★★★★★ 4.7(1,345 reviews)12.0 km from hotel~24 min drive
Riverfront park known for its collection of balanced rock sculptures by artist John Felice Ceprano.
Remic Rapids Park is one of Ottawa's most beloved green spaces, located 12.0 km from Adam's Airport Inn (24 minutes by car). With a 4.7-star rating from 1,345 visitors, it's consistently praised for its natural beauty and well-maintained trails.
Ottawa's parks are stunning in every season — vibrant fall foliage in October, pristine snow-covered trails in winter, and lush greenery from May through September. Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Quick Info
Duration30–60 minutes
CostFree. Open access with no entrance fee.
Best TimeGolden hour (1 hour before sunset) for photography. Summer for the full balanced rock installation.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
24 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 24 minutes by car. Free parking lot.
Why Guests Love This
Remic Rapids is unlike any other park in Ottawa — hundreds of carefully balanced rock sculptures line the riverbank, creating an open-air art gallery against the Ottawa River. The sculptures are the work of artist John Felice Ceprano, rebuilt each summer and dismantled each autumn. At sunset, the stones glow against the water and the Gatineau Hills backdrop, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city. The park is a 20-minute drive from Adam’s Airport Inn and takes under an hour to explore, perfect for guests with a free evening.
FamiliesNature Lovers
Details
AddressKichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
What are the balanced rock sculptures at Remic Rapids?
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.
When can I see the rock sculptures at Remic Rapids?
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.
Can I walk along the Ottawa River at Remic Rapids?
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.
Is Remic Rapids Park suitable for children?
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.
How do I get to Remic Rapids Park from Ottawa Airport?
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.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 24 minutes from Remic Rapids Park. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
