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Major's Hill Park

Parks ·Ottawa ·Open now
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#1Parks in Ottawa
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About

Major's Hill Park is a downtown park in Ottawa, above the Rideau Canal where it meets the Ottawa River.

More photos 11

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Major's Hill Park — Tulip beds and lawn with historic buildings beyond the park Jeangagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited
Major's Hill Park — Tulip beds and lawn with historic buildings beyond the parkMajor's Hill Park — Open lawn and trees with Parliament visible in the distanceMajor's Hill Park — Park path through flower beds toward ParliamentMajor's Hill Park — Autumn maple and evergreens beside the park's historic buildingsMajor's Hill Park — Park lawn and flower beds with Notre-Dame Cathedral beyondMajor's Hill Park — Large shade tree overlooking lawns and paths in the parkMajor's Hill Park — Visitors walking along a garden path beneath mature treesMajor's Hill Park — Park path curving past shrubs and mature treesMajor's Hill Park — Sculpture among trees and gardens in the parkMajor's Hill Park — Historic view of a fountain and landscaped park groundsMajor's Hill Park — Archival panorama of Major's Hill Park and its surroundings

Why go

  • Ottawa's first park, used as a park from 1826.
  • A central venue for Ottawa's Canada Day celebrations.
  • B In The Park brings pipe bands and highland dancers together before the Glengarry Highland Games.
  • Tavern on the Hill serves as a seasonal outdoor canteen, patio and ice cream shop in Header House.

Opening hours

Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59

Don't miss

  • Site of Colonel By's houseDr. Mary Burns rediscovered the house site through archaeological research in 1972, after its exact location had been unknown for over a century.
  • Historical informationHistorical information about the park is placed in its northwest corner.Northwest corner
  • Plaques and statueThey commemorate Lieutenant-Colonel By, Major Bolton and their successors.

What you see

  • Look west across the Rideau Canal toward the Parliament Buildings, with views of the Ottawa Locks and Ottawa River.

Shorts

History

While John By lived on the hill, it was called Colonel's Hill. Château Laurier now stands south of the park on land that once belonged to it. It has remained green space since Ottawa's early days because it was once a residence.

  1. 1826The hill began serving as a park when Rideau Canal construction started.
  2. 1832John By left his residence on the hill, and Captain Daniel Bolton moved into the house.
  3. 1838Bolton was promoted to major.
  4. 1843By the time Bolton left Bytown, the hill was known as Major's Hill.
  5. 1867Fireworks and bonfires marked Ottawa's first Canada Day celebrations there.
Show all
  1. 1875The park was formally established.

Sources: Major's Hill Park - Wikipedia · Major's Hill Park | National Capital Commission · Parc Major's Hill - Wikipedia · Major's Hill Park: booking (its own site) · Major's Hill Park: description (its own site) · checked 12 Oct 2026

Where
Mackenzie Ave Behind the Chateau Laurier, Ottawa

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

Where is Major's Hill Park?

At Sussex Drive and Mackenzie Avenue, between the National Gallery of Canada to the north and Fairmont Château Laurier to the south.

What are Major's Hill Park's opening hours?

The park is open 24 hours every day.

What is nearby?

The United States embassy and Byward Market lie east of the park.

Is there space for a picnic and a walk?

The park has picnic areas, winding paths, rolling lawns and stately trees.

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