Ottawa, Canada's capital, sits at 79 meters (259 ft) above sea level at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau Rivers. The city occupies rolling terrain on the Canadian Shield and the Ottawa Valley, with dramatic river views and a green, park-filled landscape.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Ottawa River level | 58 m |
|---|---|
| Average city elevation | 79 m |
| Highest point (Gatineau Hills) | 480 m (across river in Quebec) |
| Coordinates | 45.4215° N, 75.6972° W |
| Country / Region | Ontario, Canada |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Parliament Hill / Downtown | 65–90 m |
| Byward Market | 60–75 m |
| Centretown | 70–85 m |
| Glebe / Old Ottawa South | 75–95 m |
| Kanata (west) | 100–140 m |
| Gatineau Hills (across river) | 150–480 m |
Compare: Ottawa and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Toronto | 76 m |
| Montreal | 46 m |
| Vancouver | 3 m |
| Calgary | 1045 m |
Interesting Facts About Ottawa's Elevation
- Parliament Hill sits dramatically at 62–80 m above the Ottawa River, providing commanding views across to Gatineau, Quebec.
- Ottawa's Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs from downtown at 58 m to Kingston on Lake Ontario at 76 m, a distance of 202 km.
- In winter, the Rideau Canal freezes to become the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink at 7.8 km long.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Ottawa
What is the elevation of Ottawa?
Ottawa sits at approximately 79 metres (259 feet) above sea level. Parliament Hill is at about 70–80 m above the Ottawa River.
Does Ottawa get a lot of snow?
Yes, Ottawa is one of the snowiest capital cities in the world, receiving about 240 cm of snowfall per year. The city is well-prepared with extensive snow removal equipment.
Is Ottawa on the border with Quebec?
Yes, Ottawa sits on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, with Gatineau, Quebec directly across the river. The National Capital Region spans both provinces.