Explore the city of Ottawa
Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Canada’s Capital Region
First time in Ottawa? Or perhaps your first time in Canada? Welcome! As the nation’s capital, Ottawa offers a unique blend of historic prestige and modern living. For students embarking on their nursing journey, you will find a city that supports both your academic goals and your personal well-being.
Ottawa is a place where you can explore breathtaking landscapes, engage in vibrant cultural activities, and experience a distinct way of life through all four seasons.
Our beautiful campus
The beautiful Carleton University campus is uniquely nestled along the banks of the historic Rideau Canal, with the O-Train Line 2 conveniently cutting through the heart of the campus to whisk you straight downtown. During the winter months, Carleton serves as the gateway to the world’s longest outdoor skating rink; you can actually join the locals and skate your way to campus along the frozen canal. As the weather warms, the paths along the water transform into scenic trails perfect for cycling, jogging, or a refreshing stroll between classes.
On campus, you can experience the best of both worlds: find the vibrant energy and social buzz of student life at the University Centre, or head over to the PPAG Park stadium to stay active. For those quieter moments, there’s nothing quite like find a spot under the shade of a tree by the MacOdrum Library to enjoy the sun and the peaceful canal views.
Watch the video below to take a full tour of our stunning campus and see everything we have to offer!
Downtown
Ottawa is a city where historic elegance meets modern vitality. As a student at Carleton, you have the capital’s rich heritage at your doorstep—from the iconic spires of Parliament Hill and the bustling energy of the ByWard Market to a world-class collection of national museums, including the National Gallery, the Museum of Nature, and the Canadian War Museum.
Navigating the city is seamless with your U-Pass, which grants you unlimited access to the OC Transpo network. Imagine boarding the Route 7 bus right from campus and traveling along Bank Street, one of Ottawa’s oldest and most storied thoroughfares. As you head toward the heart of the city at Rideau, you can witness 200 years of history unfolding through the changing architecture and vibrant neighborhoods, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of Canada’s capital.
Lifestyle
In Ottawa, every season offers a distinct lifestyle and endless opportunities for adventure. Winter in the capital is defined by the magic of the Rideau Canal Skateway, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. You can feel the city’s pulse at the Canadian Tire Centre during an Ottawa Senators hockey game, or head just thirty minutes north to Chelsea, where the slopes of Camp Fortune await for an afternoon of skiing.
As Spring arrives, the city bursts into color with millions of tulips blooming along Dow’s Lake. It is a season of cultural celebration, from the vibrant flavors of the Chinatown Night Market in May to the lively streets of the Little Italy Festival in June, showcasing the rich diversity that makes Ottawa so unique.
When Summer takes hold, life moves to the water. You can spend your days paddling at Mooney’s Bay or joining the crowds for the annual Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. The season peaks on July 1st for Canada Day, where Parliament Hill hosts massive celebrations, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the capital’s night sky.
Finally, as the air turns crisp in the Fall, the landscape transforms into a canvas of fiery reds and golds. A short trip across the river to Gatineau Park offers the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the fall foliage, whether you’re enjoying a weekend of camping, a lakeside barbecue, or simply taking in the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds the city.
Kanata Community
Beginning in January 2026, Carleton University’s brand-new Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre officially opens its doors at 350 Legget Drive in Kanata. We are proud to offer our students the chance to train within one of Canada’s largest and most influential technology parks. This expansion represents a significant milestone for the School of Nursing, placing our students in the heart of a rapidly evolving district known for its spirit of innovation.
Carleton’s presence in Kanata goes beyond the classroom; the university maintains deep-rooted partnerships with industry leaders such as Nokia, Ross Video, and Ciena. These collaborations create a powerful ecosystem for Co-op placements and career pathways, providing a steady stream of talented graduates to the local workforce each year. For nursing students, learning in this high-tech environment offers a unique professional perspective, blending advanced healthcare training with the energy of Canada’s premier tech hub.
Watch the video from the Kanata North Business Association to explore the vibrant community and the wealth of opportunities that await you here.
Lifestyle
Beyond the lab, the Kanata community offers a diverse range of local experiences to enrich your student life. CU@Kanata, acting as Carleton University’s primary bridge to the district, has curated a specialized map featuring the best local spots for dining and entertainment.
Centered around 350 Legget Drive, this guide highlights a variety of options within easy reach of the Simulation Centre. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick coffee between sessions, enjoy a meal with classmates, catch a movie, or even unwind with a round of golf, you will find everything you need right here in the neighborhood. It is the perfect way to balance your intensive practical training with the vibrant social life that Kanata has to offer.