14 Amazing Places with the Best Sunset Spots in Ottawa
If someone asked me what my favorite things are about living in Ottawa, being able to see the stunning and picturesque sunsets has to be part of the list!
What’s even better is that there are just so many spots in Ottawa where you can watch the best sunsets.
So if that sounds like something you’d be into, come along for the ride as we take you through a tour of the best sunset spots right here in Ottawa!
1. Rideau Canal Locks
Address: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Contact Details: 1-888-773-8888
The Rideau Canal is one of the best sunset-watching spots in Ottawa, and its appeal is as classic as it is captivating. Positioned in downtown Ottawa with a slightly northwest orientation, this location offers a front-row seat to a stunning natural spectacle.
As the sun begins its descent behind the rolling Gatineau Hills, the scene is artistically framed by two iconic landmarks: Parliament Hill and Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel.
For the best viewing experience, consider positioning yourself at Sapper’s Bridge, which connects Wellington and Rideau Streets over the serene canal waters. If you hang around here, it’ll give you an unobstructed view of the sunset’s grandeur.
Alternatively, you can choose to go down the inviting stairs and find your vantage point near the Bytown Museum. This position offers a slightly different perspective, allowing you to appreciate the mesmerizing colors and reflections on the water as the sun sets.
No matter where you choose to watch here, the Rideau Canal ensures that your sunset-watching becomes another cherished memory. The symphony of nature’s colors blending with the city’s historic architecture creates a scene of unparalleled beauty.
2. Dow’s Lake
Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-232-1001
Dow’s Lake is another prime contender when it comes to the best spots to relish a captivating sunset in Ottawa. It’s situated along the tranquil bike path where the red chairs at Dow’s Lake become your front-row seats to the mesmerizing spectacle.
As the sun dips toward the horizon, the serene waters of Dow’s Lake and the lush expanse of the Arboretum provide an enchanting backdrop. You’ll find yourself in awe as the sky is painted with hues of orange, pink, and gold.
For those seeking a dining experience paired with the sunset’s allure, the restaurants along Dow’s Lake Pavilion offer an idyllic option. The spacious patio invites you to unwind and savor delicious cuisine while watching the sun cast its radiant farewell.
If you ask me, there’s nothing better than enjoying the delectable flavors of the food and drinks while taking in the lakeside views.
However, if your heart yearns for a more immersive encounter with the sunset, Dow’s Lake presents an unparalleled opportunity. You have the option to rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board so you can glide gently on the water’s surface as the sun sets.
This unique perspective allows you to fully immerse yourself in the splendor of the moment, making memories that are sure to be cherished for years to come!
3. Major’s Hill Park
Address: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 800-465-1867
Major’s Hill Park, located behind the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel, is yet another ideal spot for a sunset photo-op. It’s positioned atop a gentle slope where the park offers a wide view where the colors of the sky blend with the Ottawa River.
You can also see the back of the Parliament buildings, including the Library of Parliament, which survived a fire in 1916. During warmer months, you can also get to enjoy the sunset from La Terrasse at the Fairmont Château Laurier.
This outdoor patio provides covered and open spaces with views of the Rideau Canal locks and the Ottawa River.
For a unique experience, you can take a guided motorized tour on the Ottawa River with Palapa Tours. It’s got floating huts that can hold up to 12 people, offering a special way to celebrate occasions like birthdays or retirements.
4. Canadian Museum of History
Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 819-776-7000
For an exceptional sunset experience in Ottawa, make your way across the Alexandra Bridge to the Canadian Museum of History.
This vantage point offers a captivating view of the Alexandra Bridge itself, the picturesque Ottawa Locks, and the iconic Parliament buildings.
If you want to enhance the ambiance, consider bringing a picnic to savor the moment even better as you watch the sun gracefully set over the horizon.
5. Britannia Beach
Address: 2805 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-580-2595
For a lot of us locals, Britannia Beach stands as a cherished spot for sunset-watching. Its expansive shoreline provides ample space for those seeking to bask in the evening’s colorful transformation.
