Strathcona Park

About Strathcona Park

Strathcona Park is a 6-hectare (15-acre) riverside park on the western bank of the Rideau River in Sandy Hill. The site was formerly the Dominion Rifle Range, converted to a park by the Ottawa Improvement Commission between 1904 and 1907. It's named after Lord Strathcona (Donald Smith), who financed his own regiment for the Boer War.

What to See and Do

Lord Strathcona Fountain

The park's most prominent feature, sitting atop the hill at the north end. Donated by Lord Strathcona, it was unveiled on July 1, 1909. Sculpted by French artist Mathurin Moreau and cast at Fonderies d'Art Val D'Osne in Paris, the fountain features four figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Playground

Strathcona's Folly is recognized as one of Ottawa's best playgrounds.

Summer Activities

• Wading pool — Open in summer
• Odyssey Theatre — A professional outdoor theatre company in residence since 1986, presenting open-air plays each summer
• Walking paths — Paved riverside paths along the Rideau River

Winter Activities

The hill at the north end is a popular tobogganing spot.

Sports

A baseball diamond at the south end, constructed in the 1920s, was Ottawa's main baseball venue for many years.

Adàwe Crossing

The Adàwe Crossing pedestrian and cyclist bridge, opened December 4, 2015, connects Sandy Hill with Overbrook across the Rideau River. The crossing links to the Rideau River Eastern Pathway (12.5 km from Rideau Falls to Mooney's Bay).

Getting There

• By Bus: OC Transpo routes 5 or 7 to Laurier/King Edward, then ~10-minute walk east to Range Road
• By Bike: Connected to the Rideau River pathway via Adàwe Crossing
• On Foot: ~15-minute walk east from the University of Ottawa