Colonel John By Statue, Ottawa Travel Guide

The Colonel John By Statue stands as a tribute to the man who shaped Ottawa's early development. Lieutenant-Colonel John By, a British officer and Royal Engineer, was responsible for constructing the Rideau Canal in the 19th century, a crucial waterway linking the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. He also founded Bytown in 1826, which was later renamed Ottawa.The statue, created by Quebec-born sculptor Joseph-Émile Brunet, was unveiled in Major's Hill Park in 1971. The 11-foot tall bronze statue overlooks the Rideau Canal, a lasting testament to Colonel By's engineering skills. The statue is near the remains of the house where he lived. Major's Hill Park, where the statue is located, is Ottawa's oldest public park, offering stunning views of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, and the Rideau Canal. The park provides a tranquil escape in downtown Ottawa and hosts various events throughout the year.