A Guide to Remic Rapids Park by a Local Who Loves It: What to See and Do on Your First Visit
Rock-stacking has been getting a lot of buzz in recent years, spurring a lot of debate about its effects on the environment. Depending on who you ask, it can be a harmful trend, an important navigational marker, or a rewarding meditative practice.
But if you ask Ottawans, myself included, rock-stacking is an art, tradition, and symbol for mindfulness—at least within Remic Rapids Park. Without a doubt, it’s a must-see attraction in town.
If you’re planning on seeing the art installation, I suggest you keep reading. We’ll give you a quick guide to Remic Rapids Park so you know the best time to visit and how to get there.
About Remic Rapids Park
Website: https://ccn-ncc.gc.ca/endroits/parc-des-rapides-remic
Address: Kichi Zībī Mīkan
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Operating hours: 24 hours
Fee: Free (including parking)
Parking: 7 am to 10 pm (2-hour limit)
Situated along the Ottawa River, Remic Rapids Park is a local favorite for sunset viewing, wildlife watching, and quiet contemplation. It’s also known for John Felice Ceprano’s balanced rock statues, which he has been creating since 1986.
The National Capital Commission has supported his art installations since 2000, giving us something to look forward to every summer.
Take note that only Ceprano is allowed to set up the rock statues there. As a guest, you can’t build your own stacks of rocks and you certainly can’t alter his art installations.
You can, however, take as many photos as you want. For stunning photos, plan your visit around the golden hour so you can capture stills of the art installations with that perfect natural light.
The best part? Your fur babies can tag along with you at the park but they have to stay on a leash the entire time.
Remic Rapids Park is free and open to the public 24/7, but parking is only available from 7 am to 10 pm. Although parking is also free, you can only leave your car for a maximum of two hours.
How do I get to Remic Rapids Park?
Car: Located along the Ottawa River, Remic Rapids Park is only 4.2 km away from Parliament Hill. Just follow Wellington Street until you reach Kichi Zībī Mīkan, then make a right to reach the park.
Bike: From Parliament Hill, you can follow the same route via Wellington Street and Kichi Zībī Mīkan before making a right to enter the park.
The bike path goes right through the park, but you can also leave your bike in one of the on-site racks.
Train: Since Remic Rapids Park is near Downtown Ottawa, it’s easily accessible via the O-Train Line 1. Just stop at Tunney’s Pasture Station, then it’s a quick 20-minute walk to the park via the Goldenrod Driveway.
Best Time to Visit Remic Rapids Park
Summer is the best time to visit Remic Rapids Park as it’s warm enough for a stroll or a picnic.
It’s also a good time to see John Felice Ceprano’s rock sculptures. During the warmer months, the Ottawa River’s water level recedes, creating a stunning canvas for his annual art installation.
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Remic Rapids Park is open all year round, including the winter months.
Visiting in the winter can be rewarding, especially if you love doing all sorts of outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or snow biking. Aside from that, you can avoid the summer crowds and perhaps get better rates for your accommodations while in town.
What to Do in Remic Rapids Park
Admire John Felice Ceprano’s rock sculptures.
Local artist John Felice Ceprano has been building balanced rock statues along the shore of the Ottawa River since 1986. Each year, he builds something unique using only rocks and stones available at the site.
Believe it or not, he doesn’t use adhesives or tools to keep the gravity-defying sculptures stable. Instead, he relies on the size and shape of the rocks to balance them on top of each other.
The rock sculptures are a seasonal phenomenon here, which usually starts in the summer and lasts until fall. If you don’t want to miss the sculptures, you should schedule a trip between June to September.
As the river’s water level rises, the sculptures would gradually be knocked down or washed away. There won’t be anything left for you to see if you wait for the winter months to visit.
Go wildlife watching.
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Aside from the rock sculptures, we love to visit Remic Rapids Park to see the wildlife. Its proximity to the Ottawa River makes it an important stopover for migratory birds, such as hooded mergansers, golden eagles, and buffleheads.
If it isn’t too crowded, you should be able to find a seat on one of the benches and Adirondack chairs on the hill. From there, you’ll have sweeping views of the river and the wildlife.
There’s no need to bring your binoculars because you’ll often see birds resting along the shoreline or perching on the nearby trees. You might even see ducks and geese waddling up the hill.
No matter what you see out there, you should never feed the wildlife as it will cause dependency on artificial food sources. You should also keep a safe distance by staying on the trails and following proper pathway etiquette even if they don’t.
Enjoy winter activities on the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail.
Cold weather never dampens the Ottawans’ spirits. Even in winter, you can visit Remic Rapids Park, which is where the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail begins.
This urban winter pathway gives us a safe way to enjoy fun activities in the snow, such as running, skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking.
Typically, you’ll see two pairs of tracks for cross-country skiers on each side of the path. Right in the middle, all the runners, snowshoers, skiers, and bikers can take part in the winter fun.
