The 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend marathon and half marathon course highlights
A flat, fast, and fantastic Sunday at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend!
2025 is bringing changes to both the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon and the Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins! With new flatter and faster courses that return to span TWO provinces, the routes for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend’s 2025 Sunday events will provide you with a chance to take in sights that are unique to the National Capital Region while you achieve your personal best or Boston qualifier!
Here are points of interest you won’t want to miss!
Also known as “The Response”, the National War Memorial is a cenotaph symbolizing the sacrifice of all Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have served Canada in time of war in the cause of peace and freedom—past, present and future. The memorial is also the annual site of the national Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11.
The National War Memorial was first unveiled in 1939 to commemorate the response of Canadians in the First World War 1914-1918. Over the years, the memorial has come to symbolize the sacrifice of all Canadians who have served Canada in time of war and was rededicated to their honour. In 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in the front of the memorial. The tomb contains the remains of an unknown Canadian soldier from a war cemetery near Vimy Ridge, France.
Wellington Street and the Parliamentary Precinct
Wellington Street is a central part of Confederation Boulevard. It is where you will find the Parliamentary Precinct which includes many sites and symbols of national significance.
Parliament Hill is an area of Crown land on the southern bank of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, and is home to Canada’s federal government. It is also a place to meet, visit, and celebrate. Parliament’s very first session opened on November 6, 1867.
At a height of 92.2 metres, the Peace Tower is the dominant feature on Parliament Hill. The Peace Tower clock was given to Canada by the United Kingdom in 1927 to mark the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation and the Diamond Jubilee. The Peace Tower carillon (the set of bells in the tower) is one of the oldest and finest carillons in North America. It was commissioned to commemorate the Armistice of 1918 and the sacrifice made by Canada in the First World War. It includes 53 bells and weighs 54 tonnes.
The Bank of Canada Museum can be found at the corner of Bank Street and Wellington Street. It opened on July 1, 2017 and contains hands-on, interactive exhibits, informative videos, multimedia stations and old-school exhibits featuring centuries’ worth of economic artifacts: from shells once used as money, to bank notes made from tree bark, together with their history and lore.
The Supreme Court of Canada at 301 Wellington Street is the highest court in the judicial system of Canada. Its construction began in 1939 and the court began hearing cases in January 1946. In 2000, the building was named as one of the top 500 buildings produced in Canada during the last millennium by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
The Library and Archives Canada Building located at 395 Wellington Street is tasked with acquiring, preserving, and providing accessibility to the documentary heritage of Canada. The national archive and library is the fifth largest library in the world. It is the main physical location where the public may access the collection in person (by appointment only) and was officially opened on June 20, 1967.
The Garden of the Provinces and Territories located at the corner of Wellington Street and Bay Street, officially opened in 1962. The garden commemorates the union of Canada’s provinces and territories. Its design includes a mixture of ornamental grasses and perennials, paying homage to the prairies, tundra, woodlands and Canadian horticultural pioneers.
Located near Wellington and Bay Street on the west side of the Garden of the Provinces and Territories is the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. This new memorial features over 4,000 metal rods arranged on two gently curved, wall-like structures, symbolizing the immense number of individuals who suffered under communist regimes. It encourages visitors to reflect on Canada as a nation of freedom and inclusivity, while also highlighting Canada’s global role as a refuge from injustice and persecution.
Cultural Crossroads at Lebreton Flats
The intersection of Wellington and Booth Streets plays host to several places of note.
The Canadian Firefighters Memorial is located at LeBreton Flats, at the site of the Great Ottawa Fire of 1900. It is a national monument to all firefighters in Canada and their contributions to the health, safety and prosperity of Canada. It pays tribute to all Canadian firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty since 1848. Each firefighter’s name is engraved over the province or territory that he or she died protecting. The monument is the site of the Canadian Firefighters Annual Memorial Ceremony.
The National Holocaust Monument is located at the north-east corner of Wellington and Booth, and was inaugurated in September of 2017. It is entitled Landscape of Loss, Memory and Survival. It was built to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust, as well as the contributions Holocaust survivors have made to Canada, remain top of mind for generations to come.
Fleck Fountain Plaza, a symbol of the regeneration of LeBreton Flats, is located at the southwest intersection of Wellington and Booth streets. It features the Lilias W. Fleck Fountain which has been restored by the National Capital Commission after being unearthed in 2013. It now stands close to where it originally stood in 1892 and is the point of departure for the plaza’s outdoor exhibit, developed with the support of Canadian Heritage. The exhibit explores life at LeBreton Flats around the original time of the fountain’s use. The exhibit also includes historical photographs and concrete stamping showing the street names from a bygone era.
