks who enjoy outdoor sports and like to get their exercise outdoors, there are several options. Many attractive bike lanes, particularly along our rivers, may be found. If you’re looking for a lengthier hike or ski, the Gatineau Hills are only 10 minutes away.
Lower Crime Rate
While crime is one of the most unfortunate realities of city life, Ottawa is not particularly bad in this regard. The crime rate here is one of the lowest in the country.
In 2018, the city had only 764 violent crime events per 100,000 people, which is 15 percent lower than Ontario and 33 percent lower than the entire country put together. Even better, it appears that overall crime rates here are declining.
Reduced Traffic Congestion
When you relocate to Ottawa, you’ll see that the city experiences rush hour, but it isn’t comparable to that of larger cities. The 401 traverses east to west through downtown. However, with regard to some recent expansions, traffic has decreased.
Most other important roads are slow at their busiest times, but the Prince of Wales Dr entry to Barrhaven is the worst. This road is two-way, which is one of the only roads south of Barrhaven, one of the city’s most important bedroom suburbs.
You Have To Be Bilingual To Get A Job
Most jobs that deal with the public require you to be fluent in both French and English. If you can only speak one language, this is merely a disadvantage. Ottawa students are accustomed to taking French immersion classes in school, which ensures they have a head start. However, those migrating from provinces with a higher concentration of anglophones will have fewer job options.
Does Ottawa Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The rights of lesbians, gay men, lesbian women, and transgender people (LGBT) in Canada are among the most robust and comprehensive in the world. In 1969, same-sex relationships became legal throughout Canada, and later the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1995 that sexual orientation is protected by the constitution.
Later, Canada became the first nation in the Americas and the fourth country overall to allow same-sex unions on a national level in 2005. According to polls, 76% of Canadians felt that same-sex couples are equally likely as other parents to raise children effectively, and 70% of the country thought that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples have.
Similar surveys have revealed that 87.6% of respondents stated they would feel “comfortable” living next to a transgender person and that 91.8% of those asked in a survey commissioned by the Privy Council Office said they were “comfortable” living next door to someone how was gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Obviously, we would love to see all these numbers at 100%, but for now, they are some of the highest rates of acceptance in the world – making Canada an extremely gay-friendly place to live.
More specifically, Ottawa is a lovely, inviting city with a special position in the country’s LGBTQ+ history. On August 28, 1971, Parliament Hill witnessed the first-ever openly gay and lesbian rally in the country.
Ottawa is the country’s seat of government, and it was here that Canada first legalized same-sex marriage which was signed into law on July 20, 2005. The city continues to be the focal point for all legal debates and new laws.
The Centretown Pub, T’s Pub, Edges, Swizzles, and others are all part of Ottawa’s developing LGBTQ+ Village, centered prominently downtown around Bank Street. The first-ever queer public march in Canada took place in Ottawa in 1971, and the city’s most public gay marriage occurred in recent years involving two gay personalities of the TV show The Amazing Race.
Ottawa has a vibrant queer community with a growing number of clubs activities, organizations, and events, besides a lively yearly Pride Week festival that highlights the city’s diversity. The section surrounding Bank Street and Somerset is the epicenter of queer activity and the burgeoning gay neighborhood is home to shops and bars, as well as local LGBT organizations.
So, while no city in the world is 100% gay-friendly (sadly), we can honestly say Ottawa is one that embraces the LGBT community wholeheartedly.
Is Ottawa An Expensive City to Move To?
Despite the fact that housing costs have risen in recent years as individuals relocate from larger cities, Ottawa has a relatively inexpensive cost of living. This is especially so when compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver. If you own a property in a major city and intend to buy here, you might be able to update your home while still saving money.
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the going value of a detached home in the city was roughly $580,000 as of December 2020. Most homeowners will be able to locate something within their price range, as townhomes range at around $450,000 and condos cost approximately $350,000.
The monthly average rent in Ottawa is around $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,800 for a two-bedroom. If you’re hoping to rent a property, a 3-bedroom home might cost around $2,200 per month. Naturally, this depends on where you wish to live, with the downtown center being the outskirts.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Ottawa
There are thankfully many other places to reside for those who are looking for a calmer yet still LGBT-friendly environment as not all LGBT people want to be close to the relative chaos of downtown Ottawa.
