There are SO many incredible Instagram worthy spots in Ottawa! Planning which places I need to visit or eat at when I’m in a new city, Instagram is my go to tool to help discover new places. Whether you’ve lived in Ottawa and are just looking for some new places to get some Instagram worthy pictures, or you’re visiting Ottawa for the first time – this guide of the best instagram spots in Ottawa is for you!
Click through on the links below to navigate, there’s special recommendations for locations and food spots which even include seasonal activities. I’ll share what is best to see (and eat) during which time of the year. Many of the spots are available year round, so why don’t you just browse through them all while you’re at it!
Ottawa Instagram Spots to Visit
Ottawa Sign
The newly infamous Ottawa sign is a no brainer for a photo opp. How will anyone know where you’ve been if you don’t spell it out for them!
Nepean Lookout Point
A not so secret but beloved by locals lookout point to get the most stunning views of Parliament and the Ottawa river.
Parliament Hill
Of course it wouldn’t be a trip to Ottawa without a visit to the Parliament, at least to wave and say hello to Justin, right?! If you come in the summer, you may even be lucky enough to snag a spot for the free Wednesday yoga on Parliament hill. To see more about what you can do check out the Locals Guide to Ottawa.
National Gallery of Canada
Not only is this an incredibly beautiful museum to explore, but it really has incredible art exhibits and with an impressive year round collection as well. Come for the exhibits but stay for the photo-op with maman!
The Market in the Byward Market
It seems obvious to say it, but there’s so many cute stalls and areas to explore in the heart of the market. Cobblestone streets and maple syrup treats, what more do you need?
York Street Steps Mural
The vertical mural tends to change at least once a year, so take a chance and see what you may find!
Chateau Laurier
There’s several spots both inside, outside and basically all around this city landmark that is just calling your name for a photo opp!
Rideau Canal
Come here to kayak in the summer or skate in the winter. The canal is a beautiful staple of the city that is worth stopping by for an activity and snap a few pics.
National Art Centre
An iconic building in the city that recently just finished undergoing some major renovations. Equipped with new interesting fixtures inside with an equally impressive line up of shows year-round, it’s a must visit (and snap a pic!).
Take A Stroll Down Bank St
Known as one of the longest streets in the city, it crosses many beautiful neighbourhoods in the city from Alta Vista to the Glebe and many places in between.
Ottawa Instagram Spots to Eat At
Beavertails
You can’t take a trip downtown and not eat a beavertail. Of course you can get Beavertails year round now, but they just somehow taste like your childhood in the middle of winter while you’re trying to keep you balance as you skate and eat.
Bubble Waffles
When I lived in Hong Kong, I couldn’t get enough of these! So happy to have access to them in my hometown. Get your bubble fix with the waffles and the bubble tea too!
Ice Cream at Sweet Jesus
Sweet Jesus the ice cream is good! I wonder how they got their name… 🙂
High Tea at Chateau Laurier
Having high tea at the Chateau Laurier is an experience worth having, weather you’re celebrating something special or looking for a unique gathering with your close friends and family. It’s a beautiful venue with a wonderful menu of both tea and snacks!
Rooftop drinks at the Andaz
One of the (relatively) new hotels in the city, Andaz, is most famous for their incredible rooftop that is the best place to sit and watch the sunset over the city.
Suzy Q donuts
I can’t really say much except… try it!
Seasonal Ottawa Instagram Spots
Spring – Tulip Festival
Every year for a few weeks in May, the city is covered in beautiful tulips of all colors and often specialty breeds. It’s a beautiful gift that was received from the Dutch after the second World War as a sign of friendship.
Fall – Hiking in Gatineau Park
While this is another location that is amazing year round, it has to be the most beautiful in the Fall. Take your pick of a trail and it’s a lovely way to spend a few hours on a cool fall day surrounded by the most incredible autumnal colors.
Summer – Sunflower Fields
Located near the experimental farm, this small field of yellow is what instagram dreams are made of. It’s a great place to visit near sunset to let all the colors stand out beautifully.
With so many amazing places to visit (and eat at) – which is your favorite Instagram spot in Ottawa?
Additional guides for planning your Canadian adventure:
- Local’s guide to Ottawa – what to see and do
- A review and guide to tea time at the Chateau Laurier
- 20 incredible sites to see in Canada
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Who knew Ottawa was so photogenic! Lovely post and it actually made it quite enticing to visit… Also I didn’t know that bubble waffles were a thing – looks so yummy!
Bank Street looks lovely! Ottawa has been on my list for years, I’d love to experience it on Canada day. I will definitely check out some of these great spots when I eventually do find my way there, thanks for the tips!