Parliament Hill Stairs
There’s something so aesthetically pleasing about the symmetry of a staircase, especially one surrounded by lush greenery and open water. This stairway can be found behind Parliament Hill leading down to the National Capital Pathway along the Ottawa River and has not only proven itself popular among runners and walkers but photographers as well! The steps are nearly embedded in the beautiful landscaping as they zig-zag down the four-story escarpment to the riverbank.
TIP: The best place to capture the dynamic feel of the Parliament Hill Stairs is to head straight to the top and look down for the optimal composition of the meandering stairs, dense greenery, and open water.
Andrew Haydon Park
For nature photographers, Ottawa has some of the most picturesque green spaces and Andrew Haydon Park is at the top of the list. Located on Carling Avenue in Ottawa’s west end, you’ll come across a charming park set along the Ottawa River. Across the waterway you’ll be able to make out the Gatineau Hills off in the distance and in the summer months, you’re likely to catch sailboats floating by or waterfowls and shorebirds passing through. A series of small islands – one with its own bandshell for live, outdoor concerts – are all connected by beautiful rustic bridges leading across calm waters and marsh land.
TIP: If your pup-fluencer is ready for their next photoshoot, this is the park for you! It’s dog-friendly with plenty of space to take your pup for a walk and just enough beautiful backdrops you’ll want to stop to snap a pic or two.
Watson’s Mill
To capture an incredible historic flour mill you only have to go as far as Manotick Village, south of Ottawa. Built in 1860, Watson’s Mill continues to be an iconic landmark attracting photographers of all kinds with its rustic charm! The five-story limestone building sits between lush greenery on one side and the Rideau River on the other. One of the best photo ops of the mill is from slightly downstream to catch the beautiful stone building rooted in nature and next to the rushing water.
TIP: If you’re visiting on a Sunday, there’s a good chance you’ll see Watson’s Mill truly come alive as it grinds flour the old-fashioned way. The fresh stone-ground whole wheat flour is then available for sale so you can take it home and taste the difference for yourself.
National Holocaust Monument
Canada’s first national monument dedicated to the Holocaust can be found in Ottawa at the corner of Booth and Wellington Streets. The monument is an incredible concrete structure made of sharp angles and lines that from above resemble a six-pointed star. The illuminated Stair of Hope can be found in the centre of the monument leading to a unique view of Parliament Hill. The National Holocaust Monument’s contemplative architecture was designed as a lasting symbol of remembrance, reflection, and education.
TIP: The pensive angles of the architecture are more prominent when captured in the early morning light. Always remember when photographing a monument to be respectful of the site and what it commemorates.
The Pumphouse
Prepare yourself for a view you might not expect near the city centre: an urban paddling park! The Pumphouse is an Olympic whitewater training facility run by the Ottawa River Runners on Fleet Street, only a short 12-minute walk from Parliament Hill. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you catch sight of a canoe or kayak slaloming down the class 2 whitewater training course next to a newly built, environmentally sustainable clubhouse. Have your camera ready and trained on the rapids for a kayak riding the waves or on the verge of a barrel roll.
TIP: For a unique challenge, strap into your own canoe or kayak and try to slalom down the training course, or take it easy the first time around with the moving water beginners’ area. Note to self: consider waterproof gear for this trip.