Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park is an urban green space in downtown Ottawa that spans several hectares with open lawns and walking paths throughout. The elevated terrain provides clear views across to Parliament Hill and down toward the Rideau Canal.

The park was established in 1826 during construction of the Rideau Canal, when Lieutenant-Colonel John By built his residence on this elevated site. That early connection to canal development made it central to how the city developed.

This location hosted Canada's first national celebration in 1867, when people gathered here to mark independence with festivities. That historic role continues to shape how visitors experience the place today.

The park is easy to reach on foot with multiple entry points, offering both flat areas for relaxation and gentle slopes for exercise. Visitors should know that restroom facilities are seasonal and parking nearby typically requires payment.

Header House still stands in the northern section as a remaining piece of an old greenhouse complex that occupied the site long ago. This small building is one of the few original structures that survived while the rest of the complex disappeared over time.