pr-agencies-in-ottawa
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

5 Best PR Agencies in Ottawa Known for Smart and Savvy Campaigns

  • Expertise - We picked PR agencies with proven experience handling campaigns for a wide range of industries, from small businesses to larger brands.
  • Reputation Management - We selected pros who know how to protect and enhance your brand, especially when handling mistakes or crises.
  • Media Relationships - We highlighted agencies with established connections that can secure coverage in newspapers, blogs, TV, and social media.
  • Creativity - We favored PR firms that craft fresh, attention-grabbing campaigns that stand out from the competition.

A buddy of mine recently ran a “50% off” sale for his small business, and forgot to limit it to a single product range. A lot of disappointed customers who were expecting discounts sent in complaints, which, of course, made him panic.

At first, he didn’t know whether to post an apology online or just hope it all blew over. That’s when I suggested he hire a PR firm.

In no time at all, they were able to craft a friendly announcement that explained everything and offered an attractive solution to affected customers. The incident actually helped put my friend’s business on the map.

This shows that having the right team can make all the difference. So, check out the best PR agencies in Ottawa below if you need a little (or a lot) of good publicity.

How much do PR agencies charge in Ottawa?

PR agencies in Ottawa typically charge anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 a month, depending on the size of the business and scope of work.
Some offer hourly rates ranging from $100 to $300 for specific projects or consulting.

1. Compass Rose Group

compass-rose-group

Business Address: 1 York St

Website: https://www.compassrosegroup.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassrosegroup

Contact Details: +1 613-614-6339

Business Hours: 

  • Open 24/7

For over a decade, Compass Rose Group has been helping industry leaders navigate Canada’s confusing business and political landscape.

Their staying power stems from being able to craft clear and powerful stories for their clients; be it an online post or a speech, they know how to get your message across.

But even a great story can’t save you if you freeze up on camera—that’s where their media training comes in. Their team will give you one-on-one help so that you always look poised during tough interviews and high-profile events.

That confidence is important if your business needs the government to listen to your views. Their government relations team even allows you access to their connections.

As expected, premium PR services like these come at a price.

Pros

  • Over 10 years of experience
  • Crafts clear and powerful stories
  • Provides media training
  • Has a government relations team

Cons

  • Pricey

Consistently provides exceptional, professional service

“As a long-term client, I am sharing my positive experience working with the Compass Rose Group. Having collaborated with them on several initiatives over the years, I can confidently say that they consistently provide exceptional, professional service. Their team is highly skilled and knowledgeable, and their expertise has been invaluable in helping us achieve our goals. Jacquie and her team have an impressive track record of success in navigating complex political landscapes and building effective coalitions. I have had the pleasure of working with various individuals on the team, and can attest to their unwavering commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and their tireless efforts to ensure that our interests are represented in a responsible manner.”

                                                                   Joey Taylor, Google Review

Helped improve our communications & government relations

“Our organization has worked with Compass Rose for 6 years now, and we cannot say enough about the level of service, insights, and advice we have received – and continue to receive. High value and quality personal touch has helped improve our communications and government relations efforts and outcomes. Thanks to Jacquie, James, Marci, Theo, and the team.”

                                                             Derek Nighbor, Google Review

2. Kit Public Relations

kit-public-relations

Business Address: 17 York St #401

Website: https://www.kitpr.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitpublicaffairs/

Contact Details: +1 613-882-8432

Business Hours: 

  • Open 24/7

Kit Public Relations is led by Kristina Martina, who has over 15 years of experience in communications, government relations, and politics. Because she’s the real deal, she has managed to snag big clients like RBC and Research Canada.

Her firm is an expert in securing strategic media coverage that moves the needle. They craft targeted pitches and manage your media inquiries to help raise your profile, so when drama strikes, you’re standing on solid ground.

Sometimes, though, a little bit of drama can’t be helped. That’s where their crisis management crew acts as a shield for your brand’s reputation.

They’re not limited to media management, either. If your business needs government advocacy, their government relations team will help you broker agreements via their extensive political connections.

The only downside to all this success is that it can be hard to book them.

Pros

  • Over 15 years of experience
  • Has big-name clients
  • Secures strategic media coverage
  • Offers crisis and issues management
  • Has a government relations team

Cons

  • Might be tricky to book

Highly professional, efficient, & extremely communicative

“The Kit PR team is fantastic – highly professional, efficient, and extremely communicative. It is an absolute pleasure to work with them and benefit from their expertise.”

                                                   Emily Jones Joanisse, Google Review

Incredible job of coordinating our event program

“Kit Public Affairs did an incredible job of coordinating our event program and ensuring we were on track and on schedule. I would definitely recommend Kristina and her firm!”

