Inbound Visitors

From the Government of Canada:

• Travel information
• Visa processing times
• ArriveCan (instructional video)

Before starting work, visiting scholars paid by Carleton University must follow the new employee documentation process (see drop down-box for International Students and Temporary Workers).

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

• UHIP for international visitors
• About UHIP
• UHIP FACT SHEET

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

• Apply for OHIP if eligible

Please note: visiting researchers should have sufficient travel insurance for the entire period that they are in Canada.

• First days in Ontario
• Living in Ottawa
• Service Canada
• Mental health resources

Finding accommodation in Ottawa can take time, particularly for short‑term visits. The information below is intended to help visiting scholars and researchers navigate common housing options and resources in the Ottawa area.

The resources listed have been compiled by Carleton International for general information purposes only.

A Note About Housing Listings

Accommodation options listed on this page are not ranked or recommended, and Carleton University has not inspected or assessed any of the properties or services noted. Visiting scholars are encouraged to contact housing providers directly with any questions.

Rental availability and pricing in Ottawa change frequently and also might vary different times of the year, and visitors may find that securing accommodation takes longer than expected, especially during peak academic periods. Please be aware of internet scams and fraud. Visitors should confirm furnishings, utilities, internet access, and contract terms directly with the provider.

Getting Started

Not sure where to begin your housing search?
We recommend reviewing the Off‑Campus Housing 101 Checklist, which outlines key steps, questions to ask, and practical tips for renting in Ottawa.

This resource is particularly helpful for visitors new to Canada or unfamiliar with the local rental market.

On‑Campus Housing (Limited and Seasonal)

On‑campus accommodation at Carleton University may be available during the summer term only, typically from mid‑May to mid‑August, and is subject to availability.

Visitors interested in summer residence accommodation should consult Carleton University Conference Services for current options and eligibility.

Off‑Campus Housing Resources

The following tools and platforms are commonly used by visiting scholars, graduate students, and short‑term researchers:

Advice and Reference

• Advice and Cautions
  General guidance for renting and practical considerations
• Ottawa Neighbourhoods – Google Map
  An overview of neighbourhoods and their distance from campus

Note: Carleton University does not provide off‑campus accommodation and is not affiliated with private housing providers. The University does not inspect or verify listings.

Housing Search Platforms

The following platforms are commonly used by students, visiting scholars, and short‑term researchers when searching for off‑campus accommodation in Ottawa. Availability, pricing, and lease terms vary by provider and season.

• Places4students
  Off‑campus housing listings frequently used by post‑secondary students
• Airbnb
  Furnished short‑term rentals, often used for 3–6 month stays
• SabbaticalHomes
  Furnished housing options commonly used by academics and visiting scholars
• Kijiji
  Classified listings for apartments, rooms, and sublets across Ottawa
• Rent Seeker
• Rentals
• Facebook Marketplace and Student Housing Groups
  Frequently used for sublets, room shares, and short‑term rentals, particularly among students
• CUASA (Carleton Faculty Union)
• APUO (uOttawa Faculty Union)

When using online platforms and social media groups, visitors are encouraged to communicate clearly with housing providers, confirm details in writing, and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Housing Providers (General Information)

• SOHO Residences
• ALMA Sandy Hill
• 1Eleven Student Living
• Theo Ottawa
• 417 Nelson Avenue
• La Résidence de la Cité (open for visitors in summer months, available only in Jul, Aug 2026)
• St. Paul University Residences
• 341 Maclaren Executive Apartments (12-month lease options only)
• RCC Ottawa West
• Znith
• University of Ottawa Residences (open for visitors in summer months)

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Housing Search

• Start your search as early as possible, particularly for 3–6 month stays
• Confirm what is included in the rent (furnishings, utilities, internet)
• Request a written rental agreement outlining terms and dates
• Use caution when responding to online listings, especially those requesting advance payment

We encourage visitors to take reasonable steps to protect themselves and to seek clarification whenever something is unclear.

Depending on the nature of your stay in Canada, you may be required to open a temporary bank account. Although you can open a temporary bank account at any bank that is convenient for you, we recommend the a Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) branch closest to campus, at 1145 Bank Street.

To open an account, please call to book an appointment with an advisor. You may call the bank at 613-564-5338 to set up a profile and book an appointment. You will need to bring your passport, along with your Work Permit or Visitor Record if you received these, your Letter of Invitation from Carleton, proof of address, and your Carleton ID card. The process will take approximately half an hour. Note that you will need to also close the account at the end of your visit if you are not extending your stay or planning to return to Canada.

However, you are free to use any bank that you want in Canada. Some other options include:

• TD Canada Trust
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)
• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
• HSBC Canada

Bus Pass

The public transportation system in Ottawa is called OC Transpo. You can pay directly on the bus, but the easiest way to get around is with a bus pass, what we call a Presto card.

There are a number of ways to get a Presto card. You can visit one of their service center locations, including the one at the Rideau Centre, the main shopping mall downtown. You can also visit certain retail stores in Ottawa, such as Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart. Alternatively, you can order a card online or by phone. It can take up to 10 business days for your card to ship.

Please note that visiting researchers are not eligible for a U-Pass (a student bus pass) because they are not fee paying students.

Taking the Bus

To plan your trip or to find bus schedules, please visit the OC Transpo website.

Bus routes that currently come through Carleton include the 2, 7, 10, and 111. There are three main stops on campus, which you can find using this map.

• Campus Avenue (near Minto Center – MC)
• Campus Avenue (near Health Sciences- HS)
• University Drive (near Athletics Building – AC)

Taking the O-Train 

Ottawa’s light-rail service, the O-Train (line 2) also passes through campus and is a fast way to get around the city. You can find more information on O-Train services and a map of the network here. The Presto card is also used for the O-Train.

See information on OC Transpo fares here.