Cycling to Kìwekì Point in Ottawa

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Last weekend, we cycled to the new Kìwekì Point. It had been ten years since we were last there and it had also been the only time in my life I had been there. We were impressed with the beautiful views of the river and the Parliament buildings. I don’t remember if we cycled up there for a special reason, but it may have been because it was going to be demolished. As you can see in the photo I took in September 2015, the fences are already set up around the amphitheatre facing the Parliament buildings.

The site was not that easy to reach, and I remember it being quite steep too. This has completely changed. You can now get there without effort. The new Pidàban Bridge (Pidàban is Algonquin for “Dawn”) connecting the new park with the existing Major’s Hill Park makes visiting the place a breeze.

Where is Kìwekì Point?

If you are not from Ottawa, the lookout, formerly know as Nepean Point, has been completely transformed into a new much more accessible park in the Nation’s capital, designed by Janet Rosenberg & Studio. You can find it on the Ottawa river behind the National Art Gallery. In fact, the National Art Gallery has added a public entrance at Kìwekì Point. Kìwekì is Algonquin for “returning to one’s homeland”.

What has changed in the designs of Kìwekì Point?

A major change is that the statue of Samuel de Champlain, who was the first European to sail up this far, has a less prominent place now, looking towards Parliament Hill but not as high up on the hill anymore. On May 27, 1915, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught unveiled the monument to Samuel de Champlain at Kìwekì Point – upside down astrolabe and all! Since then, de Champlain has been overlooking the River. Kichi Zïbï Innini (Great River Man), has been moved to the park too and looks north.

The “Vessel”, an open air theatre, which was featured in the early artist impressions, and looked somewhat similar to Whispering Point, was scrapped too. The overhang with its cozy nooks (“in which one can listen to stories and narratives emanate from within the landscape, while experiencing the power and force of the river” – NCC website) in the first drawings lost its nooks, but gained a large concrete surface to sit on (and judging by the indents, not suitable for skateboards). Another one of the conceptual drawings had residents sitting at the foot of the Champlain statue around a large bonfire, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon too.

Along the way you’ll find several metal cut outs of animals from the regions with a short explanation about them. The storytelling is quite interesting, it is partly told through the eyes of the Ottawa River, which I hope will once be renamed back to Kichi Zībī, its Algonquin name.

A bonus is that you can have a view of the Alexandra bridge from an angle you may never have had before. Hurry though, as in a few years this bridge will too be gone and replaced by a modern design. If you walk to the highest level of the lookout, you can take a picture without the park railing.

How to cycle to Kìwekì Point

Coming from the Alexandra Bridge, turn right into Major’s Hill Park, cycle around the Tavern on the Hill patio and cycle across the Pidàban bridge. If you come from downtown, cycle up the bidirectional bike lanes On MacKenzie (‘highway 93’ on Google Maps) and turn left at the first corner of the US Embassy at the first light into Major’s Hill Park. Cycle around the big lawn towards the corner where the Tavern is.

If you come from the north part of Sussex Drive, you can bike past Maman (the spider). Keep Maman on your left and bike along the National Art Gallery glass wall towards the on-ramp into the park.

Be aware of the shared space

Be careful, as this whole area is shared space, i.e. you’ll meet pedestrians, roller bladers, skate borders, kids running across the paths. Cherish the shared spaces before the signs pop up with ‘walk your bike’.

“The meandering meadow paths are intimate, and slowly ascend to the Gathering Circle at the upper promontory. Visitors experience the river via the sound of the wind in the trees, chosen for their heightened sonic quality, and the movement of the meadow grasses, before the river becomes visible. While the meadows and sloping lawns offer more quiet and contemplative moments, the culmination of the two paths at the Gathering Circle offers a place for discussion and conversation.” – NCC website

Although you can bike all the way to the top, I suggest you leave your bike at the bottom before the last part at the bike racks at the north side of Kìwekì Point. Once you have parked your bike, take a a few minutes to walk to the tiny lookout left of the Art Gallery where you can look north over the river. Then walk up the last part and enjoy the views. If you own binoculars, bring them.

The $45-million rehabilitation was in part funded by the $228.6 million in federal funding the NCC received between 2018 and 2023 for critical repairs of high-impact and high-value assets. (source NCC website)

Artist impression pics from: https://jrstudio.ca/project/big-river-landscape-nepean-point