Top 10 Places to Photograph in Ottawa in the Winter
Ottawa is one of the best places in Canada to visit in the winter, and there are no shortage of beautiful spots to photograph in the city. From the world famous Rideau Canal Skateway and the iconic Parliament Hill, to stunning winter waterfalls and frozen landscapes along the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, there is a picture perfect winter postcard waiting around every corner.
The Rideau Canal
Every winter Ottawa's Rideau Canal turns into a frozen playground for locals and visitors alike. As the UNESCO World Heritage site slowly freezes, the Rideau Canal Skateway takes form, providing 7.8km of winter skating bliss for locals and visitors alike. With rest stops at KM 0 (downtown Ottawa), Fifth Avenue in the neighbourhood of the Glebe, and at Dow's Lake, there are plenty of opportunities to hop on or off, rent skates or a sleigh, or to refuel with a tasty hot chocolate, Beavertail pastry or hearty poutine. Warming huts dot the skateway for those extra chilly days where a quick warm up is needed, and the beautiful stone arched bridge at the offshoot to Paterson Creek as well as the historic Pretoria bridge provide a picture perfect backdrop.
Photo Tip: For a great vantage point head to one of the bridges over the canal for a bird's eye view of the skaters on the Rideau Canal, with Parliament Hill and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier as a backdrop.
Rideau Falls
Located at the convergence of the Rideau River and the Ottawa River, Rideau Falls is a beautiful all-season waterfall in Ottawa which is especially stunning in the winter. While the falls generally flow continually throughout the winter months, extreme temperature dips can occasionally freeze them entirely. This provides a stunning photo op, with the cascades of water seemingly frozen in time. The mist given off by the flowing falls creates a beautiful icy coating on nearby trees and rocks, creating a scene out of a fairytale.
Photo Tip: Rideau Falls is best photographed in the afternoon or late in the day due to the direction of the sun. Stop by on a clear day and you'll get a beautiful golden glow, and beams of sunlight through nearby iced over trees.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is an iconic spot for photographs in any season, but winter photos of this iconic building are the embodiment of the quintessential Canadian winter experience. With the Centennial Flame as your centerpiece (and as a good spot to warm up!), a photo of Centre Block or West Block with it’s dramatic gothic architecture surrounded by dazzling white snow, is nothing short of spectacular.
Photo Tip: For an alternative view of Parliament Hill head to Major's Hill Park, the Portage Bridge, the Supreme Court of Canada, or venture across the Ottawa River to the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.
Hog's Back Falls
Hog's Back Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ottawa, and it's winter magic is second to none. These powerful falls run all winter long, and the heavy spray and mist given off by the twin cascades layer everything nearby in a thick coating of ice. Stop by Hog's Back Park and take a stroll along the east side of the falls for beautiful views from the nearby lookout point. The trail on the west side of the falls can often be coated in a sheet of ice and difficult to navigate, so proceed on that side with caution.
Photo Tip: Wait until mid winter to photograph the falls, as more ice and snow accumulate as the winter progresses.
Patinage en Forêt
Only an hour away from Ottawa, Patinage en Forêt is a beautiful forest skating trail in Lac des Loups, Quebec. While there are several skating trails in the Ottawa Region, Patinage en Forêt is special, not only because of it’s spectacular ice conditions (similar to skating on a refrigerated rink), but it's numerous skating trails are secluded and protected from the elements by picturesque pine trees, creating a magical skating experience. Birdfeeders teeming with wildlife dot the trails, along with rustic wooden benches, perfect for resting and taking in the pristine winter wilderness.
Photo Tip: Plan your visit on a very cold day, when there's a higher chance of clear skies. The contrast of bright blue skies against the shimmery white snow creates a stunning winter scene.
The Ottawa River
Ottawa's extensive network of summer biking and walking trails transforms into spectacular winter skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking trails in the winter months. While out enjoying them, keep your eyes peeled for various types of birds up high in the nearby woodland, including colourful cardinals and blue jays, various species of owl and even birds of prey. Venture closer to the river’s edge and capture some great images of the icy shoreline, with unique ice and snow formations, or head to one of the nearby beaches in the later winter months and watch giant mounds of ice and snow build up on the shore.
Photo Tip: The Ottawa River is best photographed during extremely cold periods. On days when the temperature of the river is warmer than the air, an cold steam emanates from river and coats everything in sight with a dazzling white coating. IIt’s rare to see, but when the conditions are perfect the scene is absolutely breathtaking.
The ByWard Market
The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s more historic neighbourhood, and is home to the oldest public farmers' market in Canada, dating back to 1826. The area is full of eclectic shops and unique outdoor patio spaces, cool European style courtyards, as well as unique sculptures, colourful public murals, and constantly changing pop-up art installations. The centerpiece of the neighbourhood is the giant OTTAWA sign on York St., which lights up at night in a myriad of vibrant colour combinations. No matter where you wander in the ByWard Market, you're sure to find an endless number of interesting spots to photograph.
Photo Tip: Get a bird's eye view of the ByWard Market building and the OTTAWA sign by heading to the top level of the York St. parking garage.
The Rideau River
As one of the capital's main waterways, the Rideau River winds its way through Ottawa, from the city's southern boundaries, all the way to the Ottawa River. Sections of river can be seen teeming with wildlife including a variety of aquatic birds including great blue heron, mallard ducks and even trumpeter swans. The section of the Rideau River in the neighbourhood of New Edinburgh is a great spot for winter photography, with the historic Minto bridges and the unique architecture of the John G. Diefenbaker Building providing a distinct backdrop.
Photo Tip: Go for a winter hike to the base of the Dundar Bridge and get some unique shots of colourful local street graffiti (from the annual House of Paint festival), contrasted against the snowy white landscape.
The Dominion Arboretum
Ottawa has some amazing outdoor parks, and the Dominion Arboretum is a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Take a hike through the Arboretum after a snowfall and you'll find yourself in the middle of a breathtaking winter wonderland, with mature trees dusted with a layer of fluffy white snow. A picturesque rust-coloured bridge can be found in the middle of the park, creating the perfect focal point for a perfect winter photo. The large hill nearby is an unofficial tobogganing hot spot, and is the perfect place to capture families and daredevils make the trip down the steep slope to the valley below.
Photo Tip: The Fletcher Wildlife Gardens is the spot to go to for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Take a hike around the grounds and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife big and small.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier
It's Ottawa's magical winter castle, and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is no doubt an iconic winter spot to photograph in Canada's capital. With its majestic limestone turrets, and it's ideal location beside the Rideau Canal locks and the start of the Rideau Canal Skateway it's the perfect backdrop for any quintessential winter photo. With so many great angles to choose from, our favourite spots to photograph the castle's curves are from the National War Memorial, Major's Hill Park, or the Laurier Street Bridge.
Photo Tip: With it's exterior lit up each night, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is great a great spot to photograph at night or at blue hour.