               Mary McPhail, Private Banker, Wealth Management, Online Review

3. Vision2Voice Internal Communications Agency

vision2voice-internal-communications-agency

Business Address: 430 Hazeldean Road, Unit 6

Website: https://www.vision2voice.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vision2Voice.ca/

Contact Details: +1 613-293-4787

Business Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri: 7 AM–5 PM

Andrea was a freelancer who just had a baby when she started Vision2Voice—that was over 25 years ago. Fast forward to today, and her agency has grown into one of the most respected names in internal communications.

They take a full-team, people-first approach to every project. You’re not just hiring one random consultant—you’re getting a dedicated crew with different skills and talents.

This human-centric vibe is why they’re good at the heavy stuff, like change management geared for company culture. Don’t take our word for it—their team includes certified pros who have led over $1 billion in massive transformation projects.

They even perform communication audits to make sure those changes actually stick.

The only thing to keep in mind is that they don’t provide government relations. Those looking to lobby politicians or influence new laws should look somewhere else.

Pros

  • Over 25 years of experience
  • Full-team, people-first approach
  • Offers change management
  • Performs communication audits

Cons

  • No government relations services

Has a remarkable gift for connecting people

“The V2V team consistently brings strategic clarity, creative communication, and genuine human connection. Andrea in particular has a remarkable gift for connecting people, and I can’t recommend them enough for any comms, branding, or change program.”

                                             Belinda Thomas-Dunphy, Google Review

Greatly strengthened my work in communications

“Vision2Voice is a standout in internal communications, offering top-tier strategy, coaching, and workshops on listening, change management, storytelling, branding, and employee experience. Andrea Greenhous is an exceptional mentor whose guidance has greatly strengthened my work in communications.”

                                                                               K S, Google Review

4. Bluesky Strategy Group

bluesky-strategy-group

Business Address: 50 O’Connor St, Suite 302

Website: https://blueskystrategygroup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueskystrategygroup/

Contact Details: +1 613-241-3512

Business Hours: 

  • Mon – Thurs: 9 AM–5 PM

Bluesky Strategy Group sprang up in 2003 and has been a go-to for PR consulting since. They call themselves blue sky thinkers for a reason—they’re known for taking big, creative ideas and actually making them happen.

Because they’ve been around for so long, they’ve built a large network of media contacts that they put to work for their clients. Trust them to know exactly who to call to get your story in front of the right people.

They also know how to make you look good when it’s your turn to be in the spotlight. That’s because they’ve spent years training a wide range of clients, from politicians and CEOs to scientists.

In addition to media training, their team is capable of helping out with procurement and securing funding via their government relations services.

Be prepared for the costs, though—we heard their fees are a bit steep.

Pros

  • Over 20 years of experience
  • Large network of media contacts
  • Provides media training
  • Has government relations

Cons

  • Steep fees

They find ways to make it better

“The team goes above and beyond. They don’t just deliver what you ask for — they find ways to make it better.”

                                                                 Shahd Rabie, Google Review

Expert support in strategic communications

“Bluesky provided expert support in strategic communications, brand development, stakeholder engagement, event design, and fundraising campaign development.”

                                           Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), Online Review

5. Summa Strategies Canada

summa-strategies-canada

Business Address: 66 Slater St., Suite 2000

Website: https://summastrategies.ca/

Contact Details: +1 613-235-1400

Business Hours: 

  • Mon – Fri: 9 AM–5 PM 

Since 1997, Summa Strategies Canada has provided strategic advice to some of the country’s biggest groups. Their Managing Partner didn’t just serve as the Director of Communications at CMA, but he also spent over a decade working on Parliament Hill.

It’s no surprise that they’ve snagged some of the most impressive brands as clients, such as the University of Victoria and The Boeing Company.

The trust comes from having connections to political decision-makers at every level: federal, provincial, and municipal. If you need to win a government contract or navigate a maze of regulations, they’ve got the goods to make it happen.

If things ever go south, their crisis communications and management team is there to handle sensitive situations and reduce or prevent reputational damage.

Sure, you might hear a few whispers of the firm being too left-wing, but remember, they position themselves as a multi-partisan firm.

Pros

  • Over 28 years of experience
  • Director of Communications at CMA
  • Worked on Parliament Hill for over 10 years
  • Has an impressive client list
  • Crisis communications and management team

Cons

  • Reports of being too left-wing

Best lobbying firm in all of Canada

“The best lobbying firm in all of Canada.”

                                                             James Whiting, Google Review

Flawlessly designed and executed our plans

“Summa Strategies assisted our organization with provincial government relations. The organization was mindful of our needs and flawlessly designed and executed our plans.”

                                                                   Josh Fisher, Google Review