Remic Rapids Park

About

Remic Rapids Park sits along the Ottawa River shoreline on Kichi Zībī Mīkan, about four kilometres west of Parliament Hill. The site was once a popular trading and rest area for Indigenous peoples and early explorers. Today it is one of Ottawa's most scenic and photographed parks, managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC).

The park is part of the Capital Pathway network and connects to trails running from LeBreton Flats to Mud Lake, making it easily accessible by bike or on foot from downtown.

Balanced Rock Sculptures

The park is best known for the balanced rock sculptures created by artist John Felice Ceprano. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Ceprano immigrated to Canada in 1978 and began building rock sculptures at Remic Rapids in 1986 after seeking a quiet place to meditate away from the ByWard Market where he lived. He received a Canada Council Arts grant for the project in 1989, and the NCC has provided an annual contract since 2000.

Each year from June to November, the shoreline fills with dozens of hand-balanced sculptures made from colourful and fossilized rocks found on-site. The sculptures grow in number as the river recedes through summer, and remain until the river freezes in winter. The installation attracts visitors from around the world.

Things to Do

Year-Round

• Walk or cycle the Capital Pathway through the park
• Picnic at the tables and benches along the shoreline
• Watch the sunset — the west-facing shoreline makes this one of Ottawa's best sunset spots, with views across the Ottawa River to the Gatineau Hills
• Wildlife watching — the park is a significant zone for migratory birds and hosts a restored wetland area developed with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, providing breeding habitat for frogs and foraging areas for birds

Summer

• View the rock sculptures — best seen June through early November
• Eat at the NCC Bistro — a seasonal food stand with river views
• Explore the lookout near Tunney's Pasture for panoramic views of the Ottawa and Gatineau skylines

Winter

• Kichi Sibi Winter Trail — a maintained trail through the park for walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking, groomed by community volunteers

Getting There

By Car

Take the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and exit at Parkdale Avenue. Free parking is available year-round from 7 AM to 10 PM with a 2-hour limit.

By Bike

The park is directly on the Capital Pathway. Bike racks are on-site.

By Transit

Take OC Transpo to Tunney's Pasture station (O-Train Confederation Line) and walk west along the pathway — roughly 15 minutes. Bus routes 11, 14, and 16 also stop nearby.

Future Plans

Remic Rapids Park is part of the NCC's Ottawa River South Shore Riverfront Park Plan, which envisions a continuous riverfront park stretching from LeBreton Flats to Mud Lake.

Tips

• Best time for sculptures: June to November, when the river is low
• Best time for photos: Arrive 30–60 minutes before sunset for golden light on the rocks and river
• Parking fills up on summer evenings and weekends — arrive early or bike in
• The lookout near Tunney's Pasture offers the widest panoramic view