The Photographer’s Guide to Ottawa

Make the most of your time travelling to Canada’s National Capital

Ottawa is often overlooked amongst it’s larger metropolitain neighbours, but it’s beauty is something all photographers can appreciate.

You’ve got your gear, now let me be your guide

Things You Should Know

Ottawa is notably one of the safest cities in Canada (source), so you shoudn’t have to worry too much about safety when visiting. However, like any large city, you should be mindful of where you explore at nighttime.

Most of the areas I’ll be recommending are central to the downtown area of Ottawa and Gatineau

City skyline across a river with historic buildings, a bridge, and boats docked at a marina, under a partly cloudy sky.

Parliament

There are many great angles of the majestic Parliament Hill. Here’s a few I’ve found to be fantastic views:

  • From Jacques Cartier park, Laurier Street, Gatineau

  • From the shoreline of the Museum of Natural History, Gatineau

  • From the Rideau Street bridge, beside the Chateau Laurier, overlooking the canal

People walking and biking on a wooden bridge at sunset, with a metal structure and lamps on the right side.

Boardwalks

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Nighttime city street with light trails from moving vehicles, illuminated buildings, traffic lights, trees, sidewalks, and a detour sign.

Canal-Side

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

A person in blue athletic wear and a pink cap walks past a beige brick building with black fire escapes and two storefronts, one named Beaded Dreams and the other Bytown Bark & Bathe.

Bank Street

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Bright red neon sign that reads 'TACOS TAKE OUT' in front of a taco shop window, with handwritten menu items on a transparent panel on the right side of the window.

Elgin Street

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Outdoor dining area with yellow umbrellas and hanging flower baskets in front of a brick building during sunset.

ByWard Market

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.