The NCC collaborated with the local Anishinabe communities of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan to create Pindigen Park adjacent to Kichi Zībī Mīkan at the southeast corner of Wellington and Booth streets. This park strives to highlight Indigenous culture and heritage while promoting an appreciation and understanding of the Anishinaabe values. Its name translates to “Come on in! All are welcome here!” evoking the spirit of inclusivity and harmony among people.
The Canadian War Museum serves as both an educational facility on the history of the Canadian military and a place of remembrance. It is situated south of the Ottawa River in LeBreton Flats and its collection contains over 500,000 pieces of material related to military history, including over 13,000 pieces of military art. The unique architectural design of the building is intended to showcase war’s impact on nature and nature’s ability to regrow and “regenerate” from war. The small series of windows near the top of the building spell out “lest we forget/n’oublions jamais” in Morse code.
Chaudière Island, uniting the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau
The Ottawa River and Chaudière Falls hold a pivotal place in Canada’s history. For the Algonquin Anishinaabe and other First Nations, Chaudière Falls is a sacred site, having served as a meeting point, portage location, and trade route. Indigenous travellers would offer tobacco to the river in hopes of ensuring a safe journey. The falls were also travelled by early European explorers playing a key role in Bytown’s thriving lumber industry. Named “Asticou” by the Algonquin First Nation, meaning “kettle” or “boiling water,” the falls’ original cauldron-like shape and mist from the churning waters inspired its name.
Today, the site combines history and innovation, featuring Canada’s oldest operating hydro station and a state-of-the-art underground facility, with six hydroelectric plants generating clean energy for local homes and businesses.
Zibi is a vibrant and sustainable waterfront community with a perfect mix of natural beauty and innovation. It is located between Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec, along the picturesque Ottawa River. Visitors can explore scenic trails, bustling markets, and artisan shops all while learning about the site’s Indigenous history and eco-friendly initiatives.
The original Chaudière Crossing was the first bridge between Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Quebec). Today, it links the communities of Gatineau, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario. Remarkably, parts of the original structure, dating back to Colonel By’s era in the 1820s, remain intact. The crossing passes through the E.B. Eddy Company complex near Chaudière Falls, from which the bridge takes its name.
The Ottawa River played a pivotal role in the history and formation of Canada. It is named after the Algonquin word ‘to trade’, reflecting its importance as a major trade route of Eastern Canada. Stretching along much of the border between Ontario and Quebec, it serves as a major tributary of the St. Lawrence River and holds the distinction of being Quebec’s longest river.
Gatineau pour la vie
The Monument à la paix et au souvenir de Gatineau, also known as “Plus jamais la guerre”, is located in Gatineau at the corner of boulevard St-Joseph and boulevard Alexandre-Taché, in front of the Hull Regiment Armoury. The memorial was designed to pay tribute to the men, women and children of Gatineau who suffered as a result of war (World War I, World War II and the Korean War).
Built in the late 1980s to replace the original bridge on the Ruisseau de la Brasserie in Gatineau, and as part of an initiative to turn the area into a tourist and cultural district. The Tour Eiffel Bridge, also known as the Montcalm Street Bridge was built to incorporate an original steel girder from a staircase of the Eiffel Tower which was donated to Gatineau by, it opened in 1990.
Located in Gatineau, Quebec, on the edge of the Ottawa River facing Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History stands as the largest museum of human history in Canada.The building’s design reflects the formation of the continent of North America, shaped by the forces of wind, rivers, and glaciers. It is also among the nation’s most-visited museums, attracting thousands of visitors annually to its location in the heart of the National Capital Region. Established in 1856, it is one of Canada’s oldest public institutions, with a rich legacy of preserving and showcasing the country’s history. It is also home to the Canadian Children’s Museum, a 500-seat theatre, and the 295-seat CINÉ+ movie theatre featuring a large 3D screen and giant dome.
A run with a view
The Royal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge, also known as the Alexandra Bridge or Interprovincial Bridge, was constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway between 1898 and 1900. It is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Ottawa River between Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec. Since 2023, the bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic but maintains a single lane for pedestrians and cyclists.
Located behind the National Gallery of Canada, Kìwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) offers a stunning panoramic view of Parliament Hill. Having served military purposes in the 19th century, the Ottawa Improvement Commission, the NCC’s predecessor, transformed it into a public park in 1909. With the construction of the National Gallery of Canada from 1983 to 1988, outdoor sculptures were added, giving Kìwekì Point the charm of an informal sculpture garden.
