Best places to photograph in Ottawa

With so much time on our hands, it’s hard not to think of everything we could be doing with our day. Instagram and Pinterest have me rethinking everything I knew about Ottawa and adding dozens of new activities and photo locations each and every week. Today we are going to look at the Most Instagram-Worthy Spots In Ottawa.

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What are the best places to take pictures in Ottawa?

Whether you have lived in Ottawa all your life or you are planning on visiting for the first time, everyone needs a bucket list. During our 2 years in Ottawa, we have amassed a list longer than my arm of all the amazing activities, locations and family-friendly things to do in Ottawa but what about photo locations?

While I would never profess to be a professional photographer, I do enjoy taking a nice picture here and there. My biggest problem is knowing where to find these “hidden gems”.

National War Memorial

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4xxSYHlBsT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Bank st. Bridge

Bank st. Bridge over the canal is popular for picture taking, especially at night.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTSi0q5lUaC/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

The Waterfall Trail in Gatineau Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUl2VcHt8L/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Laurier bridge

Laurier bridge (the green metal one) over the canal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV6vnxsBmAj/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Dominion Arboretum

There’s a small wooden bridge along the Arboretum pathway

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAb48fNFYs8/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Nepean Point

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4OJx5xgPfw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Fairmont Hotel Château Laurier

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4JEZCElFOQ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

The National Gallery of Canada

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1_uHi0HIzH/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Big Mama

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3vKpAwH49E/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Hog’s Back Falls

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoNQImDn9Io/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsJAbgPlRXt/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Plaza Bridge

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Z6HkpFjjG/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Rideau canal

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0FF6MzlrCQ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Parliament

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxfefX0AXVn/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Major’s Hill Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAsjW7XpV6Q/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Rideau Falls Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bok16eVn2Lk/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Canadian Museum of History

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VraIoFyDO/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Quelque Chose Patisserie

When in the Byward Market you need to visit Quelque Chose Patisserie to see their Ottawa sign!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uyPTshYcH/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Central Experimental Farm

In late summer the Central Experimental Farm has a large sunflower field that makes the perfect backdrop for a selfie. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SZz9CFScn/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Street Art in the Glebe

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAk2W6bFESB/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Canadian Museum Of Nature

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdEPB7IkOT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Beach shack at Mooney’s Bay

https://www.instagram.com/p/6e_WIHPXdD/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Remic Rapids

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tOuFGlk8g/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Laval Street Gatineau

Head to Laval Street in Gatineau for a colorful photo of the umbrella-covered street. You can find the umbrellas on the Gatineau Culture Trail, which is a 3km red line around some of the best sights and places to eat in Gatineau.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn2Rx5DnZzr/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Rideau Hall

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwKIdSbl-Dw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Ottawa Sign at the Byward Market

https://www.instagram.com/p/B08lhdZHml1/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Mer Bleue boardwalk

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaloWLHHTwR/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Final Thoughts…

Photography is about what you see, not what others see. Go explore and take pictures in your creative eye.

Click the image for your free downloadable checklist