When moving to LGBTQ Ottawa, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Ottawa. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Ottawa, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Ottawa and talk about the Ottawa gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Ottawa’s Gay Village
Ottawa’s Gay Village is located around 10 blocks to the south of Parliament Hill. The center of this LGBTQ+ hub is the six-block stretch of Bank Street around Somerset and Gladstone, which includes only one gay club and several businesses, cafes, restaurants, and cafes with significant community ties.
Many residents argue that the term “Gay Village” is a misrepresentation, given how diverse the Bank Street neighborhood is, as well as how geographically dispersed the city’s LGBT community is.
The busy and trendy Byward Market neighborhood, on the northeast side of the city center, right over the Rideau Canal near Parliament Hill, has a considerable gay presence, in regard to nightlife and cuisine.
This is an excellent neighborhood to visit throughout the day because it is home to excellent cafes and a notable gallery district.
Westboro
Thanks to gentrification, Westboro has altered considerably over the last decade. The region was a rural village with dispersed farms through the early 1800s. During the 1870s, sawmills emerged, luring employees and local businesses. An electric trolley began operating together with what is now Byron Park and the footpath in 1900, allowing convenient access to downtown.
The neighborhood underwent various transformations, including considerable gentrification during the 2000s, prompted in part by the entry of the popular retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op. Other stores, pubs, and coffee shops fell in line, making Westboro one of the city’s most fashionable districts.
This refurbished district is a combination of older homes and modern condos, and is one of the city’s trendiest places to work and live, with a combination of families, urban professionals, and retirees, with streets of fashionable boutiques and exquisite cafes and restaurants.
During the summer, Westboro Beach, located near the Kitchisippi Lookout on the Ottawa River, is a great location to relax and grab some rays.
The Glebe
The Glebe is a beautiful suburb to call home because of the historic residences on tree-lined streets, its closeness to the Rideau Canal, and its diverse shops and eateries. The neighborhood lies south of downtown Ottawa, and the city center is a short walk or bus ride away.
The Glebe is an old neighborhood with tree-lined avenues dotted with lovely homes large enough for families. It is not only a friendly neighborhood, but it is also close to the city. The restored facility, which is the headquarters of the local football, ice hockey, and soccer clubs, will thrill sports lovers.
There are numerous bistros and shops in the neighborhood. Each Sunday, there is an amazing farmers market and the Andrea food village. Bank Street is recognized for its attractive boutiques, specialized shops, cafes, historic houses and elegant infill structures. The Rideau Canal paths draw visitors all year round and link the area to downtown Ottawa.
You can listen to fantastic local bands playing through Bank Street at Marvel, a festival held yearly in September. If you love sports, you can witness Ottawa Fury, Ottawa RedBlacks, and Ottawa 67s in action at TD Place’s freshly refurbished 10,000-seat arena. The Lansdowne complex also houses excellent restaurants, a movie theater, and Ottawa’s only Whole Foods.
ByWard Market and Lower Town
The ByWard Market is a historic market with many of Ottawa’s famous bars and cafés. This neighborhood is the focal point of downtown Ottawa. During the day, it’s a lovely spot for a walk or shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables at the farmers’ market.
Lower Town, just north of Ward Market, is where the intersection of English and French cultures is most evident. Both English and French are spoken and heard interchangeably in this highly diverse neighborhood.
If being able to maintain a busy social life without relying on taxis to get home is important to you, ByWard Market or Lower Town may be the ideal neighborhood for you.
However, because these Ottawa neighborhoods are a little coarser and louder, professionals, students, and young couples are significantly more likely to live here than families.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Ottawa
To progress the LGBTQ agenda, the queer community commonly has to rely on donor organizations or non-profits.
Wherever you live, it is imperative that you assist such organizations in any manner you can in order for them to reach out and aid others in the neighborhood. These Ottawa LGBT community organizations are some of the best and are wonderful places to start if you’re looking for LGBTQ groups to join, seek support from, meet new people with or volunteer for a cause you care about.
The Gay Ottawa Volleyball League
The Gay Ottawa Volleyball League is a volunteer-run, non-profit volleyball league in the National Capital Region. The organization caters primarily to LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly people. The league not only provides an accepting, welcoming, and fun environment for the city’s LGBTQ population in the National Capital Region but also functions as a healthy social platform.
