Quite often when we are scheduling our sessions, my clients ask where the best locations for photography and picturesque vistas are in Ottawa. Typically, I first ask if there are any locations in Ottawa that have a personal meaning to your family or your dog, however, a lot of times I do provide suggestions.
Where we shoot all depends on what you are looking for in terms of natural backdrop, so I have compiled a list* of some of my favourite locations, with images from throughout the year, to give an overview of what each place can offer for your pet or family session.
*Links to the location pages will be updated as the posts are published
The Ornamental Gardens at the Central Experimental Farm (no dogs allowed here)
Dow’s Lake (no dogs allowed during Tulip Festival in May)
Britannia Beach (dogs allowed but must stay on paths)
Andrew Haydon Park
NCC Trails behind the Nepean Sportsplex
Algonquin College Gardens (location is best on weekends)
Tanglewood Hills Pathways in Nepean
David Bartlett Park in Manotick
Beryl Gaffney Park in Manotick
The Manotick Mill
Brewer Park (graffiti wall)
Hog’s Back Park
Claudette Cain Park in Riverside South
Mowat Farm Park in Barrhaven
Downtown Ottawa, Major’s Hill Park & The Market
Lemieux Island
Old Quarry Trail in Kanata
Patterson’s Creek Park in the Glebe
New Edinburgh Park & Stanley Park
Rockcliffe Park
Orange Art Gallery (outdoors)
Billings Estates Museum (outdoors)
Museum of Nature (outdoors)
National Gallery of Canada (outdoors)
Canadian Museum of History (outdoors)
Mackenzie King Estates in Gatineau
Gatineau Park
Mill of Kintail Conservation Area in Mississippi Mills
elizabeth&jane’s Manotick Home Studio (outdoors)
elizabeth&jane’s 2nd private outdoor location
A view of Ottawa Parliament in the background
In your own home and yard (yes, even if your yard is small!)