Chaudière Falls, Ottawa

Name: Chaudière Falls
Address: Ottawa, Canada

#17 among attractions in Ottawa

Nature, Natural attraction, Park, Waterfall

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Canada's capital city, Ottawa, the Chaudière Falls is a natural spectacle and a site of historical significance. Once a sacred meeting place for Indigenous peoples, the waterfall has a rich heritage that predates European settlement. The name "Chaudière" translates to "cauldron" in French, aptly describing the swirling waters that plunge into the Ottawa River.

The falls have been harnessed for hydroelectric power since the late 1800s, a testament to the region's industrial development. Today, the site remains an important source of renewable energy, with modern facilities operated by Energy Ottawa. Despite this industrialization, efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Chaudière Falls.

Visitors to Ottawa can experience the majesty of the falls, particularly from the viewing platforms that offer awe-inspiring views of the rushing water and mist. The site is accessible throughout the year, and admission is free, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

The Chaudière Falls also play host to a stunning light show, known as Mìwàte, which was created in collaboration with Indigenous artists to celebrate the culture and history of the Algonquin people. This illumination brings the falls to life after dusk, creating a mesmerizing display that connects the present with the past.

Alternative names: Width: 197 ftHeight: 49 ftElevation: 164 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°25'16"N, 75°42'44"W

Address

Ottawa Canada

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Day trips

Chaudière Falls – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Canadian Children's Museum, Canadian War Museum, Capital Pathway, Nepean Point.

0.6 miN
Learning center with exhibits for kids
Canadian Children's Museum, Gatineau
15 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Children's Museum offers a vibrant and interactive experience for young minds eager to explore the world's diverse cultures. As a key attraction within the Canadian Museum of History complex, this museum is...
~1800 ftSW
Exhibits on Canadian military history
Canadian War Museum, Ottawa
9 min walk • The Canadian War Museum, located in the heart of Ottawa, stands as a poignant tribute to Canada's military history. This modern facility, with its striking architecture, was opened in May 2005 and offers a comprehensive overview of Canada's involvement in armed...
0.7 miNE
Cycling, Bike path, Park
Capital Pathway, Ottawa
19 min walk • The Capital Pathway, a vibrant thread in the fabric of Ottawa, Canada, is a network of multi-use trails that offers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the city's natural beauty and landmarks from the seat of a bicycle.
0.8 miNE
Park, Lookout, Theater
Nepean Point, Ottawa
21 min walk • Perched atop the majestic Ottawa skyline, Nepean Point offers a serene escape within the bustling capital city of Canada. This verdant park, nestled behind the National Gallery of Canada, is not only a tranquil haven for locals and tourists alike but also one of the...
0.5 miE
Museum, Specialty museum
The Bank of Canada Museum, Ottawa
13 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Canada's capital city, the Bank of Canada Museum offers visitors a unique journey through the nation's monetary history. This contemporary museum, located at 30 Bank Street in Ottawa, is an interactive destination that delves into the world of...
~1650 ftSE
Gothic Revival architecture, Church
Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa
8 min walk • Christ Church Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The church is located at 414 Sparks Street in the northwest section of the city's downtown at the western end of Sparks Street on top of a promontory looking down to the Ottawa River.
0.4 miE
Gothic Revival architecture, Church
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Ottawa
11 min walk • St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian church in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
0.5 miE
Shopping, Shopping centre
C.D. Howe Building, Ottawa
13 min walk • The C.D. Howe Building is an office tower in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, that is the home of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Office of the Auditor General and other smaller tenants. It was built by Olympia and York.
~1590 ftW
Bridge
Chaudière Bridge, Ottawa
8 min walk • The Chaudière Bridge crosses the Ottawa River about 1 km west of Parliament Hill, joining the communities of Gatineau, Quebec and Ottawa, Ontario, linking Rue Eddy in the Hull sector of Gatineau and Booth Street in Ottawa.
~1450 ftSE
Park, Garden
Garden of the Provinces and Territories, Ottawa
7 min walk • The Garden of the Provinces and Territories is a 4-acre site along Confederation Boulevard in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada's capital city.
~330 ftS
Bridge
Portage Bridge, Ottawa
2 min walk • The Portage Bridge crosses the Ottawa River just down-river from the Chaudière Bridge, joining the communities of Gatineau, Quebec and Ottawa, Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Chaudière Falls?

Nearby attractions include Portage Bridge, Ottawa (2 min walk), Royal Canadian Navy Monument, Ottawa (3 min walk), Aboriginal Experiences, Ottawa (3 min walk), Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa (6 min walk).

How to get to Chaudière Falls by public transport?

The nearest stations to Chaudière Falls:

Bus

Wellington / Bay • Lines: 15, 17 (8 min walk)
Wellington / Lyon • Lines: 11, 15, 17, 400 (8 min walk)

Light rail

Lyon B • Lines: 1 (11 min walk)
Lyon A • Lines: 1 (11 min walk)