6 iconic spots to visit this Reading Week

1 Canal Lane

Experience the ultimate fall sunset scene at the Rideau Canal’s 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 — pretty much in the middle of downtown Ottawa — 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’t get there at sunset, it’s still worth the experience. The full Rideau Canal extends 202 kilometres and includes 45 locks, all the way to Kingston. It’s a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Steps from campus and the uOttawa LRT station, the Corktown Footbridge is Ottawa’s 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’s Golden Triangle and all the great shops, bars and restaurants Elgin Street has to offer.

380 Sussex Drive

Did someone say free? Enjoy free National Art Gallery of Canada admission every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. All you need to do is book in advance!

Located on one of the Ottawa’s most breathtaking sites — near the historic ByWard Market, overlooking the Ottawa River and the Canadian Parliament Buildings, this Ottawa landmark doesn’t 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’s eye. Plus, it offers the unique chance to experience the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of Canadian art.

240 McLeod Street

As Norman Osborn said in Spider-Man, “I’m somewhat of a scientist myself.”

Not just your everyday-boring-old-dusty museum, it’s got mastodons and one-of-a-kind events like Nature Nocturne!

As you stroll through the museum’s exhibits, you’ll encounter mammoth creatures and learn all about their larger-than-life history. It’s like stepping back in time to when these behemoths ruled the Earth. But that’s not all! The Museum of Nature isn’t just about mastodons — it’s a treasure trove of natural wonders. From dazzling gemstones to jaw-dropping wildlife displays, you’ll be wowed at every turn.

Wellington Street

Well, of course, Parliament Hill had to be on our list! Easily one of Capital City’s 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’s not playing hide-and-seek with construction, Parliament Hill’s architecture has the power to make anyone swoon.

If you’re lucky, you can score a reservation to peek inside Canada’s House of Commons, the place where a lot of our country’s big decisions go down. But if history isn’t exactly your jam, no worries! Parliament Hill isn’t just about politics and timeless architecture. On chilly fall days, its Centennial Flame also makes it a wonderfully cozy place to visit. Talk about multi-purpose, right?

Mackenzie Avenue

With stunning views in all directions, Major’s Hill Park is often regarded as Ottawa’s 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’ve 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 NCC’s Fall Rhapsody colour meter to visit the park at the peek of fall colours and get that perfect Instagram photo.