Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
How to Find Your Tribe in Ottawa
Est. read time: 6 minutes
Last week, we talked about how to get involved in your neighbourhood – joining local groups, attending events, and volunteering your time. Those are great ways to start putting down roots. But involvement is only the first step.
The next step-and often the most rewarding one-is building genuine connections with the people around you.
This week, let’s talk about how to find your tribe in Ottawa: the people who make your neighbourhood feel like home, who wave as you walk by, who lend a hand when life gets busy, and who make even the longest winters a little warmer.
From Fitting In to Belonging
There’s a big difference between knowing people and feeling connected.
You might know your neighbours’ names, recognize a few faces at the dog park, or follow your community Facebook group; but feeling truly at home means finding people you can laugh with, count on, and grow alongside.
I’ve seen this firsthand as a realtor. Clients move into a new area, excited but a bit nervous. Six months later, they tell me they’ve joined a local soccer team, started chatting with the parents at school pickup, or made friends with someone at their new café. That’s when they start saying things like, “It really feels like home now.”
1. Be a Regular Somewhere
There’s something special about being a familiar face. Whether it’s your neighbourhood café, park, gym, or even a local farmers’ market, showing up consistently builds comfort.
The barista starts remembering your order. You see the same dog owners at the park. People start recognizing you — and conversations begin naturally.
Being a regular isn’t about routine; it’s about visibility. The more often you show up, the more likely you are to meet people who share your rhythm.
2. Turn Small Talk into Real Talk
This one takes practice but pays off quickly. Every connection starts with a bit of small talk — about the weather, the line at the grocery store, or how cute someone’s dog is.
The trick is what you do next. Ask a small follow-up question, or share something about yourself. That’s what turns casual exchanges into genuine conversations.
“Your golden retriever’s adorable – we’ve been thinking of getting one too. Do you go to the dog park nearby?”
People love to share stories about themselves, and most are waiting for someone to open the door first.
3. Join Groups that Match Your Interests
It’s easier to connect when you already have something in common. Luckily, Ottawa’s full of small groups and clubs that go beyond neighbourhood associations.
- Join a hobby group: pottery, photography, or cooking classes at Hintonburg Pottery or the Ottawa School of Art.
- Try a social sports league: Ottawa Sports and Social Club is great for meeting new people in a relaxed setting.
- Look for themed meetups: hiking clubs, supper clubs, trivia nights, or book exchanges.
Ottawa might feel spread out, but it’s packed with communities built around shared interests – you just have to find your pocket.
4. Host Something Casual
You don’t have to wait for an invite – sometimes the best way to connect is to host something small yourself.
A casual coffee morning, a board game night, or even handing out extra cookies to neighbours at the holidays can spark real connections.
I’ve seen it happen at our Team Nick Fundytus events too. Whether it’s Ice Cream Day in Beacon Hill, our Thanksgiving Pie Giveaway, or the Pierogy Party, people show up not just for the treats – but to reconnect, laugh, and meet others from the community. That same principle works at home.
5. Give First, Ask Later
The fastest way to build trust is to offer help before you need it.
- Lend a shovel to a neighbour after the first big snowfall.
- Share your go-to contractor’s name.
- Offer to water someone’s plants while they’re away.
It’s the small, thoughtful gestures that people remember – and they often lead to friendships that feel effortless.
6. For Different Stages of Life
For Families:
- Organize a playdate or volunteer for school events.
- Sports and after-school programs are perfect for meeting other parents.
- Local Facebook groups like Ottawa Moms or Family Fun Ottawa are great starting points.
For Young Professionals:
- Try networking socials, after-work trivia, or coworking spaces like Impact Hub or Collab Space.
- Join run clubs, attend classes (dance, sports, pottery, yoga, cooking, etc.)
- Apps like Bumble BFF are surprisingly good for meeting new people in a low-pressure way.
For Retirees:
- Check out community centres like Dovercourt or St-Laurent for fitness and social programs.
- Book clubs, gardening groups, or local volunteer opportunities offer both structure and connection.
You Got This!
Getting involved in your community is step one – finding your people is step two. The good news is that Ottawa makes it easy to do both. From local businesses to friendly neighbourhoods and vibrant community events, there’s no shortage of ways to connect.
If you’ve recently moved to Ottawa or are still looking for that sense of belonging, reach out. I’d be happy to share local recommendations, introduce you to community events, or help you find a neighbourhood where you’ll feel right at home.
609
120