Confederation Park

You are now in the heart of Confederation Park, one of the largest parks in the Canadian capital. Before you is a fountain made of Peterhead granite. It is a tribute to the founder of Ottawa, Lieutenant-Colonel John By, who came from England. He commissioned the construction of the Rideau Canal, which runs through the city, and founded a town surrounding it. Formerly called Bytown, it eventually changed to Ottawa, the capital of Canada. The fountain was originally installed in London’s renowned Trafalgar Square, before being moved and installed here in 1948. Enlisted as a National Historic Site, this urban park is home to a number of monuments commemorating Aboriginal veterans, the Boer War, Canadian aviators and military animals, particularly those who helped the army during the Second World War. Each year, the park hosts various festivals such as the Ottawa International Jazz Festival in summer and Winterlude in winter, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Just a few meters from the City Hall and the National Arts Centre, the bustling Confederation Park is a great place to walk around, meet up with friends or simply unwind.