It’s a quintessential Ottawa experience, but you can definitely make it even better with refreshing ice cream or a delightful beverage.
Once the sun begins to set, try and take a leisurely stroll along the beach’s expanse to allow the sun’s golden hues to envelop you in this serene and memorable moment.
6. Byward Market
Address: 325 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-321-1234
Byward Market is a popular place in Ottawa for many reasons, but one of the lesser-known ones is that you can get some of the best rooftop sunset views here.
To find these sunset views, go up to the Copper Spirits and Sights rooftop bar at the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market Hotel. As the sun gracefully dips below the horizon, indulge by sipping a cocktail and savoring a snack or light meal around a cozy firepit.
The vantage point offers an exceptional panorama of the vibrant Byward Market neighborhood. Because of this, it transforms your sunset experience into an unforgettable rendezvous with the city’s ambiance.
In case you miss out on an outdoor patio seat, rest assured that the captivating views are equally accessible from the glass-enclosed indoor lounge.
7. Bate Island
Address: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Contact Details: N/A
Bate Island is nestled along the serene banks of the Ottawa River, and this idyllic spot offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and urban allure.
As the sun begins its graceful descent, you’ll find a stunning spectacle as the entire sky turns into a mesmerizing palette of pink hues, casting a magical aura all over.
You can settle into a comfortable spot at one of the inviting picnic tables as you gaze upon Ottawa’s illustrious skyline. The ample parking availability here also ensures that you can easily access this tranquil haven to savor the beauty of the sunset.
And if you feel like doing more than just standing on the shoreline, Bate Island is also a popular hub for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts. This means you can even go out and kayak along the waters while watching the sky.
The island’s picnic areas, thoughtfully scattered throughout, provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely evening.
The island also plays host to Canadian geese, which is a charming addition to the setting itself, but keep an eye out if you’re visiting with children.
8. Hog’s Back Park and Falls
Address: 600 Hog’s Back Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 1H8, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-239-5000
Hog’s Back Park and Falls is a spot that’s tucked away in the southern reaches of Ottawa, where the Rideau Canal gracefully converges with the Rideau River.
This picturesque park not only boasts the splendor of a charming waterfall but also offers an enchanting vantage point for sunset-watching!
Our trip is to stay near the serene waterfall and let the gentle symphony of rushing water serenade your senses as the sun sets. The combination of nature’s soothing sounds and stunning views creates a unique and truly memorable experience.
Although you’ll be facing away from the falls while basking in the sunset’s golden glow, take a moment to turn around and savor the scene. Because as the evening’s colors reach their peak intensity, they also cast their enchanting spell upon the falling water.
9. Andrew Haydon Park
Address: 3127 Carling Ave, Nepean, ON K2H 5A6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-580-2595
If you’re near Ottawa’s West End, Andrew Haydon Park offers a serene and captivating spot to watch the sunset over the Ottawa River.
Because it’s positioned in the West End, the park grants you a clear view of the Ottawa River as it becomes a canvas for the hues of twilight. The setting sun’s reflection upon the river’s surface creates a mesmerizing spectacle, perfect for your social media feed!
To enhance your sunset experience, consider bringing along a picnic basket with some friends or family. As the sun gradually dips below the horizon, you can indulge in a leisurely meal surrounded by the serene ambiance of the park.
10. Shirley’s Bay
Address: Shirley Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Contact Details: (613) 239-5000
Along the Ottawa River shoreline is Shirley’s Bay, which stretches across 4km (2 miles) and offers an ideal setting for an uninterrupted sunset viewing experience.
This beach is an unspoiled and expansive coastline that provides an unobstructed panorama of the sunset.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, walking your pet, or sharing the moment with your significant other, this picturesque beach can accommodate all your needs.
