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A Guide to the 10 Best Sunset Spots in Ottawa Where You Can Chase the Golden Hues!
It’s no secret that sunsets in Ottawa are breathtaking, no matter how many times you’ve seen them. We’re very lucky that we can see the sky’s warm canvas from a lot of places in the city, even when you aren’t on the shores of the river!
But not all places bring exceptional views. Sometimes, we need to drive just a tad farther from the city centre to catch the orange and red hues perfectly.
If you’re in Ottawa, whether you live here or not, you have to check out our favourite spots to catch the sunset! They’re totally worth it for the views. So, read on!
Rideau Canal
Location: Rideau Canal
Operating Hours: Station opening schedule
Contact: 613-283-7199, 1-888-773-8888, [email protected] (Parks Canada)
Website
The famous Rideau Canal offers one of the best seats in the house for sunset viewing. This waterway stretches for 202 km, connecting Canada’s capital city with Lake Ontario in Kingston.
Its location perfectly captures the sunset because it runs through the downtown core, which is a prime spot to catch the golden hour. The orange and red hues as the sun goes down look magical behind Parliament Hill, providing a stunning urban skyline.
The best spot is from Sapper’s Bridge near the locks. You can also walk up and get near the Bytown Museum for a higher vantage point. For more dramatic shots, you can go under the bridge from Locks 1 to 8.
And if you’re on a boat in the waterway, you can take a sunset photo exactly in the middle, where the canal is at the centre and Parliament Hill and Fairmont Chateau Laurier on either side.
For an even more striking shot, go in the winter when the Rideau Canal is frozen. Lots of people will be ice skating, and you can capture—with a good camera—the frozen water with orange hues in the background.
Pro Tip:
Arrive at your chosen location at least an hour before the sun sets if you want to get the best spot. Many people passing by might want to capture the sunset, too, so it’s best to get there early to get the best angle.
Major’s Hill Park
Media credit: bobcage1
Location: Major’s Hill Park, Mackenzie Ave
Operating Hours: 24/7
Website
If you prefer a more laid-back spot to watch the sunset in Ottawa, Major’s Hill Park is where you should go. Located downtown, it serves as a lookout for the incredible buildings in the city, such as Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.
You can place a blanket on the grass while waiting for the day’s end. It’s a more chill place because the park is huge and there’s a chance you can find the perfect spot to capture the sunset.
For a cinematic shot, you can visit when tulips are in bloom. In the spring, from late April to May, these bulb flowers blossom and turn the park into a vibrant space.
We recommend getting there at least an hour before sunset to catch the clouds over Parliament Hill. If you get your timing just right, you can capture the blue and orange sky.
Pro Tip:
Scout your location to find the best objects you can add to your shot. Buildings and trees can add depth to your photo.
Dow’s Lake
Media credit: ottawatourism
Location: Dow’s Lake
Operating Hours: Varies based on the weather and sunset
Dow’s Lake is one of the quickest ways to see the start of the day’s end in Ottawa. This man-made lake is only a 10-minute drive from downtown, making it an ideal detour before going home.
You can admire the lake with Ottawa’s city buildings and Gatineau Hills in the background. It’s not the most dramatic sunset spot, but still beautiful because when you zoom in, the place somehow looks different from what Ottawa usually looks like.
Rent a boat at Dow’s Lake and make sunsets even more romantic. The last boat is available to be launched at least an hour before the sun sets, which can add a tranquil vibe, although you must bring it back on shore at sunset.
Pro Tip:
In the winter, watch the sunset at the lake for a snowy viewpoint.
Remic Rapids Park
Media credit: jithpaul
Location: Remic Rapids Park, Kichi Zībī Mīkan
Operating Hours: 24/7
- Parking: Monday – Sunday: 7 am – 10 pm
Remic Rapids Park, popular for its balanced rock sculptures, is ideal for wide-open views of the sunset. The scenery stretches out to Gatineau, but you’ll only see the silhouette of trees, giving you a beautiful, unobstructed view of the horizon.
It also feels more peaceful since you’re not seeing the city skyline, unless you veer to the right. While waiting for the golden hour, you might even see a couple of animals in the area—just the perfect spot away from the city!
There are a couple of benches in front of the rock sculptures. But it gets a little bit crowded at times. Don’t worry, because you can walk a couple of minutes to the next sitting area to admire the sunset.
Jog or cycle on the Capital Pathway before the sun sets, which is a nice way to get your steps in while waiting. It’s located right on the shores of the Ottawa River.
Pro Tip:
If you’re driving, there’s a parking area near the park. But plan your schedule accordingly because it only has a 2-hour limit. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset, giving you plenty of time to admire the scenery.
