Update – February 2021

 Minto Bridge

Ottawa can sure hold its own when it comes to beautiful cities. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the bridges you will encounter when visiting. The first photo, Urban Bridges is Minto bridge (2 of 3), only minutes from the Prime Minister’s residence on Sussex Drive. A walk on it during autumn is a must.

Below, we see the Minto (bridge 1) during the winter season.

Stone Bridge Gatineau

Crossing the river to Gatineau resides a quaint stone arch bridge straight out of olden days. The images here are available as stock photography for your document design projects. You can see the portfolio on mostphotos.com.

Lady Aberdeen Bridge

While in Gatineau, you’re also presented with the “Lady Aberdeen bridge”. Built in 1894, it takes you through to the downtown area. It was named in honour of Lady Aberdeen, the wife of then, Governor General of Canada, John Hamilton-Gordon. I am from this very area and, as children, we knew it as the green bridge; in both languages (Pont vert). Life is funny that way. This photo was taken from the belvedere in Rockliffe Park, Ottawa.

Royal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge

This photo is named “Bridged Parliament” and certainly speaks volumes, featuring the Royal Alexandra Interprovincial bridge in the foreground. This specific angle is not seen anywhere else and is an example of this photographer’s dedication to originality. You can see the Canadian Parliament collection of over 250 original photographs. Below, three other views from different perspectives.

Laurier Street Bridge

In the heart of the city is the famous Rideau Canal — the longest skating rink in the world. One bridge in the downtown core is the beautiful Laurier Street bridge. Featuring an iron construction archway spanning the Rideau Canal and overlooking the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel and the Convention Centre at dusk.

The Plaza Bridge

Staying downtown, spanning the “Rideau Canal”, the Plaza bridge joins Wellington and Elgin Streets. It is neighbour to the “Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel”, the “Government Conference Centre” and “Parliament Hill”. Sitting atop the Plaza is the “Canadian National War Memorial”. It is walking distance to the famous Ottawa “Sparks Street Mall”.

Kingsmere Estate Log Bridges

Taking a walk on the pathways of the Kingsmere Estate, you will come across many log bridges like this classic during the gold and orange glow of autumn.

Cummings Bridge

Moving east down Rideau Street, we encounter Cummings bridge to the suburb of Vanier. It contains beautiful arches and is reminiscent of certain bridges in Central Park.

Patterson Creek Bridge

Turning to the Rideau Canal once again, we meet up with the Patterson Creek bridge shown here during summer. Canoeists use it all the time… it’s such a peaceful place.

Making available various seasons of the same subject is a good idea as it can help your document layout be more season-specific when needed. The creek spills into the Rideau Canal making it one of the prettiest bridges on the canal. Skaters just slip underneath and enjoy the winter.

Pretoria Bridge

The Pretoria Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge in Ottawa, crossing the beautiful Rideau Canal. It was built in 1915, and is a vertical-lift bridge, meaning that the central portion of the bridge can be elevated to allow boats to pass underneath.

Bank Street bridge

The Bank Street bridge, seen here at dusk spanning the Rideau Canal, where live bands perform outdoor concerts. Strollers stand on the bridge and listen to live music while watching the canoes go by.

O’Connor Street Bridge

Take a walk south  and you’ll come upon this beautiful structure on O’Connor Street, featuring a gorgeous Weeping Willow. It’s surrounded by parks, water and in the middle of the Glebe, one of Ottawa’s oldest and prestigious neighbourhoods.

The O’Connor Street bridge does what it does best: welcome canoeists under it, making it a joy to paddle and appreciate the Rideau canal. Ask any canoe enthusiast the feeling of going under bridges, and you’ll hear many different tales of fun!

Vimy Memorial Bridge

Opened in July 2014, the Vimy Memorial Bridge joined Ottawa’s list of great bridges. It was the 2015 winner of the Gustav Lindenthal Medal. It is named after the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Featuring a unique triple tubular arch formation, it includes three vehicle lanes, dedicated bus lane, bike lanes in each direction and Pedestrian walkways located on the outside. This bridge is the first of its kind in North America.

Covered Bridges

Who doen’t like a red covered bridge? It’s always fun driving through a taste of history. This one, just west of Ottawa, is definitely a classic.

When in Quebec, near Wakefield, stands this specimen including an inside view. Walking it is as much fun as driving through it. You can peer out the “windows” to see young ones swimming while older boys and girls are jumping off the top. Who hasn’t done it?

Bridge To Carleton University

Heading west Ottawa, to the Carleton University train station, we see the O-Train delivering students. A steel bridge strictly for rails that spans the Ottawa river. BTW! I must say, this train is certainly well designed. Bravo OC Transpo!

OTHER LOCATIONS

Lagoon Bridge, Boston

Another bridge I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, is the “Lagoon” structure in Boston Common Park, Downtown. It has a London England feel to it that I so enjoyed.

Cuban Bridge

Bridges take us places. An adventure may lie just ahead, cross it, you never know! While vacationing in Cuba, this bridge was begging to be photographed. I’m glad I did, now it’s part of the collection.

Zakim Bridge, Boston

I couldn’t resist including the gorgeous Zakim suspension bridge in Boston. The construction of this bridge was long overdue and Bostonians were delighted when it was finally finished. I Went to this fine city, for the HOW design conference and took this shot. One thing that surprised me was how much the bridge shook with traffic, making it harder to stay focused.

5 Arch Stone Bridge, Pakenham, Ontario

As the search continues for memorable bridges, I visited the 5 Arch Stone Bridge in Pakenham, Ontario, an hour west of Ottawa. Built in 1901, it spans the Mississippi River and cost $14,500 to build. The arches are 40 feet wide and 8 feet thick. Pakenham is a quaint village, reminiscent of old days gone by. Perfect for a day trip for the whole family.

Thank You

I hope you’ve enjoyed a tour of some of our bridges and please have a look at the photo collections. Images start $12 and are available for immediate download.

-Michel

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary Precinct — Tulips on Parliament Hill – The West Block of Canada – 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking – Canada in One Photo – Design and Imaging — Haunted Castle — Night Shots — Hey That’s My Image — My Canadian Pride Is Showing — Canada Day on Parliament Hill — Images in Color and in Stereo – 5 Reasons to Use Photos — Gargoyles on Parliament Hill – Christmas on Parliament Hill – Live Music is Always Best – The Confederation Building – The Supreme Court of Canada