Kìwekì Point, newly redeveloped, restores access to one of the most spectacular lookouts in the National Capital Region, with panoramic views of Parliament Hill and Ottawa-Gatineau. This park is universally accessible year-round, and is connected to Major’s Hill Park by the new Pìdàban footbridge.
A universally accessible path surrounds the park and features monuments, artwork and interpretive installations. Whispering Point is a breathtaking point of interest, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the valley, river and city.
- April 1 to October 15: Sunrise to 11 pm
- October 16 to March 31: 7 am to 7 pm
Kìwekì Point is located behind the National Gallery of Canada, in downtown Ottawa. You can access the park through one of the following entrances:
- From St. Patrick Street
- From Sussex Street
- From Major’s Hill Park (via the Pìdàban footbridge)
Bicycle parking is available year-round at Kìwekì Point (50 spaces) and Major’s Hill Park (30 spaces).
Paid parking is available on Pioneer Road, at the National Gallery of Canada or in neighbouring streets. Accessible parking is available at the National Gallery of Canada.
Several OC Transpo and Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) buses take you to Kìwekì Point. For more information, consult the OC Transpo travel planner or the STO travel planner.
The site is now completely universally accessible from two different access points. All vantage points in the park can be reached via universally accessible paths.
Washrooms are available at Major’s Hill Park and at the National Gallery of Canada during the Gallery’s hours of operation.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs and pets are permitted at Kìwekì Point.
- Bikes: Please walk your bike.
Points of interest
Here are some of the key points of interest at Kìwekì Point.
The River Walk Esplanade encircles Kìwekì Point and acts as the central spine around the site, providing incredible vantage points. Its gentle inclines make it accessible to everyone. Lighting is integrated beneath the long running concrete seat wall that hugs the site. Interpretation panels provide important context for the landscape and park elements.
As you follow the River Walk Esplanade to the end, the land rises to reveal Whispering Point, embedded into the landscape. Located strategically at the most prominent part of the site, Whispering Point is an architectural shelter with deep-seated nooks that frame incredible views of the river. Inside these nooks, the river is the focal point, commanding respect and attention.
This footbridge is the third entrance to Kìwekì Point, restoring the historical link to Major’s Hill Park that was cut by the construction of the Alexandra Bridge and its access road.
The new placement of the Samuel de Champlain statue was chosen to improve its relationship with visitors on the site. Champlain is more directly depicted as an explorer, set into the landscape below the hilltop with the astrolabe.
The renaming of Kichi Zìbì Innini (Great River Man) was done in collaboration with members of the Kitigan Zibi First Nation, the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, and federal stakeholders. The statue is now positioned to align with the convergence of the Ottawa, Gatineau and Rideau Rivers.
The Ha-Ha is a recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier, forming the outer edge of the esplanade, while preserving an unobstructed view over the retaining wall. Layered metal elements, created by an Algonquin artist, depict beings from the Ottawa River area and are spread throughout the Ha-Ha.
The site is situated on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation. Since time immemorial, the Algonquin Anishinabeg have cared for the land of what many now call the “Ottawa River Valley.” The low-lying shores of the Ottawa River were ideal places for seasonal encampments along one of Canada’s original water-based “highways.”
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the area was called Nepean Point, and was used for military purposes. In 1909, the Ottawa Improvement Commission, the NCC’s predecessor, turned the site into a park and public space.
Design and interpretation
Following a two-stage international design competition, the Big River Landscape concept was chosen for the site redevelopment.
Members of the winning design team also helped develop the interpretation plan for Kìwekì Point, under the direction of the NCC. The plan was created with input from various groups, including the Algonquin Anishinabeg communities of Pikwàkanagàn and Kitigan Zibi. The interpretation panels were translated into Anishinabe Mowin.
After extensive rehabilitation, the site reopened to the public in May 2025.