Moving to or from Ottawa: Your Insider’s Guide from the Atlas Agent Network
Planning a move to or from Ottawa? Whether you’re relocating across Canada, moving internationally, or heading here from another part of Ontario, Ottawa offers a rare mix of capital-city sophistication and small-city charm. As Canada’s capital, it’s rich in history, culture, and employment opportunities — while still surrounded by rivers, parks, and four-season recreation.
With over 60 years of national experience and two trusted Atlas Agents serving Ottawa, Atlas Van Lines Canada combines deep local expertise with coast-to-coast reach to make your move simple and stress-free.
Meet Your Trusted Atlas Agents in Ottawa

Ottawa is served by two well-respected Atlas Agents, known for professionalism and customer-first service:
- AMJ Ottawa
- Lloyd Moving & Storage
From family homes to government relocations and business moves, our Ottawa Agents deliver the reliability and precision that define the Atlas Trusted Agent Network.
Welcome to Ottawa: Canada’s Capital City
Ottawa is more than just Canada’s political hub. It’s a city where vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class museums, and outdoor adventures come together. Located on the border of Ontario and Quebec, Ottawa is proudly bilingual, with English and French both widely spoken.
- Government & Employment: Home to Parliament Hill, federal agencies, and numerous NGOs.
- Education & Research: Ottawa is home to Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, and Algonquin College.
- Recreation & Lifestyle: From skating on the Rideau Canal in winter to cycling its extensive pathway network in summer, Ottawa embraces four-season living.
- Location Advantage: Just a 2-hour drive to Montreal and 4 hours to Toronto, with quick access to Gatineau Park and the Ottawa River.
Quick Facts
- Population: ~1 million in the city; ~1.4 million in the metro area
- Climate: Cold, snowy winters; hot, humid summers
- Economy: Government, high-tech, healthcare, and education
- Neighbourhoods: ByWard Market, Glebe, Kanata, Orleans, Centretown, Westboro
Local Insight from Our Agents

“Ottawa is a big city with a small-town feel. Families love it here because of the balance — there’s always something to do, but it never feels overwhelming.”
— AMJ Ottawa
“What sets Ottawa apart is the lifestyle. You can spend the morning on a city bike path and the afternoon in Gatineau Park. It’s the perfect place if you value nature as much as culture.”
— Lloyd Moving & Storage
What You’ll Need to Set Up When Moving to Ottawa
Your Atlas Agent will handle the moving logistics, but here are key services to arrange as a new resident:
- Health Insurance
- Apply for OHIP coverage if moving from another province.
- Website: ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip
- Driver’s Licence & Vehicle Registration
- Exchange your out-of-province licence and register your vehicle at ServiceOntario.
- Website: serviceontario.ca
- Address Updates
- Notify CRA, Service Canada, banks, insurance companies, and subscriptions.
- Utilities & Internet
- Hydro Ottawa provides electricity.
- Internet & TV: Bell, Rogers, TekSavvy, and regional providers.
- School Registration
- English Public: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
- English Catholic: Ottawa Catholic School Board
- French: Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Exploring Life in Ottawa

Ottawa offers a lifestyle that blends culture, nature, and opportunity:
- Culture & History: Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, ByWard Market.
- Four-Season Recreation: Skating on the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), skiing and hiking in Gatineau Park, boating on the Ottawa River.
- Education & Innovation: Strong post-secondary sector with Carleton and the University of Ottawa driving research and tech development.
- Neighbourhood Vibes: From family-friendly suburbs like Orleans to trendy urban enclaves like the Glebe and Westboro, there’s a community for everyone.
- Events & Festivals: Winterlude, Canada Day celebrations, Bluesfest, Tulip Festival.
- Proximity to Lakes & Parks: Minutes from Gatineau Park and a short drive to the Ottawa Valley’s lakes and cottage country.
Why Choose Atlas for Your Ottawa Move?
- Over 60 years of long-distance and cross-border moving experience
- Trusted local Atlas Agents: AMJ and Lloyd Moving & Storage
- Real-time tracking and secured, containerized transport
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no surprises
- Personalized planning and local expertise every step of the way
“Customer satisfaction is everything. At Atlas, we believe it’s not where you go — it’s who you travel with.”
Ready to Move to or from Ottawa?
Atlas Van Lines and our trusted Ottawa Agents are here to make your long-distance move simple, stress-free, and successful.