Remic Rapids Park

The sculptures are the work of Ottawa artist John Felice Ceprano, who has been stacking and balancing river stones at this location since the late 1980s. He rebuilds the installation each summer, creating hundreds of precarious towers and figures from natural stones found on the riverbank. The sculptures are temporary by design — river ice and spring floods reclaim them each year.

The sculptures are typically in place from late May through October. The artist builds them progressively through the summer, so the installation grows more impressive as the season advances. By late autumn, winter weather begins toppling them. Visit in July through September for the fullest display.

Yes. The park sits along the Ottawa River Pathway (Kichi Zībī Mīkan), a multi-use trail stretching from Parliament Hill west past the park. You can walk, run, or cycle the paved pathway in either direction. The riverbank at the rapids is rocky and uneven — wear proper footwear if you leave the paved path.

Yes, with supervision. Children enjoy exploring the rock sculptures and the riverbank. The rocks are not fenced, and the river current at the rapids is strong — keep children away from the water’s edge. The paved pathway is stroller-friendly, but the rocky riverbank is not.

Remic Rapids Park is approximately 15 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive north via the Airport Parkway to Highway 417, then exit at Parkdale Avenue and follow the Ottawa River Pathway signs — about 20 minutes. Limited street parking along Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway near the park.