Established in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada is now home to more than 87,000 works of art, along with extensive library and archival holdings. The collections are housed in one of Canada’s most iconic public buildings, a grand, light-filled structure of glass and granite. It contains exhibition spaces, a garden court, a reconstructed chapel and more. The plaza of the National Gallery of Canada is also the permanent home of a bronze casting of “Maman”. The Spider which pays homage to French-American artist Louise Bourgeois’ mother stands at More than 9 metres high and contains 26 marble eggs in its abdomen.
Major’s Hill Park, the Capital’s first park, has been a public space since 1826, coinciding with the construction of the Rideau Canal. Officially designated as a park in 1875, it features the remains of the house where Colonel By lived during the building of the Rideau Canal and Header House, the last remaining section of the Major’s Hill Park greenhouse complex, which was dismantled in 1938.
Renowned for its breathtaking lookouts, the park offers stunning views of the Ottawa Locks, the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings, and vibrant tulip displays each spring.
Located near the ByWard Market in Ottawa, Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping monument is the only monument of its kind in the world. The monument , unveiled on October 8, 1992, depicts three peacekeepers – two men and one woman. They stand on two sharp, knifelike edges of stone, cutting through the rubble and debris of war and converging at a high point, which symbolizes the resolution of conflict.
The Royal Canadian Mint’s headquarters remains in the historic building in Ottawa where it was established in 1908. Today, the facility is renowned for producing collectible coins, gold and silver bullion, and medals that celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada. Visitors can take guided tours, where expert guides provide an in-depth look at the minting process, share key milestones, and entertain with fascinating stories about the Mint’s history.
Rideau Falls Park on Green Island provides an impressive view of the waterfalls for which the park is named. The falls mark the location of where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River. The park is the site of several monuments and memorials which include the Mackenzie-Papineau Monument, the Commonwealth Air Force Memorial, and the National Artillery Monument. Rideau Falls Park was developed after the Second World War, when the area was acquired by the federal government and cleared of industry powered by the falls.
The covered lookout on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, formerly known as the Rockcliffe Parkway, is the perfect place to take in the views of the Ottawa River and its Gatineau shoreline, along with interpretive boards on the history of the area.
This will be the very first time that participants of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend will run through the grounds of Rideau Hall (officially Government House) is the official residence and workplace of the governor general of Canada, the representative of the monarch of Canada. It is the largest official residence in Canada’s Capital Region, and the only one open to the public. Tours of the residence, art collection and grounds are offered all year long. The grounds are open to the public in all seasons of the year for a range of concerts, ceremonies, celebrations and sporting events.
The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America. It was originally built in the early 1800s for military purposes. Today it mainly hosts recreational boaters, anglers, and tourists. In the winter time, the Ottawa section of the Rideau Canal is home to the world’s largest natural ice skating rink. The Rideau Canal is 202 kilometres long and links the Ottawa River with the Great Cataraqui River and Lake Ontario. The Rideau Canal was specifically designed for steam-powered vessels and is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the canal a World Heritage Site in 2007.
The 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon course will provide you a few more scenic Ottawa views:
Formerly Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, and previously the Ottawa River Parkway, the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, meaning Great River Road in Algonquin, is a four-lane scenic parkway that follows the Ottawa River. This scenic route serves as a favourite commuter artery for west end residents who work in the downtown area or at the Tunney’s Pasture office complex. It follows along the shore of the Ottawa River, and is mostly cleared of trees, allowing a view of the River and north shore line.
Dow’s Lake was created in 1826, when a dam was constructed along the north shore of the Rideau Canal (now the Queen Elizabeth Driveway) to allow flooding. Before the construction of the Canal, this area was known as Dow’s Great Swamp. A rail tunnel, formerly owned and operated by Canadian Pacific, passes under the lake, and is now used by Ottawa’s light-rail transit system.
The Dominion Arboretum is Canada’s oldest arboretum and is part of the Central Experimental Farm. With plants dating as far back as 1889, it covers about 26 hectares (64 acres) of land. Throughout the year, it can experience extremely hot and humid summers and extremely cold winters and displays a wide range of well-established trees and shrubs (1,700 different species and varieties) with the intention of evaluating their hardiness. The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk and admission is free.
With its reimagined courses, Sunday at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants of all levels. Get ready to celebrate your achievements in the heart of the National Capital Region—it’s a weekend you won’t want to miss!