An LGBTQ+ bike group in Ottawa offering safety, accessibility, and acceptance on their twice-monthly rides. Popularised across Canada, we love the focus on breaking down barriers and forming a community through commonality. Besides, it’s nice to get some exercise that isn’t bouncing around a club until 4 am…
A rugby team with a mission to promote and encourage participation in rugby among those who have traditionally been under-represented in the game. The team members are predominantly part of the LGBTQA community, but diverse in its make-up, and inclusive of everyone. Join them on the pitch, try out at practices, watch games and maybe even play in the real this? With both male and female teams, they are always recruiting both new and experienced players!
Egale’s mission is to better the global unified response to 2LGBTQI concerns and to better the lives of 2SLGBTQI individuals in Canada. Egale hopes to accomplish this through user research, education, legal advocacy, and awareness to influence public policy, inspire cultural change, and promote human rights and inclusiveness.
They envision a country, and eventually, a world, free of biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, and other types of oppression, where everyone can reach their full potential without fear of prejudice or bias.
A safe space for all members of the LGBT+ community to come together and socialize outside of the clubs and bars. Generally held on the first and third weekend of each month, we wish more events like this would take place around the world as a great way to meet like-minded people, bond and just enjoy a fun event without loud music or excessive drinking.
A Leather and Denim Social Club has over 42 years of History in the Community. On the 2nd Saturday of every month, they host a Fetish/Kink/Themed Leather Nights @ T Pub’s, their home base. The Ottawa Knights also host various other workshops and event’s throughout the year worth looking out for.
A social group for all bears, otters, cubs, and admirers. To see what they are all about head along to their bear coffee afternoons every Sunday or the popular gaymer night on Tuesdays. The Ottawa Bears also host a once-a-month ‘Bear Feeding’ night at a local restaurant and other special events throughout the year. Is it just us or is it slightly ironic that real Bears are solitary in nature, yet in the gay community are generally the most sociable of all of us!
Canadian Centre For Gender And Sexual Diversity
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity supports intersectionality in gender expression and identity, and sexual and/or romantic orientation in all of its manifestations through offering services in health, education, and activism.
The organization’s resources and programming are utilized to empower sexual and gender minorities, as well as for allyship building toward broader groups.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Ottawa
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Ottawa plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
Inside Out | The Ottawa LGBT Film Festival
For 3 days in November, the best in queer cinema from Canada and around the world comes to Ottawa. We swoon anytime there is a gay kiss on TV, so this is pretty much a dream come true for us. One of the biggest rainbow film festivals in Canada with over 4,000 attendees + plenty of swanky before and after parties. A fun way to explore Ottawa’s LGBT life without staying out past midnight.
The Fringe Festival is a celebration of the arts and an opportunity for local, national and international artists to showcase their original work. While the concept originated in Edinburgh, Fringe Festival has pop’d up all over the world, from Orlando to Melbourne to Taipei. Always rich with LGBT themes and with many queer participants, it’s almost as if gays just can’t get enough drama …
Ottawa Gay Pride / Capital Pride Festival
The most significant Ottawa gay event is held annually in August. The entire pride week is fueled by parties, picnics, sporting events, workshops and plenty of art and culture. Everything culminates on Sunday in a Pride Parade and Festival on Ottawa’s City Hall grounds where everybody celebrates and enjoys the live entertainment.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Ottawa
After moving to LGBT Ottawa, it’s only natural to want to support queer businesses. One strategy for establishing a safer and more inclusive society is to create a secure environment where people may rest, buy, dine, and connect without fear, and this is exactly what LGBT companies should strive for.
To safeguard the queer community’s survival and success, it is critical to support these initiatives wherever you are. When you shop locally, you put in a personal investment in your city and community. Here’s a short list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Ottawa you can invest in with your pink dollars…
As a gay-friendly city, it’s expected that there are many queer-friendly businesses in Ottawa you can rely on. Below are some you can support.
Canada’s only gay men’s specific HIV/STI testing facility provides a wide range of programs and services for gay, bi, transmen and other men who have sex with men in the Ottawa area. Check out their monthly yoga sessions, book club, queer youth group, film nights, cooking meetups and more.
