Ottawa has no shortage of places to watch the day wind down, and this week @ottawatourism put three of them on display. In a post shared on Instagram on October 5, the account called Ottawa sunsets "simply unbeatable" and pointed to three locations, each with a photo credited to a local photographer.
The three spots
The post names the NCC River House, the Dominion Arboretum and the Parliament of Canada. The photos are credited to @iamsograteful18, @perfectsnapottawa and @nicholasplacephoto, in that order. We are only reporting on the post here, and the images belong to those photographers, so head to the original to see them.
What the three have in common is that they give you a different kind of Ottawa evening. One is by the river, one is among trees and open green space, and one is the postcard view of the capital.
NCC River House
The River House is run by the National Capital Commission and sits on the Ottawa River side of the city. Waterfront spots like this are a natural choice for sunset because the sky opens up over the water and there is little to block the view. If you are planning to go, check the NCC's website for current hours and access before you head out, since conditions at riverfront sites can change with the season.
Dominion Arboretum
The Dominion Arboretum is part of the Central Experimental Farm, one of the city's best-known green spaces. In early October the trees are turning, which makes it a good pick for anyone who wants sunset light filtered through autumn colour rather than a wide-open skyline. It is also an easy one to fit in after work, as it is close to the middle of the city.
Parliament of Canada
The Parliament of Canada needs little introduction. The Hill is one of the most photographed places in the country, and evening light on the Centre Block area is a favourite of local photographers. If you want the classic Ottawa shot, this is the one.
Planning your own sunset outing
With daylight shrinking through October, the sun now sets well before most people finish dinner, which makes a sunset visit easier to squeeze in than it was in July. A few simple tips:
- Arrive a little early. The best colour often shows up before the sun actually dips below the horizon, and again just after.
- Dress for the temperature. Evenings by the river feel cooler than the daytime forecast suggests.
- Check the weather. Clear or partly cloudy skies usually make for the most dramatic colour.
- Respect posted rules at each site, including any closing times.
Whether you go for the water, the trees or the Hill, the post is a good reminder that some of Ottawa's best views cost nothing. Pick a clear evening this week and see which one you like best.
Source: Instagram post by @ottawatourism, with photos credited to @iamsograteful18, @perfectsnapottawa and @nicholasplacephoto.
