Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park sits on a high bluff overlooking the Ottawa River with a clear view of the Parliament buildings. Before it became a public green space, this land served as the private garden for John By, the British engineer who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal in the eighteen twenties. By built his own residence on this ridge to keep a close eye on the massive project below. The house burned down in eighteen forty-nine, leaving behind the clearing that eventually became this park.