Congratulations! If you're moving to Ottawa or considering it, you've found a great place to call home.

Friendly neighbourhoods, great schools, beautiful parks and plenty of cultural activities and community events are just a few of the highlights you'll find here. If you're like most people, you may think of tulips, the Parliament Buildings, Royal Canadian Mounted Police on horseback and ice skating on the Rideau Canal in winter.

That's all part of the Ottawa picture, but there's so much more. Did you know that the Ottawa region is the fourth-largest population centre in Canada, with just over one million people? It is a picture postcard city of greenery and bicycle paths, crossed by three rivers with a view of Quebec's Gatineau Hills.

Unique in North America among cities of its size for its low crime rate, Ottawa is renowned as a clean, safe yet dynamic place to live and work. This reputation combined with its charm and many cultural and recreational activities, have earned Ottawa distinction as a great convention venue and terrific tourist destination.

More than six million people visit the Ottawa region each year. In addition to the tourist draw of Parliament Hill, with its eternal flame and Changing of the Guard, the region boasts 29 museums, including the National Gallery of Canada, and the Museum of Civilization. Sports fans have something to cheer about all year, with the NHL Ottawa Senators in winter and the Ottawa Lynx Triple A baseball team in summer.

Then there's the lifestyle. The Ottawa region is unmatched for its unique combination of urban and rural amenities - from winter skiing to summer water sports and from hiking in the Gatineau Hills to nightlife in the Byward Market.

Year-round, various festivals and ceremonies celebrate the region's own special lifestyle. The Winterlude Festival truly sets the tone of winter in the Ottawa region. The world's longest outdoor skating rink on the Rideau Canal, crossing the heart of the city, is the focal point of a series of original competitions and activities during three weekends in February. With spring comes the Tulip Festival, when more than 100,000 tulips turn the whole city into one magnificent garden. On July 1st, tens of thousands of residents and visitors congregate on Parliament Hill and surrounding vantage points to witness an impressive fireworks show that marks Canada Day in Ottawa. In August, the Super Ex offers the traditional rides, shows and exhibits of a major exhibition. The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place on Labour Day Weekend.

Cycling is a both a favourite sport and daily means of transportation for many Ottawa-area residents, and a remarkable network of dedicated paths and reserved lanes is the pride of the region. Multi-use recreational pathways (accommodating cyclists, joggers, pedestrians, roller-bladers, and other users) make it easy to find a scenic route to just about anywhere in the region. During peak cycling season until Labour Day weekend in September, Colonel By Drive and the Eastern and Western parkways along the Ottawa River are closed to motorized traffic on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Excellent ski centres can be found only a short drive from Ottawa in the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains. Favourites are Edelweiss Valley, Vorlage, Mont-Cascades, Camp Fortune and Mont-Ste-Marie. There is also a profusion of cross-country trails in and around Ottawa and Hull.

GETTING THE INSIDE SCOOP
But these facts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many amenities and events that make Ottawa such a wonderful place to call home for newcomers and lifelong residents alike and when it comes to something as important as choosing the home that's right for you and your family, you need to have all the facts.

As a real estate professional specializing in Ottawa's east end communities, Karen has made it her duty to know everything she can about relocating to, from or within the Ottawa region. Those who have worked with Karen appreciate knowing the purchase of their new home is in the hands of such a capable and trustworthy professional while they're wrapping up all the last-minute details of packing and moving out of their previous home.

Relocation Guide Karen Hooper's Comprehensive Guide to Relocating to Ottawa Karen has developed a keen insight and understanding of this area simply because she loves it so much, especially when she has the opportunity to share it with others. That's why she has created her special relocation information package, "Karen Hooper's Comprehensive Guide to Relocating to Ottawa", for anyone planning a move to the area. It's just one of the ways she works to help you feel right at home right from the start. Here are just a few things Karen has included to make your relocation as smooth as possible: A complete map of the Ottawa area, including all streets, highways, public transportation, schools, parks, public areas, shopping centres and major landmarks. A 'Moving to Ottawa' magazine featuring information on the various neighbourhoods, education, transportation, things to see and do and so much more. An Ottawa Visitor Guide featuring a guide to popular restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions and entertainment around the city. An insightful, step-by-step relocation checklist, including things you'll need to do in your current home, things to take care of in Ottawa before you get there, and the things you'll need to take care of once you arrive. A questionnaire you can fill out and fax or mail back to Karen so that she can send you customized information on exactly the type of homes and areas you are specifically interested in. Or, send Karen a message now, and let her know what kind of information you would most like to have about Ottawa. She'll send a customized package designed just for you. MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE YOUR BEST MOVE Of course, there's never any obligation. Karen believes in making real estate and the relocation process as easy as possible for everyone involved. To her, that means providing information to anyone who wants to find out more about the city she loves and knows so well. So, click below and order your Special Relocation Package today! You'll be glad you did.

©2002 HobbsHerder Advertising