Major's Hill Park

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Major's Hill Park with the Cathedral and American Embassy in the background

Major's Hill Park is one of the most notable parks in downtown Ottawa. The park stands above the Rideau Canal at the point where it enters the Ottawa River. Across the canal to the west are the parliament buildings, to the north of the park is the National Gallery of Canada, and east is the United States embassy and the Byward Market. To the south is the Chateau Laurier hotel, built upon land that was once part of the park.

The area was originally home to those who built the canal and it was named Colonel's Hill after Colonel By, the builder of the canal whose house was located atop it. When Colonel By was replaced by Major Daniel Bolton the hill was renamed Major's Hill. The park is rather unique, in that it has always been a public space since the early days of Ottawa, not a space that was cleared of buildings to create a park. It is now managed by the National Capital Commission, which has placed historical information in the northwest corner of the park.

Due to its central location, Major's Hill Park is usually used all year round, by all types of people. It is frequently used as a venue for events, and is central to Ottawa's Canada Day celebrations. One can see tourists enjoying the view of Parliament Hill, as well as young people sitting in large circles on the lawn, and many others strolling, sitting on benches, or playing games.