Ottawa River

The Ottawa River, in Ottawa

The Ottawa River is the great watercourse that borders Ottawa and marks the border between Ontario and Quebec. The Ottawa audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this majestic river, at the foot of Parliament Hill.

The border river between two provinces

The Ottawa River is one of the great watercourses of Canada and a major element of the landscape of Ottawa. Wide and majestic, it flows at the foot of Parliament Hill and marks the border between the provinces of Ontario, where Ottawa is located, and Quebec, where the neighbouring town of Gatineau extends. This river played an essential historic role: a route of circulation of the Indigenous peoples, then of the explorers, the fur traders and the timber industry, which made the prosperity of the region. Today, its developed banks offer promenades, cruises and viewpoints. The Ottawa River embodies the link of Ottawa with nature and its history.

What to see

You admire the wide majestic river flowing at the foot of Parliament Hill, the border between Ontario and Quebec, once a route of the Indigenous peoples, the fur traders and the timber industry, whose banks offer promenades and viewpoints. The Ottawa River embodies the link of Ottawa with nature. It is a pleasant stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Ottawa River borders Ottawa, at the foot of Parliament Hill, reachable on foot along its developed banks, public spaces freely accessible. Cruises are offered, according to their own hours and conditions. The promenade is particularly pleasant in fine weather.

What role did the Ottawa River play in the history of Ottawa?

Essential: a route of circulation of the Indigenous peoples, then of the explorers, the fur traders and the timber industry that made the prosperity of the region; it also marks the border between Ontario and Quebec.

Where is the Ottawa River?

At the foot of Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, in Canada.