Best Photography Spots in Ottawa & Gatineau: Your Ultimate Guide
Check out some of the top photography spots in Ottawa & beyond!
Whether you're a local photographer looking to discover new locations or a visitor wanting to capture the beauty of Canada's capital, this guide has something for everyone.
As a nature enthusiast, I find endless inspiration in Ottawa’s scenic landscapes—fields, forests, and beaches that offer perfect backdrops for stunning photos. However, great photos aren't limited to these picturesque settings. Even a parking garage can become the scene for an amazing photoshoot with the right perspective.
The key to a successful photo session is comfort and connection to the location. Whether you prefer the great outdoors or an urban setting, the most important factor is choosing a place that feels special to you. Maybe it’s the café where you had your first date or the cozy corners of your home. This guide covers a variety of beautiful and iconic spots in Ottawa and Gatineau to help you find the perfect location that reflects your unique story.
Why Choose Ottawa and Gatineau for Photography?
Ottawa and Gatineau boast an impressive array of photographic opportunities. From historic landmarks like Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal to the natural beauty of Gatineau Park and hidden photography gems like Mer Bleue Bog, the region offers diverse settings for every type of photoshoot. Whether you're interested in capturing the vibrant urban scenes of ByWard Market or the serene landscapes of the Dominion Arboretum, this guide will help you navigate the best spots to elevate your photography game.
Here’s a round-up of some beautiful locations in and around Ottawa & Gatineau:
Central Ottawa
Metcalfe Hotel Lobby: Accessible for a fee, this elegant lobby features stunning architectural details that make for sophisticated portraits. Ideal for capturing the luxury of downtown Ottawa in a serene indoor setting.
Restays Courtyard: A modern and stylish outdoor space that offers a great urban backdrop for portraits. Best for daytime shoots when the area is well-lit.
National Arts Centre: The view from the rooftop is amazing! Capture the essence of Ottawa with stunning views of the cityscape. Best during golden hour for soft, flattering light.
The War Museum: The lobby is accessible for a fee, but there are plenty of spots around the museum too. The unique architectural design provides a dramatic backdrop for photos.
Parliament Hill: Iconic for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Despite ongoing renovations, there are still plenty of photogenic spots like the newly renovated West Block and the Centennial Flame. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and capture the serenity of this landmark.
Rideau Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, great for photos year-round, from boats and kayaks in summer to the world’s largest skating rink in winter. The canal offers beautiful reflections and is perfect for both daytime and nighttime photography.
National Gallery Of Canada: A stunning blend of old and new architectural styles. The glass and granite structure allows for interesting compositions and plays of light. One of the top photography locations near Ottawa museums.
University of Ottawa: The campus offers a mix of modern and historic buildings, providing versatile backdrops for portraits.
ByWard Market: A vibrant hub with numerous photo opportunities, including period-style buildings and a bustling marketplace atmosphere. Ideal for street photography and capturing the lively spirit of Ottawa. One of the best Ottawa urban photography locations.
Chateau Laurier and Major's Hill: Offers stunning views of iconic landmarks and beautiful gardens. The hotel’s exterior is perfect for capturing historic elegance, while the park offers lush greenery. Ideal for engagement photo locations in Ottawa.
The Glebe: Known for its charming streets and boutique shops, it’s perfect for urban lifestyle shoots.
Dow's Lake: This is particularly beautiful during the Tulip Festival when the area is adorned with vibrant blooms. Great for springtime shoots. One of the best spring bloom photography spots in Ottawa.
Dominion Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm: Ideal for various seasonal shots, from blossoming trees in spring to colorful foliage in fall. The rolling hills and variety of plant species make it a versatile location. One of the best fall photography spots in Ottawa.
Ornamental Gardens at the Central Experimental Farm: A city-wide favorite, with vibrant blooms year-round. Ideal for macro photography and capturing detailed shots of flowers.
Tropical Greenhouse at the Central Experimental Farm: Limited indoor access, but outside the building is still a great spot.
Westboro Beach: Partially closed in 2024 for redevelopment, but still offers beautiful views and sandy shores perfect for summer shoots.
Hog's Back Falls: Known as Prince of Wales Falls, this spot is perfect for autumn shoots with its vibrant foliage and dramatic waterfalls. One of the best fall photography spots in Ottawa.
Vincent Massey Park: Offers open fields, wooded areas, and riverside views, making it a versatile location for various types of photography. One of the top Ottawa park photography locations.
