A Guide to Office Space in Ottawa

Located between Montreal and Toronto, Ottawa, Ontario is more than just Canada’s capital. It’s a city with a big tech presence, boasting an educated population and low business costs. Ottawa is also surrounded by natural beauty, which attracts talent and those looking for a high quality of life.

When choosing to rent office space in Ottawa, you’ll be placing your business within an economic hotspot.

Known as a tech disruptor, the city also houses a robust Life Sciences sector, including industry leaders such as Nordion and the Ottawa Heart Institute. Once an important stop on the timber and fur route, today Ottawa harnesses its river as a source of hydroelectric power.

This development has brought major advances in industrial property, leading the city to enjoy a busy central business district, with a stable office space market. Offices for rent in Ottawa take advantage of this optimism to offer affordable and competitive rates.

Geography of Ottawa

Ottawa occupies a strategic location within Southeast Ontario. Situated 90 km from the US border, the city is in a unique position for new business connections in neighboring states.

From Ottawa International Airport, you can reach major cities like New York and Boston in an hour and a half. Montreal, one of Canada’s leading economic centers, is less than two hours away by train or car.

Key business areas in Ottawa

Business spaces for rent in Ottawa lie across several commercial neighborhoods. You’ll find flexible workspace in the following districts:

• Centretown, comprising Downtown Ottawa and Wellington Street, houses many government buildings. It’s the main financial district, with plenty of Transitway stops for commuters.
• The Golden Triangle adjoins Centretown and is a major retail area. This neighborhood has many restaurants, cafes, and city center amenities.
• An old, diverse part of Ottawa, Lowertown is home to ByWard Market, which offers open-air markets all year round. Lowertown has over 14 embassies within its borders
• The Glebe borders Highway 417 and boasts one of the city’s main shopping areas, located in Bank Street. This affluent district has many Transitway routes to the rest of Ottawa

These neighborhoods provide a healthy mixture of retail, commercial, and residential spaces.

5 businesses based in Ottawa

When you choose an office in the city, you’ll be joining prestigious company. The following well-known names are major players in Ottawa’s business landscape:

• Shopify Inc. is a multinational, e-commerce platform with its headquarters in the city. Over 25% of all e-commerce sites in the world use the Shopify framework.
• The International Development Research Centre operates from Ottawa. This organization works to further the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Adobe Systems Canada Inc. is the Canadian branch of the multinational creative software publisher. The company has a major office in central Ottawa.
• Mercury Filmworks is a local animation studio with over 25 years of experience. The studio collaborates with Disney on Mickey Mouse productions.
• Nordion creates gamma sterilization tech for use in the medical field. They’re part of the NASDAQ-listed Sotera Health Group.

Why you should rent office space in Ottawa

As a world-class city, Ottawa brings a wealth of trading opportunities to resident businesses. Here we look at why you should consider this formidable city as your next location.

1. Access to talent

The local population is both skilled and diverse. Performing well above the national average, 49.5% of residents have a bachelor’s degree, according to a 2021 census.

This continues at higher levels, with twice as many Ottawa postgraduates compared to other parts of Canada.

The tech sector employs the biggest percentage of professionals in North America. Ottawa’s industry cluster rivals the likes of San Francisco and even New York City.

2. Diverse economy

With strong specialisms in tourism, tech, and government, the local economy is equipped for success. When choosing office space for rent in Ottawa, you’ll also be choosing to work alongside these industries in a thriving business ecosystem.

Many of these sectors work in collaboration. For example, the health sector has connections with medical and biotech companies within the city.

3. Capital city

Ottawa’s capital status comes with a high concentration of federal departments. This creates stability for local businesses, which can form partnerships with Canada’s government.

Centretown and Lowertown contain many foreign embassies and high commissions. These provide support for multinational staff and clients.

4. ADS national hub

Serving as the national Aerospace, Defence and Security hub, Ottawa has many ADS opportunities. As the site of the Department of National Defence headquarters, there is a large R&D network in the area.

Ottawa’s defense sector is thriving, employing over 10,000 workers. You’ll work alongside startups and Fortune 500 companies, like Raytheon, in this innovative cluster.

5. Research and development capabilities

Home to the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa has a globally respected R&D background. Canada is first among G7 countries for life science engineers and its capital is leading the way when it comes to research.

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute publishes over 2,000 scientific papers every year. If you’re involved in biotech or medical science, finding an office to rent near one of these hotspots opens an avenue for collaborative research.

6. Low operational costs

Business expenses are a crucial part of deciding where to operate. Fortunately, Ottawa has the lowest rental rate for businesses in Canada, making it an affordable destination for a serviced office.

A small office space for rent in Ottawa reduces your operational costs in the first few years of business. This will leave room in your budget for attracting the best talent or further training opportunities.

7. Traveling for business in Ottawa

Ottawa’s border location makes it a fantastic hub for travel. There are regular flights to major US cities from the nearby airport. The city is also just 13 km from the city center with a direct Transitway link.

Global travel is very accessible from Ottawa, as well. The presence of over 170 foreign missions in the city means there are flights to South America, Europe, and the Caribbeans.

8. Ottawa culture

Considered a cultured and diverse city, Ottawa is a bilingual capital with a large English and Francophone demographic. There’s a young population, which leads to vibrant nightlife choices for those seeking entertainment after hours.

The local cuisine includes many multicultural staples, such as the classic poutine dish and shawarma.

Culturally, Ottawa has long been a trade hub. Named for the Algonquin word “adawe”, or “to trade”, the city’s surroundings have been important for economic activity for thousands of years.

How much is it to rent office space in Ottawa?

