Indian businesses and services in Ottawa, Canada

Look for South Asian Ottawa in the suburbs rather than in any one neighbourhood. The 2021 Census found a clearly higher South Asian share in the Nepean riding, in the south-west, than in the city as a whole, and most of the grocers, restaurants and sweet shops sit in suburban plazas. The community is broad: Indian families from every region, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Nepali households, and many students and public servants who came through the universities or federal jobs.

As the capital, Ottawa is where the High Commissions of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are based, which brings diplomatic receptions and cultural programmes through the year and makes the city the place for certain consular errands. The Hindu Temple of Ottawa-Carleton, on Bank Street in the south of the city, is a major mandir serving greater Ottawa, and gurdwaras, mosques and other temples serve communities across Ottawa and Gatineau. Diwali and Navratri are celebrated in temples and community halls, with cultural evenings also organised by regional and language associations.

Ottawa is officially bilingual, and Gatineau across the river works mainly in French, so it helps to check which side of the Ottawa River a listing is on. OC Transpo's O-Train runs east to west through downtown, but most temples and grocers are easiest to reach by car. Winters are long and snowy, so check opening hours before setting out in bad weather.