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Ottawa / 10 photo spots

10 Instagram spots around Ottawa

Ottawa’s public parks, heritage architecture and riverfront views offer very different city scenes. These photo ideas stay within Ottawa’s city boundaries and focus on outdoor viewpoints.

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Photo spots on the map

4 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.

Current viewOttawaApproximate overview without a marker
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All photo spots

  1. Parliament HillApproximate area
  2. Major’s Hill ParkApproximate area
  3. Kìwekì Point River Walk
  4. ByWard Market Square
  5. Ottawa Sign on York Street
  6. Confederation ParkApproximate area
  7. Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake
  8. Dominion ArboretumApproximate area
  9. Maman at the National Gallery Plaza
  10. Canadian Museum of Nature Plaza

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill rises above Wellington Street, with its Peace Tower and Gothic Revival buildings visible from the public street. The federal report notes a south façade tarp in progress and steel framing around the tower, so expect possible obstructions.

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Major’s Hill Park

Major’s Hill Park has winding paths, rolling lawns and lookout points above Ottawa’s waterfront. Choose a clear opening to frame the Ottawa River with Parliament and Château Laurier beyond.

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Kìwekì Point River Walk

The River Walk Esplanade circles Kìwekì Point and offers outlooks toward Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. From an accessible open section, compose the city skyline above the water.

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ByWard Market Square

The ByWard Market is a historic indoor and outdoor market district with independent shops and seasonal vendors. Photograph the market square’s flowers, produce and urban art from the surrounding public streets.

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Ottawa Sign on York Street

The Ottawa sign stands at York Street and Sussex Drive in the ByWard Market. From York Street, align it with the Peace Tower only if the tower is visible beyond current Centre Block restoration work.

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Confederation Park

Confederation Park sits at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue, with mature trees, monuments and a fountain honoring Colonel By. Use the path to layer public sculpture against the downtown canopy.

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Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake

Commissioners Park follows Dow’s Lake with winding paths, mature trees and waterfront views. From a public route, frame the lake through branches. Spring tulips add a seasonal foreground when in bloom.

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Dominion Arboretum

The Dominion Arboretum’s rolling grounds display established trees and shrubs beside the Rideau Canal. Follow an open path and photograph layered foliage, trunks and rising lawns within the same composition.

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Maman at the National Gallery Plaza

Louise Bourgeois’ bronze spider Maman stands on the plaza outside the National Gallery of Canada. From the public plaza, photograph upward to emphasize its scale against the Gallery’s glass and stone facade.

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Canadian Museum of Nature Plaza

The castle-style Canadian Museum of Nature faces a public plaza on McLeod Street. Photograph the exterior and its Queen’s Lantern from outside, using the Gothic stonework and tall glass lantern as contrasting shapes.

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Sources for these photo spots