Thursday, July 29, 2021

The Roar Of The Waterfalls

After my stop at the War Museum, I went onward towards the Chaudiere Bridge as it crosses the Ottawa River to visit the Chaudiere Falls. This is a set of cascades and waterfalls with a total drop of fifteen metres over its length. Backed by a ring dam that diverts some of the flow for hydro use, these falls have been greatly altered. They were effectively cut off from view for a century with industrial uses of the islands around them, but that has changed now and parkland occupies the best viewing areas, while some of the old industrial buildings remain, at least for the moment, as a nod to its complicated past. This first view is from the first viewing platform area. 


A look back from here looks towards the Chaudiere Bridge. The Portage Bridge and Parliament Hill are downstream.

Walking towards the next platform brings us towards this building, seen in the first shot. The stone walls are still up, with a steel frame within, but that's all. I wasn't sure when they started reclaiming this area from its industrial past if this building and its neighbour would be among those brought down, but this appears to be staying. A platform lies between the two buildings.


A look below from here shows the secondary hydro outflow seen in the first shot.

No glass remains in the old building. A look at the far windows shows us the waters framed.

And from this platform, we get a good look at the waterfalls. Champlain first saw this during his 1613 journey up the Ottawa River. First Nations peoples had known this place for thousands of years already.

A look downstream.

And then over at the falls again.

Passing by the second of the old buildings overlooking the falls here, I paused to photograph this sealed doorway. The old stone feels like the building was solidly made.


One last shot today, with a view towards the main viewing area and the wealth of flowers, bushes, and trees growing here. We'll see more tomorrow, including a couple of videos of the falls.

32 comments:

  1. That looks impressive, must be very noisy !

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  2. Nice view of the falls. My favourite is the last picture where the flowers, bushes and trees are.

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  3. So often those old industrial buildings are converted into high end condos and loft apartments. I guess these structures weren't suitable.

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  4. Hello,
    Great views of the waterfalls. I like the last shot of the path and flowers.
    Have a great day!

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  5. That is dangerous water, so powerful!

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  6. @Italiafinlandia: indeed.

    @Iris: it's quite a place.

    @Gattina: it does make a substantial roar.

    @Nancy: all of the flowers add a pretty touch.

    @David: elsewhere on the islands a couple of housing projects have been or are being erected where there were once industrial buildings.

    @Eileen: thank you.

    @Gemel: it is powerful.

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  7. The old buildings do look solidly built, almost a shame to knock them down, maybe they won't. The falls are running fast. Super series of shots ✨

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  8. I am always glad they keep the old shells of buildings. Magnificent views of the Falls and I can almost hear the roar of the water. I like the beautiful stone work and that old gate very much. All great shots!

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  9. I'm glad that they kept the old buildings.

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  10. The sound of that rushing water must have been very loud while you were there.

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  11. @Grace: my inclination is to say they won't be.

    @Tom: it's quite a sound.

    @Denise: thank you.

    @RedPat: so am I.

    @Sharon: yes, but soothing.

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  12. Great shots of these impressive waterfalls.

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  13. It seems we have a similar theme today.

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  14. That's sure a lot of water flowing through there! And I dare say it still goes through when the river is covered in ice during the wintertime.

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  15. Scary those swirling waters. Neat photos. The building walls, does it ever flood there? Is that why they haven't done a 100% restoration?

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  16. Wonderful photos of the falls and old industrial buildings. Those stone walls do look solid. The city must maintain this area as a park.

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  17. It would be nice if they could keep that building, but on the other hand, it is just an empty shell.

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  18. Looks like a historic place to visit ans well as enjoying the park there

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  19. Great pictures of the water. I can almost hear it. :)

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  20. A lot of river power for industrial use.

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  21. @Jan: thanks.

    @Janey: coincedence?

    @Barbara: yes, it doesn't ice over.

    @Maywyn: the buildings are higher up than the river's peak flood heights.

    @TFG: returning some of it to a park setting was the right thing to do.

    @Anvilcloud: I suspect they're there to stay.

    @Bill: it's a good spot for a visit.

    @happyone: thank you.

    @Joanne: indeed.

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  22. William - sometimes it takes modern man a little while to figure things out -- I am glad they have made the waterfalls accessible once again!

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  23. Interesting place. Love waterfalls.

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  24. I really like the old stone buildings and how you've got other contemporary photos there too, they go ok together.

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