Rockcliffe Lookout
Media credit: alexis5983
Location: Rockcliffe Lookout
Operating Months: Early May to the first snowfall
Just a 10-minute drive from the downtown area, Rockcliffe Lookout is an accessible sunset spot in Ottawa, even when it’s a tad hidden. You can reach it via the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway by car or by cycling along the multi-use pathway.
The lookout is a pavilion facing the Ottawa River and Gatineau, offering serene views that bring you away from the city (for a bit!). There’s parking on Acacia Avenue, but you should know that it’s very limited, so you might have to go to the NCC Parking Lot (P1).
The quietness of the area makes this sunset spot peaceful. You can see the orange and red hues of the golden hour reflecting on the Ottawa River, with Gatineau in the background.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to secure a parking slot. Avoid going on a weekend for a better chance of finding a parking space.
Dechênes Rapids Lookout
Media credit: travelwithmek
Location: Descênes Rapids, Kichi Zībī Mīkan
Operating Hours: 24/7
Deschênes Rapids offers sweeping sunset views of the Ottawa River. The unobstructed scenery is perfect for taking photos or just admiring the landscape.
There’s a small parking area in front, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views without hiking or walking far. There’s a trail as well, if you want a peaceful walk during sunset.
It’s also one of the mobility-challenged-friendly sunset spots in Ottawa, as there are benches along the trail and there are a couple of accessible parking spots. Right at the parking area, you can watch the sunset right away.
Pro Tip:
Park facing the sun, if you want to wait in the car for the sunset.
Nepean Sailing Club
Media credit: notthemanager
Location: 3259 Carling Ave, Nepean
Operating Hours:
- The Galley Restaurant: Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm
An idyllic setting is at the Nepean Sailing Club. You can watch the sunset at the docks, while sailing, or while dining at The Galley.
And no, you don’t have to be a member to get in, although you do get a discount on food and drinks if you have a membership.
You can sail while watching the sunset, which is a fabulously unique way to watch the golden hour. But if you want to stay on the ground, you can eat at the restaurant for a waterfront feast for the senses—in taste and in sight!
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to get a table at the restaurant. It currently doesn’t accept reservations, so there’s going to be a first-come, first-served system.
Petrie Island
Media credit: shuttertales14
Location: Petrie Island Beach
Operating Hours: Click here for information on lifeguards on duty
Surrounded by the Ottawa River, Petrie Island is one of the coolest sunset spots in Canada’s capital. You can actually see the sun dip below the horizon, which is postcard perfect, even if you’re not carrying a professional camera!
Head over to Sunrise Trail, where you can catch expansive views of the sunset. But you can also stick to the beach, which still offers breathtaking panoramic vistas!
This is also an all-in-one adventure spot, where you can go on a hike, admire the sunset, and swim at the beach! We suggest taking advantage of the vast area and capturing silhouette photos with your friends or family!
Pro Tips:
If it’s too hot out, go to the smaller beach with the shaded trees. It’s also near the picnic areas and is ideal for children to swim in.
Remember to display your parking permit on your car’s dashboard. Bring coins in case card payments don’t work.
Britannia Beach
Media credit: dhoinkx
Location: Britannia Beach
Operating Hours: Click here for supervised swimming hours
Beaches are perfect places to see the sunset. Fiery horizons at Britannia Beach are stunning, as the orange hues engulf the open water.
One of its highlights is that it’s very family-friendly. There are picnic tables, play structures, beach volleyball, and paddleboard rentals. You can relax or join activities while waiting for the sunset!
Any part of the beach is perfect for sunset viewing. However, try to stay away from the rocky shores, which are brought by the waves, and can be slippery. For safety, stay on the sandy beach.
Do note that lifeguards are only on duty from June to August (exact dates vary depending on their availability). So, for safety, only swim on supervised beaches.
Pro Tip:
Britannia Beach offers free parking, but arrive early to secure the best spot.
Andrew Haydon Park
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Location: 3127 Carling Ave, Nepean
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5 pm – 11 pm
Andrew Haydon Park is slightly far from downtown (it’s roughly a 20-minute drive), but it’s worth driving there because of the sunset. Another reason? It’s a gorgeous gem away from the city, with birds and waterfowl wandering around.
As it’s located on the banks of the Ottawa River, it offers panoramic views of the horizon. Add the burnt yellow glow of the sunset, and the picture’s golden!
There’s a parking area right before you get to the park, which is just a short walk from the park. If you go in front of the Luke Bowlby Heritage Fountain, you can catch the sunset’s reflection on the small body of water and on the river’s horizon—a photo opportunity!
Pro Tip:
Bring your binoculars because this is a nice spot for birdwatching! This way, you can admire the birds from a distance without disrupting their natural habitat.
