Rideau Canal Western Pathway
The Rideau Canal Western Pathway runs along the western bank of the canal through some of Ottawa's most photogenic green spaces, giving you a long stretch of water reflections, stone lock infrastructure, and mature tree cover to work with. Starting near Dows Lake and heading south, you will pass the Dominion Arboretum where dense foliage frames canal views beautifully, then reach Locks 9 and 10 where the historic stonework and controlled water make for strong architectural compositions. The highlight is Hog's Back Falls, where the Rideau River surges through rocky outcrops and a wide-angle lens lets you capture the full force of the cascade. Early morning offers soft light and calm water for reflections, while fall transforms the arboretum into vivid colour. The path is paved and easy to walk or cycle, so bringing multiple lenses and covering the full route is very manageable. (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
