NCC opens Kìwekì Point to the public after $45-million rehabilitation project

The view from the new Kìwekì Point overlooking the Ottawa River. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa)

A new lookout with views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill and Gatineau is now open in Ottawa heading into the summer.

The National Capital Commission announced the opening of Kìwekì Point, formerly Nepean Point, on Friday morning following a $45-million rehabilitation project.

The redevelopment next to the National Gallery of Canada includes a new pedestrian bridge and lookouts over the national capital region.

“Rediscover one of the capital’s most iconic lookouts,” the NCC said on X.

“Unobstructed views of the Ottawa River and its incredible sunsets.”

The lookout closed in the fall of 2023. The project includes a new pedestrian bridge, called Pìdàban Passage, linking Kìwekì Point and Major’s Hill Park, an architectural shelter named Whispering Point and two “levels of unobstructed views” of the national capital region.

The NCC says it redeveloped the site to “create a lively, 21st century park” in Ottawa.

“The Big River Landscape” concept plan guided the redevelopment of Kìwekì Point,” the NCC says on its website. “It was the winning entry, by Janet Rosenberg and Studio, from an international design competition.”