Top Ottawa Photo Spots

Any guide to Ottawa photo spots must begin with the Parliament buildings and surrounding public spaces. The Parliament buildings exemplify the ideals of gothic revival architecture. Standing prominently on a clifftop overlooking the Ottawa river, the nation’s capital building is majestic from almost any angle. The interior is stunning, featuring cathedral halls, a beautiful wood-panelled library, and vaulted halls of government. Wandering the grounds, the photographer will find spectacular views of the uniquely styled Canadian Museum of History, the termination of the Rideau canal, and vast expanses of lawn.

As a commonwealth country, Canada also maintains several British customs, including a daily changing of the guard from June to August. Every day at 10:00 am, soldiers in red scarlet tunics and bear fur hats march across the Parliamentary lawns in historic military pageantry. The photographic tapestry of soldiers in bright red uniforms against the vivid green of the gardens form perfect colour compliments.

Winter months also offer photography magic as well. Each evening in the lead-up to Christmas, holiday light projections paint the castle-like buildings starting in November. The Parliament buildings are a must-add to the top of any list of Ottawa photo spots. 

A trip through Ottawa photo spots is not complete without shooting the modern architecture of the National Gallery of Canada and its iconic giant spider sculpture. Named Maman, this sculpture is one of seven similar sculptures found around the world. The Ottawa version is among the world’s largest at 30 ft high and 33 ft wide.

The Gallery itself is well worth a tour and the soaring interiors offer almost limitless architectural photography opportunities. The glass-enclosed concourse, in particular, begs to be photographed. The use of flash and tripods inside the exhibits is not permitted, and some do not allow any photography. But the art and photography in its galleries make the visit worth it. You can find the open hours and more information on their website at: https://www.gallery.ca/

Ottawa’s Basilica is a tapestry of vibrant colours and vaulted arch ceilings. The textures and colours combine to create an interior like no other. This historic landmark was built in 1846 and is Ottawa’s oldest and largest church. Photography is no problem within its walls, but please be respectful and appropriate when shooting this Ottawa Photo Spot. More info can be found on their website here: https://notredameottawa.com/

Once you tire of the bustling tourism and crowds of people in the city, photographers must take a few days at Gatineau Park. While technically not an Ottawa photo spot, the park is only about twenty minutes from the city, and it is enormous. In addition, Gatineau Park is home to many great photo spots and natural wonders hidden within its forested hills. We recommend spending several days hiking its trails and discovering its many gems, such as the MacKenzie King Estate, and numerous waterfalls. Luskville Falls are particularly spectacular in the springtime but require a special trip to visit. Also, be sure not to miss the Carbide Wilson Ruins, a fantastic abandoned old secret laboratory hidden deep within the park.

Another Ottawa Photography location that is about an hour and a half outside the city is St Raphael’s ruins. The Church of St. Raphael burned to the ground in 1970, leaving the exposed stone shell of the church. After its destruction, the parishioners chose to build a more modern church nearby and preserve the ruins. The ruins now give a sense of the scale of the church and include the disfigured and partially melted bell from the clock tower. The whole site is quite moving and a pleasure to photograph. As well, across the street can be found what remains of the College of Iona, a former seminary that itself is an excellent abandoned photography location.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is housed in a historic building in downtown Ottawa. The museum is well known in the city for its unique blend of old and new architectural styles, particularly the stunning glass-enclosed atrium at the front of the building. The museum features a number of beautiful nature exhibits including insects, dinosaurs and more. But the building and the grounds make it one of the best Ottawa photo spots in the city.

The ByWard Market is a fantastic place for taking photos day or night. Covering roughly four blocks the area is a commercial hub of the city. Many period-style buildings and a bustling marketplace atmosphere make it one of Ottawa’s best places to explore with a camera. Street photography and night photography are fantastic here as it is a popular place for tourists and is one of the main nightlife destinations in Ottawa. Learn more about the Byward Market on their website here: https://www.byward-market.com/

Officially called the Prince of Wales Falls, Hog’s Back Falls is a series of artificial falls in the heart of Ottawa. The falls are a great Ottawa Photo spot, especially in the autumn months when the leaves begin to turn. Hog’s Back Falls is one of the main waterfalls to explore in the city, but there are also several other great waterfalls on the outskirts of the city.