9 Instagram-Worthy Spots to Capture Your Ottawa Trip: Discover the Best Places to Visit in Canada (2024)

No matter the season of the year you plan a trip to Ottawa, the city never runs out of fun and amusements. With a number of historical places, buzzing streets, and stunning waterfronts, the city is one of the best places to visit in Canada. If you like taking pictures wherever you go, then Ottawa will not disappoint you. It is the perfect place to capture photos for updating your Instagram account. You will never run out of Instagram-worthy spots in the capital city. Fill your Instagram feed with shots of beautiful landscapes, selfies, and other memorable places.

9 Instagram-Worthy Spots to Capture Your Ottawa Trip: Discover the Best Places to Visit in Canada

Here we have listed some of the top Instagram-worthy spots in Ottawa. If you are in Ottawa, remember to check out these places and capture some stunning views.

1. Nepean Lookout Point

Do you want to click some amazing photos of the Ottawa River, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Parliament? Nepean Lookout Point is where you can do all this. Another attraction of the lookout point includes the statue of Samuel de Champlain, the renowned explorer of the river. If you visit the place on Canada Day, you get sights of amazing fireworks.

The illuminated fireworks in the sky will make for a perfect backdrop for posting on Instagram. Don’t forget to take a few snaps! On other days, you can enjoy strolling here, glimpse the magnificent architecture, and capture them through your lens.

2. Ottawa Sign

If you are in Ottawa and want to share regular updates with your friends on Instagram, there might not be a better spot than the Ottawa sign. The sign is also referred to as the capital fixture. The sign at the Byward Market is often compared to the Montreal sign and attracts thousands of tourists to visit the spot.

Initially, the sign was planned as a summer feature only for a short period. However, due to its popularity, in 2018, the sign in Inspiration Village was adopted by the government. Once you’re here, you will be compelled to click a selfie with the sign in the background.

3. Parliament Hill

Your Ottawa trip is incomplete if you miss out on touring Parliament Hill. The Parliament Hill is the seat of the Federal government of Canada. You can prefer taking free guided tours to explore every nook and corner of the historic place. The parliament building has a neo-Gothic style and overlooks the Ottawa River.

The entire courtyard is glass-roofed and is renowned for its inexplicable beauty. How can anyone resist capturing a shot of this stunning architecture? On your guided tour, you can find greenery and the vast stretch of river, an unmissable picture spot.

4. Market of Byward Market

Whether you’re a shutterbug or not, you cannot leave without taking a few snaps if you are in the market in Byward Market. The market is pedestrian-friendly, where you can take walking tours of the lined-up coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. This can be a fine aesthetic shot for your Instagram page.

Located in the historic Byward Market neighborhood, it is a buzzing market in the metropolis, visited by millions of tourists annually. Did you know that it is the oldest Farmers’ market in Canada? Yeah, you heard that right! The market, since its inception, has evolved as a melting pot of history, culture, and trade.

5. National Gallery of Canada

If you want to see contemporary artwork, visit the National Gallery of Canada. The historic granite-and-glass building in the city’s heart is a popular place to find a wide collection of sculptures, paintings, artworks, and more from different periods. The most notable attraction here is the spider sculpture made by Louise Bourgeois. The sculpture stands 30 feet tall. Yes! You found yourself a magnificent spot to take a snapshot.

The museum has more than 40000 artworks in its treasure from around the world. Once you complete a tour of the museum, you can head towards Kìwekì Point to get a panoramic view of Gatineau and Ottawa cities. With a plethora of capturing options, you will only leave with your camera full of pictures from here.

6. York Street Steps Mural

York Street Steps Mural is a must-visit place for you if you are obsessed with photography. The York Street Steps in the city connect Byward Market to Major’s Hill Park. On the connecting steps, you can find several abstract murals. The murals, made of many colors, are generally painted by local artists in spring and summer. The multitude of colors on the murals represents Canada’s diversity and multicultural heritage. Who wouldn’t want to take pictures at a spot with a meaning behind it?

7. Chateau Laurier

Chateau Laurier perfectly defines an Instagram-worthy spot! Chateau Laurier, one of the primary tourist hotspots in the city, was originally a hotel resembling a 17th-century French castle. You can get a stunning vista of Parliament Hill, Byward Market, and Rideau Canal from the hotel. The hotel’s history dates back to 1912, and today it is among the top icons in the Canadian metropolis.

Chateau Laurier is listed in the National Historic Sites in Canada. The public space in the hotel is open to all. You can explore the vast collections of paintings, photographs, and statues of renowned personalities who visited the hotel and the famous occasions here. Capture the beautiful views of the sunset at the Ottawa River behind while enjoying a cup of coffee at the open-air La Terrasse patio restaurant here. Also, don’t forget to taste the delicious cuisine at Wilfrid’s restaurant or sip a crafted cocktail at Zoe’s. Take a snap of the fantastic food along with the view.

8. Rideau Canal

Are you looking for a scenic waterway to take some snaps to post on your Instagram feed? Then a visit to Rideau Canal is a must. This historic canal is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is among the most charming places to enjoy scenic views of nature. There are eight Ottawa Locks that connect the Ottawa River to the canal. The locks are operated manually, and if you are not in a hurry, you can spend some time here to see the operation of these locks.

The Rideau Canal Pathways, alongside the canal, are also notable attractions. In winter, you can participate in several snow activities here. However, the best time to visit the canal is in May, when the tulips bloom, making the entire spot a paradise for visitors.

9. Bank Street

If you are fascinated with street photography, Bank Street in Ottawa is an ideal place to visit. The historic neighborhood is full of lined-up shops, restaurants, and bars. The street is also famous as the longest street in Ottawa. Throughout the street, you can come across beautiful murals. The neighborhoods with beautiful lawns and gardens are also primary attractions. The street becomes full of life at night when the party hours start.

Summing up

As we wrap up, you may have learned that Ottawa cannot disappoint you in offering Instagram-worthy spots! Ottawa is just for you if you are a wanderer and always ready with a camera in hand to explore new places. Book your Ottawa tour package today and get ready for an exciting trip to Ottawa.