Major's Hill Park

About Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park is Ottawa's oldest park, sitting on a hill between Sussex Drive and the Rideau Canal locks, directly behind the Château Laurier. It offers some of the best views in the city — across to Parliament Hill, down to the Rideau Canal locks, and over the Ottawa River to Gatineau.

The park is named after Major Daniel Bolton, who was granted the land in 1826. It also contains the remains of the house where Colonel John By lived while overseeing construction of the Rideau Canal.

What to See

• Parliament Hill Views — The western edge of the park provides a direct view of Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower across the canal locks
• Rideau Canal Locks — Look down over the eight hand-operated locks that connect the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River
• Tulip Displays — In May, the park is one of the city's best spots for tulips during the Canadian Tulip Festival
• Tavern on the Hill — A seasonal outdoor canteen and patio housed in the historic Header House, serving locally-sourced food and drinks (spring through fall)
• Interpretation Panels — A series of panels throughout the park explain its history, from Colonel By's time through Confederation

Events

Major's Hill Park is a regular venue for Ottawa's major public events:

• Canadian Tulip Festival (May)
• Canada Day Celebrations (July 1)
• Various summer festivals and concerts

Visiting

• Hours: Daily 8 AM to dusk (no later than 9 PM)
• Cost: Free
• Washrooms: Available May to October
• Parking: Paid parking on Pioneer Road

Getting There

• On Foot: A 5-minute walk from the ByWard Market or the National Gallery of Canada. Directly behind the Château Laurier
• By Transit: Close to Rideau Station (O-Train Line 1)
• By Bike: Connected to the NCC multi-use pathway network along the canal and river