Major Hill Park

Situated in downtown Ottawa and overlooking the Rideau Canal, Major Hill Park was once home to those who built the canal. This area included the official residence of Lieutenant-Colonel John By, superintendent engineer of construction. At that time (1832), the Park was known as “Colonel’s Hill.” When By returned to England, his house was taken over by Daniel Bolton, who had been promoted in 1838 to the rank of Major. Then the area was renamed “Major’s Hill.” By’s/Bolton’s House was destroyed by fire on October 5, 1848. Today, the park’s landscape is decorated not only with beautiful flowers, but gorgeous bushes as well. Some of the best views of Ottawa can be seen from the top of the hill.

Entering from the street opposite the “Byward Market”, Major Hill Park offers a welcome respite from city life.

Lieutenant-Colonel John By still watches over the area.

Model of the By family home, which once stood in the area behind where Lt.-Col. By’s statue now stands.

Painting of how the soldiers’ barracks looked while they built the Canal.

Some of the Canal’s construction crew.

Long before By or any Europeans came here, the area was inhabited by members of the First Nation Algonquins.