Portage Bridge: A Scenic Gateway Between Cities
Explore the breathtaking views from Portage Bridge, connecting Ottawa and Gatineau—a must-visit for tourists seeking scenic beauty and cultural connection.
The Portage Bridge is a stunning architectural marvel connecting Ottawa and Gatineau, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective on both cities. A perfect spot for leisurely strolls, photography, and appreciating the beauty of the region.
A brief summary to Portage Bridge
- Canada, Portage Ave, Ottawa, Quebec, CA
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning photography opportunities.
- Bring a pair of binoculars to spot local wildlife along the river.
- Check out the nearby parks for a picnic after your walk on the bridge.
- Dress in layers, as it can get windy on the bridge, especially during cooler months.
- Take a guided walking tour to learn about the history and engineering of the bridge.
Getting There
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Car
To reach Portage Bridge by car from anywhere in Ottawa Valley, start by heading towards Highway 417. If you're in the northern parts of Ottawa Valley, take local roads to connect to Highway 417 South. Continue on Highway 417 for about 80 km until you reach the junction with Highway 5 North. Merge onto Highway 5 North which will lead you towards Gatineau. After approximately 15 km, take the exit toward Boulevard des Allumettières. Continue on this road until you reach the intersection with Portage Avenue. Turn left onto Portage Avenue, and you will find Portage Bridge directly ahead. There is no fee for parking in the surrounding areas, but be sure to check for any parking regulations.
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Public Transportation
If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus from various locations in Ottawa Valley to downtown Ottawa. Use OC Transpo buses to reach the Ottawa bus terminal. From there, transfer to a bus heading towards Gatineau (Gatineau Transit). Look for routes that stop near Boulevard des Allumettières. Once you arrive, you can walk towards Portage Avenue to reach Portage Bridge. The cost for a single bus fare is approximately CAD 3.75, and make sure to check the schedules in advance as they can vary.
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Bicycle
For the more adventurous travelers, biking to Portage Bridge is a great option. Use the trails along the Ottawa River. If you're starting from Ottawa Valley, find your way to the Ottawa River Pathway. Follow the pathway which connects to the Gatineau Park area. When you reach the intersection of Boulevard des Allumettières and Portage Avenue, you can easily access Portage Bridge. Ensure you bring a bike lock and check if there are any bike rental services if you do not have a bicycle with you.
Discover more about Portage Bridge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Portage Bridge
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Royal Canadian Navy Monument
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Bronson Channel Ruins
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Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
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25 Laurier St
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Supreme Court of Canada
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Parks Canada Agency
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Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
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Indigo Indigo Ottawa - Canadian War Museum
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Prime Minister Lester B Pearson Monument
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Honoring Lester B. Pearson, Canada's Nobel Peace Prize winning Prime Minister, for his dedication to peacekeeping and shaping Canadian identity on Parliament Hill.
House of Commons of Canada
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Victoria Tower Bell Monument
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Statue of Sir John A. Macdonald
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Peace Tower
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Parliament Hill Square
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Unmissable attractions to see
Canadian Children's Museum
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Winterlude
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Bank of Canada Museum / Musée de la Banque du Canada
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Canadian Museum of History
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Parliament: the Virtual Experience
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Parliament Hill
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Co-Premiers of the Province of Canada
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Guided Tours of Parliament
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The Memorial Chamber
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Illuminate Mural
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Ottawa Boat Cruise : River Cruise (Gatineau Departure)
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Centennial Flame
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Alexandra Bridge Lookout
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Terry Fox Statue
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Capital Information Kiosk
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Essential places to dine
Le Cellier
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Bâton Rouge Steakhouse & Bar
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Valentina
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Rabbit Hole
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The Office Resto Pub
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Aiana Restaurant Collective
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Aroma Meze
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North & Navy
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Tavern On The Hill
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Riviera Ottawa
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Rangoon Restaurant
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Tosca Ristorante
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The Greek Souvlaki Shack
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Cocotte Bistro
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La Terrasse
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gift shop
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Parliament Souvenier And News
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Around The Corner
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Midori Gifts Ottawa
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Oriental Charm
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Darling Vintage
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Galerie d'art Vincent
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The Modern Shop
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Schad - Women's Fashion Boutique
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Cybertela
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STUNNING Women's Fashion + Accessories, ByWard Market, Ottawa
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A Fine Thing Furniture
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The Hotel Gift Shop
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Hudson's Bay
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Irving Rivers, ByWard Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa
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Swizzles
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Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar
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D'Arcy McGee's
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Pour Boy - Somerset
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Atomic Rooster
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The Hyde
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The Brig Pub
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The Gilmour
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Dominion Tavern
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The Lookout Bar
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The Laff
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The Snug Pub
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rideau Club
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City At Night
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The 27 Club
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Bar 56
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Berlin Nightclub
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Sky Lounge
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The Show Ottawa
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NUVO Lounge 295
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The Hudson
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The Palace
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The Latin Paradise
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Hyde & Seek
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Happy Fish Elgin
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Charlotte
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Mavericks
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