1. Rideau Canal Locks
1 Canal Lane
Experience the ultimate fall sunset scene at the Rideau Canal鈥檚 Ottawa lock-station. Situated between Parliament Hill to the west and the Chateau Laurier hotel to the east, the series of eight tiered locks rises 79 feet above the Ottawa River. Walk or cycle to the vantage point on Rideau Street 鈥 pretty much in the middle of downtown Ottawa 鈥 for around 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (on a sunny day). The deep orange sun, set against the kaleidoscope of colours amid the Gatineau Hills in the distance and the Alexandra Bridge, is truly magical. You can explore the locks and walk down to the river. The building at the bottom, which used to be the supply office when the canal was built, between 1826 and 1832, is the oldest building in Ottawa and home to the Bytown Museum. Even if you don鈥檛 get there at sunset, it鈥檚 still worth the experience. The full Rideau Canal extends 202 kilometres and includes 45 locks, all the way to Kingston. It鈥檚 a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Corktown Footbridge
Steps from campus and the 91精品黑料吃瓜 LRT station, the Corktown Footbridge is Ottawa鈥檚 very own love lock bridge! Visitors get an unbeatable view of the Rideau Canal and can immortalize their love by adding a padlock with their initials, and throwing the keys into the canal below.
The footbridge also connects our campus with Ottawa鈥檚 Golden Triangle and all the great shops, bars and restaurants Elgin Street has to offer.
3. National Art Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive
Did someone say free? Enjoy every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. All you need to do is book in advance!
Located on one of the Ottawa鈥檚 most breathtaking sites 鈥 near the historic ByWard Market, overlooking the Ottawa River and the Canadian Parliament Buildings, this Ottawa landmark doesn鈥檛 require a BA in fine arts to enjoy. Its famous giant spider, the award-winning architecture, the light-filled Great Hall and its interior gardens are enough to catch anyone鈥檚 eye. Plus, it offers the unique chance to experience the world鈥檚 largest and most comprehensive collection of Canadian art.
4. Museum of Nature
240 McLeod Street
As Norman Osborn said in Spider-Man, 鈥淚鈥檓 somewhat of a scientist myself.鈥
Not just your everyday-boring-old-dusty museum, it鈥檚 got mastodons and one-of-a-kind events like !
As you stroll through the museum鈥檚 exhibits, you鈥檒l encounter mammoth creatures and learn all about their larger-than-life history. It鈥檚 like stepping back in time to when these behemoths ruled the Earth. But that鈥檚 not all! The Museum of Nature isn鈥檛 just about mastodons 鈥 it鈥檚 a treasure trove of natural wonders. From dazzling gemstones to jaw-dropping wildlife displays, you鈥檒l be wowed at every turn.
5. Parliament Hill
Wellington Street
Well, of course, Parliament Hill had to be on our list! Easily one of Capital City鈥檚 must-see destinations, Parliament Hill is the definition of iconic. Every year, folks from all corners of Canada flock here to visit this historical gem. When it鈥檚 not playing hide-and-seek with construction, Parliament Hill鈥檚 architecture has the power to make anyone swoon.
If you鈥檙e lucky, you can score a , the place where a lot of our country鈥檚 big decisions go down. But if history isn鈥檛 exactly your jam, no worries! Parliament Hill isn鈥檛 just about politics and timeless architecture. On chilly fall days, its also makes it a wonderfully cozy place to visit. Talk about multi-purpose, right?
6. Major鈥檚 Hill Park
Mackenzie Avenue
With stunning views in all directions, Major鈥檚 Hill Park is often regarded as Ottawa鈥檚 loveliest. Parliament Hill this way, the Rideau Canal locks that way, the Chateau Laurier over here and the Ottawa River over there. Add the fact that Reading Week is prime fall colour season and you鈥檝e got yourself a perfect mix of breathtaking scenes. We suggest you pack yourself a picnic and take your time enjoying this beautiful green space right in the heart of the capital. Bonus tip: check out the to visit the park at the peek of fall colours and get that perfect Instagram photo.