There are several independent organizations who often work together for atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, skeptics, freethinkers, and other non-religious people in the National Capital Region who don't want the beliefs or scriptures of others to influence public policy or affect their lives.

If you're interested in joining any of these non-profit groups or attending their in-person or online events, click on the logos or follow the links below:

The Ottawa Consulate of the Athiest Republic hosts guest speakers and promotes secularism in all levels of government as the local representatives of the world’s largest community of not just atheists, but atheists who care.

Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC) Ottawa Branch hosts in-person social and discussion events such as Secular Brunch, Skeptics in the Pub, and Skeptics in the Park. Through their national Virtual Branch, they host guest speakers, a weekly Secular Chat, a monthly Living Without Religion support group, and a non-fiction book club. Their Podcast for Inquiry and Critical Links newsletter both inform and entertain. All these activities encourage critical thinking, promote science, and help build a local secular community.

Founded in 1968 as the Humanist Association of Ottawa, Humanist Ottawa (HO) is one of the most active secular groups in the NCR. They host in-person and online events throughout the year to advocate humanist values and a secular society, and to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people and other minorities. Its members also helped support the 2026 World Humanist Congress in Ottawa.

The international Recovering from Religion (RfR) organization is establishing their first in-person meetings in Ottawa in late 2026. RfR provides support to people who have experienced trauma as a result of their religious upbringing or who are struggling with themselves, their families, or loved ones as they consider leaving their religion. They also offer global virtual meetings and a 24-hour support line.

As one of the over a hundred Skeptics in the Pub groups worldwide, this popular Ottawa social event co-hosted by CFIC and HO takes place at 7 pm on the first Tuesday of each month at The Lieutenant’s Pump, 361 Elgin Street in Centretown. It provides a venue to enjoy lively discussions on current events, extraordinary claims, history, human rights, international politics, science, technology and other fact-based topics using evidence, critical thinking and rational thought.

Please note: Most of these clubs and associations promote their events at Meetup.com using "secularism" or other similar search terms.

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