1.The Victoria Memorial Museum / Museum of Nature
Educate yourself on fossils, mammals and planets and take some photos while you’re at it. The exhibits are interesting to photograph, although lighting isn’t ideal. The outside of the Victoria Memorial Museum is an interesting mixture of new and old architecture, creating a beautiful juxtaposition in photographs.
2. Fairmont Hotel Château Laurier
A looming castle adjacent from the Parliament with a magnificent view of the Rideau Canal and locks. While there are great things to shoot inside the hotel like the the Laurier room and the Empire style Ballroom, the hotel can also be captured at street-view from Rideau Street and Canal Lane on the other side of the canal.
3. The National Gallery of Canada
Distinct features at The National Gallery of Canada, or the Musée des beaux-arts du Canada, are the majestic and bizarre sculpture of a spider by Louise Bourgeois, titled Maman. Once you get your fill of this strange photo-op, move on to yet another architectural beauty, the dome, designed by artist Moshe Safdie.
4. Hog’s Back Falls
Located not too far from downtown are a series of man-made waterfalls on the Rideau Canal, good for long-exposure experimentation and high-speed photography.
5. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Unbelievable architecture and vibrant colours are the highlight of this shooting location!
6. Rideau Canal & Tunnel
The canal is a great place to shoot all year round. Don’t forget to explore the tunnels as well. The hard lines and patterns are a welcome shift from the natural subject matter of the canal.
7. Parliament
One of the most well known shooting locations in downtown Ottawa, but just because it’s been captured again and again doesn’t mean it isn’t worth shooting. Find a new time of day and vantage point to photograph Parliament from.
8. Major’s Hill Park
A stunning view of Parliament can be had from this park. Seek out opportunities to frame the building using the nature around the park. Keep your eyes open for sculptures and art installations as well!
9. Rideau Falls Park
Yes, we have listed other falls in this top 10 list of best places to shoot in Ottawa. But can you blame us? They’re just so exciting to shoot! Especially if you wake up extra early to photograph them.
10. Byward Market
A bustling and lively market, full of performers, good food and interesting items.