Where to Stay Near Remic Rapids Park
There aren’t hotels near Remic Rapids Park. However, this area is well-connected to the public transit system, making it easier to reach from other neighborhoods in Ottawa.
We suggest staying near Downtown Ottawa, where you’ll find a variety of options that fit your budget.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Website: https://www.chateaulaurier.com/
Address: 1 Rideau Street
Contact details: +1 613-241-1414
Rate (Standard Rooms): $218–$451
Just down the street from Parliament Hill, you’ll find the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, which is arguably just as iconic as its neighbor. Everything about it is bougie—from its marble floors and hand-painted ceilings to its luxury suites and impeccable service.
It’s home to one of our favorite restaurants in Ottawa, La Terrasse. Here, we can get light bites and refreshing cocktails with extraordinary views of Gatineau Hills, the Ottawa River, the Locks, and the Parliament Buildings.
To get to Remic Rapids Park, you can hop on the LRT O-Train Line 1 from Rideau, which is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Then, you can stop at Tunney’s Pasture and walk all the way to the park.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yowmc-ottawa-marriott-hotel/overview/
Address: 100 Kent Street
Contact details: +1 613-238-1122
Average Rate (Standard Rooms): $220
If you’re looking for the same level of comfort and service without breaking the bank, we recommend going to the Marriott Hotel. Thanks to their pet-friendly policies, your fur babies won’t have to miss out on all the fun.
With an on-site Starbucks, a large indoor pool, a Kids Club, and Game Room, they have a little bit of everything to keep the entire family entertained and recharged.
Marriott Hotel is also just a short indoor walk from Lyon Station, where you can catch Line 1 to Tunney’s Pasture. You can reach Remic Rapids Park on foot in 20 minutes.
ByWard Blue Inn
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Website: https://www.bywardblueinn.ca/
Address: 157 Clarence Street
Contact details: +1 613-241-2695
Average Rate (Standard Rooms): $95
Located in the ByWard Market Area, the ByWard Blue Inn offers cozy accommodations and convenient amenities for a modest price. Each room even has its own kitchenette with a microwave and fridge so you can enjoy snacks on your private balcony.
What we like most about this boutique hotel is its location, bringing you closer to a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and other quirky attractions.
Another advantage of staying in this hotel is the accessibility of the public transit system. If you take Line 1 from Rideau, Remic Rapids Park is just one stop away.
Where to Eat Near Remic Rapids Park
NCC Bistro
Website: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/bistro
Address: Kichi Zībī Mīkan
Contact details: +1 613 239 5000
Operating hours: Daily 11 am – 9 pm (Weather-dependent)
The NCC Bistro at Remic Rapids Park is a great spot to refuel after a light stroll because it serves good coffee and panoramic views of the Ottawa River. They also offer a variety of refreshments like sandwiches and wraps.
We usually get sausages and hotdogs in a bun, then pair them with ice-cold beer. But if you prefer zingy cocktails to keep you cool in the summer, they also have a modest selection.
If you’re looking for a hearty meal, this quaint bistro by the river might not be the best place for it. However, you do have a wealth of options that should be within walking distance from the park.
The Third
Website: www.thethird.ca
Address: 1017 Wellington Street
Contact details: +1 613 728 2965
Operating hours:
- Mon CLOSED
- Tue-Fri 11:30 am – 12 am
- Sat 9 am – 12 am
- Sun 9 am – 10 pm
Just a 25-minute walk away from the park (or a 5-minute drive), you’ll find the hip and trendy neighborhood of Hintonburg, which is home to The Third.
It’s a casual, family-friendly establishment, serving fish and chips, brisket sandwiches, breakfast nachos, and other comfort foods. They also have vegetarian options and a kids menu so no one is ever left out.
Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli
Website: http://www.ottawabagelshop.com/
Address: 1017 Wellington Street
Contact details: +1 613 722 8753
Operating hours: Daily 7 am – 5 pm
Are you going on a picnic? Instead of packing a bag of chips, we suggest getting the Cottage Brunch Boxes at the Ottawa Bagelshop Deli, which is only two or three blocks away from Tunney’s Pasture Stations.
This snack box comes with everything you need to build your own bagel at the picnic. Aside from your choice of bagels and smoked salmon, it comes with other fillings like pickled onions and sliced cucumbers to keep everyone fed and happy.
Supply and Demand
Website: https://www.supplyanddemandfoods.ca/
Address: 1335 Wellington Street
Contact details: +1 613 728 2965
Operating hours:
- Sunday CLOSED
- Mon – Sat 5 pm – 10 pm
If you want to wind and dine after watching the sunset at Remic Rapids Park, you can head to Supply and Demand for seafood and pasta. But you have to make a reservation as they don’t accept walk-ins at this popular spot.
They’re known for their raw bar and rotating menu, consisting of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. It’s quite a fancy spot with a price to match, but we think it’s worth it because the service and food never disappoint.