Discovering La Cité: A French-Language Campus in Ottawa

Founded in 1990, La Cité is the largest French-language college of applied arts and technology in Ontario.

Its main campus, located on Aviation Parkway in Ottawa, covers approximately 60 acres (nearly 24 hectares). It features around ten buildings, nearly 100 laboratories, a student residence, dining areas, and various facilities dedicated to student life.

La Cité also has locations elsewhere in Ontario, including the Minto Trades Centre – Alphonse-Desjardins Campus in Orléans, as well as a campus in Toronto.

Over the decades, countless students have walked its halls. Today, the college’s community includes more than 50,000 graduates across Canada and around the world.

From IT to Healthcare, Media, and Skilled Trades

When we say there’s something for everyone, we’re hardly exaggerating!

Business administration, information technology, healthcare, media, skilled trades, engineering, tourism, emergency services, social sciences… La Cité offers programs across a wide range of fields.

There are also plenty of different learning paths to choose from. Certificates, college diplomas, graduate certificates, microcredentials, and bachelor’s degrees allow students to find a program that aligns with their goals.

Hands-on and experiential learning also play an important role. Laboratories, specialized equipment, and practical experiences allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom and gradually prepare for the job market.

And the community continues to grow. During the 2025–2026 academic year, La Cité welcomed 10,509 unique students and celebrated the success of 3,670 graduates, a record for the institution.

A Campus That’s More Than Just a Place to Study

A day at college isn’t just about showing up for your 8 a.m. class, taking notes, and heading straight home.

At least, it doesn’t have to be!

La Cité offers a variety of spaces, services, and activities that allow students to enjoy campus life beyond the classroom. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, get involved in student activities, or simply take a break between classes.

And of course, staying active is part of the experience too.

The campus is home to a recently renovated sports complex featuring a gymnasium and fitness room. Students can also cheer on the La Cité Coyotes, the college’s athletic teams.

In short, there are plenty of opportunities to swap your laptop and notebooks for a pair of running shoes!

Staying Active When It’s -15°C Outside ? Why Not Head Indoors !

Ontario winters can be beautiful.

But let’s be honest: in February, sometimes we’d rather admire the snow from the other side of the window.

The days are cold, motivation to go outside can drop, and staying warm indoors can suddenly seem much more appealing. Still, winter doesn’t have to mean putting your active habits on hold for several months.

Getting active indoors, walking more throughout the day, trying a new activity, or making use of nearby facilities are all great ways to stay active, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

And you know us at BougeBouge: any opportunity to get a community moving is right up our alley.

A Campus Worth Discovering

With its wide range of programs, facilities, French-speaking community, and student life, La Cité is much more than a place to attend classes. It’s a community where thousands of people come to learn, explore, connect, create, and prepare for the next chapter of their lives.