The best LGBT bar in Ottawa although it is straight-friendly if you have companions. In a central location with a fabulous balcony overlooking the Ottawa marketplace. There are events here most nights, but Thursday is popular with gays, Friday with lesbians (the closest thing to an Ottawa lesbian bar sorry ladies!) and Saturday with everyone thanks to the amazing drag shows and all-night dancing.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, there is also the gay bar staple: karaoke. For an unforgettable night surrounded by your global gay family, Lookout Bar is the place to go!
A classic American groom-shop every popular with the Ottawa LGBT community and serves everyone regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. Stop by if you’re in need of a touch-up, and you will leave looking like a 21st-century man while feeling better than Leonardo DiCaprio after he finally won that Oscar.
A non-profit performance troupe in Ottawa committed to the lost art of sexual satire. Their performances ride the seam between burlesque, physical humor, and vaudeville entertainment. Female, body and sex-positive the Sexual Overtones offer an all-inclusive, so why not go attend, as either an audience member or participant of this breakthrough performance art?
Little Jo Berry’s Coffee & Eats
A fantastic bakery with fresh daily offerings, delicious coffee, and innovative food. Whether it be dairy-free, gluten-free, or just plain ole’ delicious…They have you covered! Very gay-popular, as all things trendy and cool tend to be – this is one place in Ottawa you won’t want to miss! Our favorite thing? Try the Matcha Latte with Agave – the best in town, or any of their ultra-instagrammable food. And it’s all even more delicious than it looks!
H&S is the best place to go for spices, bulk food, fresh fruit and vegetables, for those looking for healthy food options. The artwork on Lewis Street is hard to miss, and you will adore the mini rainbow flag they’ve placed near the cash register.
Wicked Wanda’s is a great addition to the Ottawa gayborhood. It is a sanitary, cozy, and sex-positive shop that offers kinky products for both the queer and straight communities. If you’d like a tattoo, you can also get one here.
Club Ottawa – A only gay sauna in Ottawa under the Central Spa brand, with locations in London and Hamilton (their Toronto location is now closed). Expect friendly, easy-going men – many of who a married, bisexual or questioning. An old-school sauna with steam room, dry room, video room, open showers, private and single rooms, lockers and a large cruising space. There are handsome bartenders manning the bar, a bear night on the second Thursday of every month and black-out nights on the last Thursday of the month.
An award-winning sex shop and bookstore with something for everyone. Anyone who’s turned off by traditional sex shops will find Venus a welcoming and informative place to get cool and sexy stuff, with gear for safe sex, gender expression and play and health. More education focussed on a core belief that customers deserve quality queer sex toys and useful information, and that sex should be dirty in a good way, not a shameful one. Venus Envy (also found in Halifax) operates a bursary fund in Ottawa to support women and trans people working towards a degree, diploma or certificate in any subject and runs a pay-it-forward program for binders and gaffs.
This is an establishment dedicated to pleasurable encounters. They display art on the shelves, walls, and services, infusing artistry into each handmade cocktail. The owners urge you to explore, appreciate, and perhaps even acquire a spark of inspiration, with the purpose of functioning as a spark for local innovation.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Ottawa
Ottawa is incredibly diverse, beautiful, and multicultural. It has pleasant people, and safe areas, and comes with affordable living costs, in addition to a variety of high-quality amenities. Moving here could be the best decision you’ve ever made!
While there is plenty of idyllic demi-gods shaking their perfect body well into the night in the gay clubs what we love most about the Ottawa LGBT scene is the focus on inclusion and the full spectrum of the rainbow community. In Ottawa, as we have seen, there are all sorts of queer-serving organizations and grassroots social justice groups focussing on ensuring everyone gets the love and support they need while amplifying the queer voices that need it most.
If that’s not enough Ottawa also has an insane roster of A-list events throughout the year, plenty of the best museums in Canada, leafy green spaces and of course, the chance of bumping into dreamy Justin Trudeau. Though if he is not to your liking (sacré bleu!), then the up-and-coming Ottawa gay village has plenty of cute boys and girls to fawn over!
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Ottawa, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve.
Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Ottawa.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Ottawa will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your newly chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Ottawa
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Ottawa is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Ottawa – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Ottawa to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