Ottawa is an affordable pick for a professional office, especially compared to Toronto or Vancouver. Prices start from CAD 209 per person per month, and you’ll gain access to our bookable meeting rooms with a membership.

If you’re a startup or small business, you can rent an office for a day in Ottawa for as little as CAD 69. These private, hassle-free spaces come fully serviced with business-grade Wi-Fi.

Office space for rent in Ottawa

Ottawa’s commercial landscape is thriving. The city has many private offices available, with options ranging from affordable picks in growing neighborhoods to prestigious central locations.

Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our choices, noting a range of locations suitable for your business.

116 Lisgar Street

An office space at 116 Lisgar Street affords you the luxury of working near the Golden Triangle, home to several embassies.

This is an easy-to-reach business center with views on the sixth floor looking over the Ottawa City Hall and Court House.

At Lisgar Street, you’re just a brief walk from the busy Elgin Street. This neighborhood has plenty of great restaurants, making it a great spot for entertaining clients.

Nearby law offices provide further connections with the legal sector.

Highlights include:

• State-of-the-art videoconferencing
• Break-out areas
• Meeting rooms

Information about 116 Lisgar Street

• Location: 116 Lisgar Street, Ottawa ON, K2P 0C2
• Starting cost: From CAD 285 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Elgin / Lisgar Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Uottawa West Light Rail Station (an 11-minute walk away)

116 Albert Street

Find office space in Ottawa’s downtown district at 116 Albert Street. You’ll be working from the heart of the financial zone, with prestigious neighbors like Sun Life and Accenture.

Enjoy the on-site lunch restaurant for informal client meetings. If you commute to work, there’s secure underground parking available.

116 Albert Street sits between the busy Elgin and Wellington streets and is close to the National Arts Centre for those who enjoy a bit of culture.

Highlights include:

• Break-out areas
• Business lounge
• Secure underground parking

Information about 116 Albert Street

• Location: 116 Albert Street, Ottawa ON, K1P 5G3
• Starting cost: From CAD 245 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Albert / Metcalfe Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), Parliament West Light Rail Station (a five-minute walk away)

208 Booth Street

Choose office space in a landmark development at 208 Booth Street. These serviced offices on Chaudière Island provide stunning views in a contemporary space.

Part of a 34-acre development, 208 Booth Street enjoys amenities like waterfront shops and restaurants. Break-out areas in the center itself come with access to barista-made coffee.

The island features a major Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council office for those working in that field.

Highlights include:

• Lounge area
• Disabled facilities
• Break-out areas

Information about 208 Booth Street

• Location: 310 Miwate Private, Ottawa ON, K1R 0E2
• Starting cost: From CAD 255 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Booth / Zaida Eddy Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)

66 Slater Street

Enjoy furnished office space in Ottawa’s popular Centretown district at 66 Slater Street. This is a multi-tenanted space with unrivaled networking opportunities.

A high-profile location with views across Confederation Park, 66 Slater Street is bound to impress visitors. With office space available over floors two to six, you’re spoiled for choice at this center.

Creative businesses will also enjoy the center’s proximity to the Canada Council for the Arts.

Highlights include:

• Break-out areas
• Meeting rooms
• Communal kitchen

Information about 66 Slater Street

• Location: 135 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa ON, K1P 5J2
• Starting cost: From CAD 335 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Elgin / Slater Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Parliament West Light Rail Station (a nine-minute walk away)

343 Preston Street

Join prestigious companies in our impressive 343 Preston Street offices. Here, you’ll be close to names like Adobe, Sun Life Financial, and the Acquity Group.

343 Preston Street is in the heart of The Glebe neighborhood, filled with shops and boutiques. Panoramic views create an inspiring work environment, and you’re a stone’s throw from Dow’s Lake.

Highlights include:

• Break-out areas
• Business lounge
• Meeting rooms

Information about 343 Preston Street

• Location: 343 Preston Street, Ottawa ON, K1S 1N4
• Starting cost: From CAD 325 per person per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Preston / Young E Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away), Carling Train Station (a 12-minute walk away)

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

You’re sure to impress with an office at Fairmont Chateau Laurier. With its castle-like appearance and period features, this building is a spectacular pick for innovative businesses.

At Fairmont Chateau Laurier, you can opt for a single office space for rent in Ottawa downtown. Enjoy the ergonomic furnishings, beautiful decor, and vending machines throughout.

When the working day is done, the nearby hills are a great place if your interests include hiking or skiing.

Publishers, law offices, and aviation consultants operate from this landmark location, which makes for great coworking opportunities if you’re in the same fields.

Highlights include:

• Secure underground parking
• On-site lunch restaurant
• Disabled facilities

Information about Fairmont Chateau Laurier

• Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa ON, K1N 8S7
• Starting cost: From CAD 209 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Rideau C Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away), Rideau Light Rail Station (a three-minute walk away)

396 Cooper Street

396 Cooper Street is about as central as you can get. These workspaces are based in downtown Ottawa, surrounded by federal and financial agencies.

Global businesses thrive in this multicultural location. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and other activities right on your doorstep for after-hours.

You can also opt for a bookable meeting room to make the most of local business connections and break-out areas provide space for more informal conversations.

Highlights include:

• Meeting rooms
• Break-out areas
• Major transport links

Information about 396 Cooper Street

• Location: 396 Cooper Street, Ottawa ON, K2P 0G8
• Starting cost: From CAD 209 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Bank / Somerset W Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Bank / Lisgar Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)

Explore Ottawa office spaces with Regus

If you’re excited to get started in Canada’s thriving capital, then we can help. Find your new office space with our local experts, who can schedule a viewing and offer personalized quotes for your business.

Get in touch now to discover what Ottawa’s office space market can do for you and your business.