Yes, many retirement homes in Ottawa offer ways to schedule a tour online, although the booking process varies by community. Online tour requests can be a convenient way to choose a preferred date and time, ask questions, and start exploring retirement residences from home before visiting in person.
The easiest way to schedule a tour is to visit the retirement home’s website and look for a Book a Tour, Schedule a Tour, or Contact Us option. You can view our Ottawa communities and book your tour here.
You will submit a tour request and have a team member contact you to schedule your appointment. You can also look for communities that have set walk-in tour hours, call the community directly, or drop in if you’re passing by to see if they’re able to show you around.
When scheduling a tour, you may be asked for:
Yes. A tour is an opportunity to see a retirement community in person before making a decision.
Whether you have your bags packed or you’re just getting a feel for what retirement living is like and whether it could be a fit for you, booking a tour is the best way to have your questions answered. During a visit, you can get a better sense of the community’s atmosphere, living spaces, and dining room. Take the time to ask questions about daily life, available services, activities, and the care levels offered in case you ever need extra support. Starting the conversation early can also give you more time to understand your choices.
“Too many seniors wait until they experience difficulties with daily activities before they consider their retirement options. This can greatly reduce their choices,” the Ontario Retirement Community Association wrote on their website. “Thinking ahead will allow you to make your lifestyle adjustments comfortably.”
Learn more about the signs it’s time to consider retirement living.
A tour is a good time to ask practical questions that may not be answered fully on a website.
Consider asking:
Make a list of questions before the tour so you do not forget anything during your visit.
Yes. Family members can often begin the process of exploring retirement living and arranging visits on behalf of a parent or another loved one.
If you are helping someone find a retirement home in Ottawa, consider involving them in the process as much as possible. Their preferences about location, suite size, meals, activities, social opportunities, and the level of support they want are important when comparing communities.
If you are arranging a tour for someone else, let the retirement home’s team know who the visit is for and what you are hoping to learn. This can help make the tour more useful for everyone.
No. You do not need to know exactly what services or care levels are right for you before visiting a community.
Learn more about the levels of care available in a retirement home.
Retirement homes can offer different levels of support, and your needs may not fit neatly into one category when you first begin your search. A tour gives you an opportunity to talk about your needs, learn about the available options, and ask questions about what might be appropriate.
Yes. If an in-person visit is difficult to arrange, such as if you live out of the country, ask whether the residence offers another way to tour. Depending on the retirement home, there may be options for speaking with the team over video chat or doing a virtual walk-through.
Neither option is necessarily better. Online scheduling can be convenient when you already know when you would like to visit, while speaking directly with the retirement home’s team can be helpful when you have questions or are unsure what type of living arrangement to explore.
If you are comparing several retirement homes in Ottawa, online scheduling can make it easier to organize visits around your schedule.
We are here to help you every step of the way. Explore our locations and discover the perfect environment for your loved one.
In-person tours are usually one to one and a half hours. The time needed can vary by community and by what you would like to see and discuss. Allow enough time to view the residence and ask questions rather than treating the visit as a quick walk-through.
Yes. Bringing a family member or loved one can be helpful, particularly when you are exploring options for someone you love. Confirm the details with the community when scheduling your visit.
Absolutely. Visiting more than one community can help you understand the differences between residences and determine which features matter most to you. Comparing communities in person can also give you a better sense of the atmosphere and daily experience.
Bring a list of questions, notes about your needs and, if relevant, information about the services or support your loved one currently receives. If you are comparing several communities, taking notes during each tour can make the differences easier to remember.
Yes. A tour does not necessarily mean that you are ready to move immediately. Visiting communities early can help you understand your options, costs, services, and available living arrangements before you need to make a decision.
If you are considering retirement living for yourself or a loved one, scheduling a tour is a practical next step. Visiting a community allows you to see the environment for yourself, meet the team, and ask questions about everyday life and available support.