Ottawa East
Mer Bleue Bog: This unique bog offers a boardwalk trail surrounded by lush greenery and water, ideal for serene nature shots. Best during the early morning or late afternoon for soft, diffused light. A hidden photography gem in Gatineau.
Princess Louise Falls: This spot isn’t family-friendly due to the steep incline to get down to the falls and the open canal, but it offers a dramatic backdrop for adventurous shoots. The waterfall is particularly striking after rainfall.
Pine Grove Trail: A peaceful forest trail perfect for capturing the natural beauty of Ottawa’s eastern region. Best during autumn when the leaves change color. One of the top Ottawa nature photography spots.
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum: Offers a glimpse into the past with historic buildings and artifacts, perfect for themed photo shoots.
Billings Estate National Historic Site: A historic estate with beautiful gardens and period architecture. Ideal for vintage-themed photo sessions.
Petrie Island: A natural area with beaches, wetlands, and forests. Great for sunset shoots and capturing the natural beauty of Ottawa’s riverside. One of the best Ottawa riverside photography locations.
Ottawa West
Old Quarry Trail: Known for its rocky terrain and scenic views. Best during the golden hour for capturing dramatic landscapes.
Walter Baker Park: Underrated but offers stunning pockets of natural beauty, especially in the fall. The park’s diverse landscape includes ponds, fields, and wooded areas.
Andrew Haydon Park: Features a hidden beach spot that’s perfect for summer shoots. The park’s layout with ponds and bridges makes it a picturesque location.
Ottawa South
Black Rapids Lockstation: A serene spot along the Rideau River, perfect for capturing the tranquility of the waterway and its surrounding nature.
Chapman Mills Conservation Area: Offers boardwalks, wetlands, and forested areas. Ideal for nature photography and capturing wildlife.
Lytle Park: There’s a dreamy field perfect for capturing wide-open shots! Best during the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow over the field.
Jack Pine Trail: A scenic trail with pine forests and wetlands. Great for capturing the natural beauty of Ottawa’s southern region.
Pinhey Forest: Closed indefinitely for storm recovery, but previously known for its dense forest and serene pathways.
Watson's Mill: A historic mill with picturesque surroundings. Perfect for capturing the charm of Ottawa’s heritage sites. A popular wedding photography spot in Ottawa.
Nicolls Island: Offers riverside views and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for sunset shoots and capturing the beauty of the Ottawa River.
Québec
Aylmer Marina: A beautiful waterfront location with docks and boats, perfect for nautical-themed shoots.
Carbide Willson Ruins: This one is a bit of a hike to get there, but so worth it for the area. The ruins offer a dramatic and historic backdrop.
Mackenzie King Estate: Includes the beautiful Chapel Ruins. The estate’s gardens and historic buildings provide a variety of photo opportunities. One of the top hidden photography gems in Gatineau.
Wakefield Covered Bridge: A great rain option with its covered structure. The bridge offers a rustic charm perfect for romantic shoots.
Outside Ottawa
Pinhey's Point Historic Site: Offers wide-open fields, historic ruins, and river views. Perfect for capturing the natural and historic beauty of the Ottawa Valley.
Mill of Kintail: Features wide open fields, a beautiful stone building, and forested areas. Ideal for capturing a mix of architecture and nature.
Downtown Almonte: A charming town with historic buildings and a scenic riverfront. Great for lifestyle and urban photography.
Constance Bay Beach: A sandy beach with stunning views of the Ottawa River. Ideal for summer and sunset shoots.
Photography Studios
Craving the perfect shot without the outdoor hassle? No more worries about the weather or finding parking in a busy lot. Check out some of the best photography studios in Ottawa.
MDRN Studio (Kanata): Offers a variety of backdrops and professional lighting setups for studio portraits.
Studio 20/20 (Centretown): Known for its modern interiors and flexible shooting spaces.
Quay Studio (Centretown): Features stylish setups and versatile shooting areas.
Skye Studio (St. Laurent): Offers a mix of natural and artificial lighting options for diverse photography needs.
18 Mill Street (Almonte): A unique studio space in a historic building, perfect for creative shoots.
Do you want to learn more about all the wonderful photography studios in Ottawa? Check out this blog post!
Thank you for exploring the best photography locations in Ottawa and Gatineau with me! I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot for your next photo session. If you're looking for a professional photographer to capture your special moments, I'd love to work with you.
📸 Ready to book your session or have any questions? Contact me today!
Follow me on social media for more photography tips and inspiration:
Instagram: @farrahsanjariphotography
Facebook: Farrah Sanjari Photography
Looking forward to capturing beautiful moments with you!