Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
Ottawa Living: Why Ottawa Feels Like Home to Me
Ottawa is the city I’ve called home since birth. My parents and two oldest brothers immigrated here in 1995, so this city has been part of my family’s story for almost three decades. To me, Ottawa isn’t just Canada’s capital. It’s where my memories live, where I’ve found my favourite meals, and where I feel most myself.
In this post, I want to share why Ottawa feels like home to me. If you’re considering a move here, or just curious about what life is like beyond Parliament Hill, I hope this gives you a sense of what makes Ottawa living special.
Growing Up in Ottawa
I grew up in Viscount Alexander Park, a neighbourhood east of Vanier, just before Beacon Hill. It’s not the first place people think of when they picture Ottawa, but it’s where my roots are. I have so many memories of playing in the area, walking to school, and spending time with childhood friends.
One memory that always comes back is the walk from the Rideau/Augusta bus stop to my high school, De La Salle. It’s a simple path, but whenever I take it, I feel at home. The sounds, the pace, the familiarity – it reminds me of being younger.
Ottawa Food is Comfort
Food is a big part of what makes Ottawa feel like home to me. If you ask me what Ottawa tastes like, my answer is simple: Ottawa-style shawarma. It’s quick, messy, and delicious, and there’s nothing else like it.
Beyond shawarma, Ottawa has given me a mix of food experiences. A few stand out:
- Petit Bill’s Bistro on Wellington West. This place feels like Newfoundland meets Ottawa. The service is warm, the food is hearty, and I’ll never forget the night I ordered their burger with lobster poutine on the side. I actually worked here in my late teen years, so it’s part of my personal story too.
- Yemen Gate on Bank. The lamb mandi is one of my favourite dishes in the city. Yemeni food isn’t what Ottawa is known for, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
- Korean House Restaurant on Somerset. For Korean BBQ, this is my go-to. It’s simple, it’s tasty, and I’ve never had a bad time there.
Ottawa’s food scene might not have the flash of Toronto or Montreal, but that’s part of why I like it. It’s grounded, it’s diverse, and it reflects the people who live here.
The Rhythm of the Seasons
Living in Ottawa means living with four very different seasons, each shaping how you spend your time.
For me, fall and summer are the highlights. Fall in Ottawa is unmatched. The leaves change, the weather is comfortable, and even a quick walk puts your mind at ease.
Summer, on the other hand, is all about long days and late nights. I’m more of a night owl than an early bird, so I love the warm evenings when you can sit outside with friends or just take a walk through the city.
Winter and spring are more about quiet. In winter, I like being at home, staying warm, and slowing things down. In spring, I look forward to the city waking up again – patios opening, festivals returning, and the outdoor air being pleasant again.
My Favourite Ottawa Spots
Ottawa is full of spots that carry energy and calm, depending on what you need.
For quiet afternoons, I love heading to a park with a snack in the summer. In winter, staying home with a book or a show feels right.
For visitors from out of town, I usually take them to Chinatown for pho or to the Glebe and Old Ottawa East to enjoy the parks and the canal.
For something different, I head to the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway near the Rockcliffe Airport. Watching the small planes take off and land is simple, but it never gets old.
When I want energy, I go to Centretown and the Golden Triangle. Both are lively, central, and filled with good spots to eat or hang out. When I want calm, I head toward Manor Park and its surroundings. The balance between busy and quiet is one of the best parts of Ottawa living.
The People of Ottawa
What really defines Ottawa for me is the people. On the surface, people here can seem quiet and reserved. But once you connect, you find kindness and a willingness to help. It’s a mix of small-town warmth with big-city opportunity.
That balance is what I think makes Ottawa underrated. You don’t always notice it when you’re in the middle of your day-to-day life, but when you step back, it’s clear.
Why Ottawa Feels Like Home
If someone asked me why Ottawa feels like home, I’d say it’s a mix of the little things.
It’s the comfort of a shawarma late at night. It’s the memory of walking to school on the same path for years. It’s the warmth of Petit Bill’s Bistro or the energy of Centretown on a summer evening. It’s the safety of knowing your city is growing, while still keeping the space and calm that make it manageable.
Ottawa isn’t perfect. The winters are long, the real estate market is competitive, and some neighbourhoods have their challenges. But when you’ve spent your whole life here, you see the full picture. And for me, that picture always feels like home.
Ottawa!
Ottawa is a city that grows on you. It doesn’t always scream for attention, but it rewards the people who give it time. Whether you’re here for school, work, or family, it has a way of becoming your place.
For me, it already is. And if you’re considering a move, I’d say this: Ottawa is safe, it’s growing, and it offers a balance between calm and excitement that’s rare to find.
2 More Things
1
Try Ottawa-style shawarma if you’ve never had it. It’s one of the city’s most defining flavours.
2
Explore both the busy and quiet sides of Ottawa. Spend a night in Centretown, then a day walking through Manor Park. That’s the real Ottawa balance.
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