As the sun lowers on the horizon, the shimmering waters of the Ottawa River mirror the changing colors of the sky. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore forms a soothing backdrop, enhancing the overall experience of watching the sunset.
11. Mooney’s Bay
Address: 2926 Riverside Dr, Ottawa, ON K1V 6M8, Canada
Contact Details: 613-248-0863
Mooney’s Bay, situated on the serene shores of the Rideau River in south Ottawa, is a popular destination, particularly for families seeking both relaxation and vibrant sunsets.
With its inviting sandy beaches and tons of recreational activities, it’s got a unique blend of leisure and natural beauty.
Families visiting Ottawa find Mooney’s Bay a delightful retreat where the soothing sound of water meets the warm sands.
Before the sun begins to descend, you can play a game of beach volleyball and let the golden hues cast a magical ambiance over the courts.
As the day transitions to dusk, the serene waters of the Rideau River mirror the sky’s changing colors, creating another amazing photo opportunity.
If you get hungry, Mooney’s Bay boasts a snack bar where you can savor a hot dog or other treats!
For those looking to elevate their sunset experience, you can also bring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to amplify the entire experience.
Trust me, getting to paddle on the river as the sun dips below the horizon offers another unique perspective of the sunset!
12. Remic Rapids Park
Address: Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-239-5000
Remic Rapids Park is a spot that’s uniquely positioned, giving it a clear view of the distant Gatineau Hills on the Quebec side of the river.
As the sun begins setting, the park’s strategic location allows you to witness the sky transforming into a masterpiece of hues, with the Gatineau Hills as a backdrop.
Aside from being an awesome spot to watch the sunset, Remic Rapids Park also offers visitors the chance to try all sorts of outdoor activities. The expansive green space is a perfect spot to lay out a blanket and have a picnic while basking in the soft, warm glow.
If you’re fond of aquatic adventures, the park offers an additional layer of enjoyment. The calm waters of the Ottawa River create an inviting playground for kayaking enthusiasts, allowing you to paddle along the river’s edge as the sun sets.
13. Rideau Falls Park
Address: 50 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1M 2K1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 613-239-5000
Rideau Falls Park is nestled east of the vibrant ByWard Market neighborhood, an exquisite vantage point for sunset-watching while listening to the rushing water.
Here, the convergence of the Rideau River with the Ottawa River is accentuated by the breathtaking spectacle of the Rideau Falls.
And if you decide to stay even after the sunset, the falls are occasionally illuminated in the evening, casting an ethereal glow upon the rushing waters.
The bridges that connect to the Quebec side of the river also enhance the visual appeal, creating a captivating interplay of architecture and nature.
During the warmer months, Rideau Falls Park transforms into an inviting haven where you can fully immerse yourself in the enchanting surroundings.
Set against the backdrop of the falls, Tavern on the Falls beckons with a charming ambiance, offering casual culinary delights and live music performances.
14. Corktown Foot Bridge
Address: 50 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1M 2K1, Canada
Contact Details: 1-888-773-8888
The Corktown Foot Bridge, affectionately known as the Somerset Foot Bridge, is a cherished spot to watch both an Ottawan sunset and for couples in particular.
It spans across the enchanting expanse of the Rideau Canal at Somerset Street, beckoning couples seeking a romantic moment that doesn’t cost them a single dime.
This iconic bridge has gained a reputation as a canvas for love because it’s adorned with padlocks that bear the names of past couples who’ve visited.
And as day transforms into night, the bridge’s rails tell stories of affection, with each padlock symbolizing the bonds of those shared moments of tenderness.
The intimate act of fastening a padlock, coupled with the enchanting backdrop of the canal as the sun sets, creates an atmosphere that’s undeniably romantic.
Thanks to its position above the serene waters of the Rideau Canal, the Corktown Foot Bridge offers views of both urban and natural landscapes.
Although you don’t have to be in a relationship to visit this spot, especially if you’re just here for the amazing sunset views. But, if you do have a special someone in mind, why not go for it and invite them here?