Ottawa Film Locations

Ottawa is a fantastic city with everything filmmakers need to shoot movies and TV series. The city boasts a mix of urban, suburban, and rural settings, all within its city limits. To learn more about film locations in the capital, you can visit ottawa-trend.com.

Small-Town Charm

Film crews are often on the hunt for small-town vibes right in the heart of Canada’s capital. When it comes to finding that perfect rustic feel, several towns stand out:

• Smiths Falls draws people in with its historic appeal, featuring old buildings along the Rideau Canal, a museum, and monumental locks.
• Cumberland is considered an ideal spot for shooting historical films.
• For Christmas movies and TV specials, Almonte is a top choice. The town charms visitors with its historic downtown, waterfalls, and quaint little shops.
• Perth is another old town, featuring colonial architecture and numerous parks.
• Carleton Place, situated on the Mississippi River, is well-known for its preserved Victorian architecture and picturesque main street. This location is perfect for shooting scenes that need a “small-town” or “old America” feel.

Rural Settings

Just a short drive from downtown Ottawa, you’ll find plenty of rural charm. Take the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, for instance. This entire region offers a wide range of countryside landscapes, from wide-open fields to cozy farmsteads.

The Central Experimental Farm is another great spot for filming, blending urban and rural backdrops seamlessly. Located right in Ottawa, it lets filmmakers capture the essence of farm life without having to leave the city.

For wedding scenes and romantic stories, the elegant Stonefields Estate is a standout choice. It perfectly blends rural charm with modern amenities. Similarly, Strathmere, a country hotel and event venue, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its manicured gardens, elegant decor, and charming old barns and cottages.

Office Spaces

Ottawa has every type of office space imaginable, so it’s easy to find the right fit for any project, whether it’s a trendy startup office or a prestigious law firm. Here are some of the most popular locations for shooting in office and workspaces:

1. The leader on this list is Kanata-North Technology Park, with a wide variety of modern office buildings, research labs, and high-tech spaces.
2. MBO co-working space is perfect for portraying a dynamic and contemporary work environment, typical for startups and freelancers.
3. The Hub350 innovation hub boasts a unique design, open-concept layouts, and cutting-edge technology.

Trails and Pathways

Ottawa’s network of multi-use pathways offers something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for:

• The Trillium Pathway, which runs along a former railway line.
• Village Green Park.
• The trails near the Champlain Bridge, which offer stunning views of the bridge and the Ottawa River.
• The Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway underpass.
• The steps on Empress Avenue. This unique urban spot is perfect for shooting tense or dramatic moments.

European Atmosphere

Ottawa is home to quiet courtyards and historic stone buildings that create an ideal European vibe without leaving Canada. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Major’s Hill Park are two prime examples.

Other great spots include art spaces with courtyards that feel just like something out of Europe. The Jeanne d’Arc Court and the Fine Arts Court are a couple of architectural complexes with historical and artistic context that also offer a distinctly European charm.

Lansdowne Park

This unique historical landmark combines a stadium, historic buildings, and plenty of green space. Lansdowne Park is one of Ottawa’s most versatile locations, offering a wide range of options for filming:

• TD Place Stadium, a modern sports complex that can hold up to 24,000 spectators, is perfect for shooting sports scenes, music videos, and crowd shots.
• The Aberdeen Pavilion with its open interior, arches, and large windows.
• The park grounds themselves, a public space ideal for scenes of relaxation, meetings, or family outings.

Commercial Streetscapes

Ottawa offers plenty of spots to shoot high-quality shopping scenes. One of the most popular is the Glebe neighbourhood. The main street, Bank Street, is lined with boutiques, shops, bookstores, and cozy cafes.

Another great example of a commercial streetscape is Sussex Drive. This street embodies prestige and elegance, featuring art galleries, upscale boutiques, and official residences.

ByWard Market

As one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets, ByWard Market is a top destination for tourists and a frequent choice for filmmakers. This location successfully combines historical charm, a bustling commercial spirit, and cultural diversity. The market also features several unique areas, including outdoor stalls, an indoor pavilion, restaurants, pubs, boutiques, and galleries.

The ByWard Market is truly the heart of Ottawa, so it’s a popular spot for filming. Its versatility makes it a great backdrop for many genres, from romantic comedies to spy thrillers.

Religious Sites

Ottawa has all types of religious buildings that can suit different stories. As a proud multicultural city, Canada’s capital offers several great examples:

1. Beechwood Cemetery, a National Historic Site of Canada and the official National Cemetery. This location exudes a sense of tranquility, history, and eternity.
2. The city has a multitude of churches of various denominations and architectural styles, from Gothic Revival to modern designs.
3. Saint Paul University Chapel, which is perfect for small, intimate scenes.

Parliamentary Precinct

This is a popular option for locations, such as Parliament Hill itself or one of the historic government buildings. Using this location in a film adds visual grandeur and a political, historical context.

Parliament Hill consists of the main buildings (the Centre, East, and West Blocks), a large lawn, the Peace Tower, and the Library of Parliament. Nearby, you’ll find other important historic government buildings and landmarks: the Langevin Block, the Rideau Canal, and Major’s Hill Park. Keep in mind that access to some interior spaces is limited, and filming at this location requires special permits and government approval.

Other Film Locations in Ottawa

1. Parks and playgrounds. Ottawa’s many parks and green spaces are perfect for creating a peaceful and carefree backdrop.
2. Sports and recreation. Filming a sports movie requires locations like stadiums, arenas, or golf courses, all of which are easily found in the city.
3. Historical films. For historical pieces, Ottawa’s historic buildings provide the perfect authentic atmosphere.

Ultimately, Ottawa is a versatile place to shoot a movie, offering a wide range of locations for any script. The city seamlessly combines European architecture, rural landscapes, modern urban spaces, and historic landmarks. This allows directors to shoot diverse scenes all within one area.