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Colonel John By Statue: Honoring Ottawa's Founder

Visit the Colonel John By Statue in Major's Hill Park, a tribute to Ottawa's founder and the Rideau Canal's visionary engineer.

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The Colonel John By Statue, located in Major's Hill Park, commemorates Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the Royal Engineer who built the Rideau Canal and founded Bytown, which later became Ottawa. The statue, created by Joseph-Émile Brunet in 1971, offers a glimpse into Ottawa's history and the contributions of its founder.

A brief summary to Colonel John By Statue

  • Major's Hill Park, Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, Byward Market - Parliament Hill, ON, K1N 9J6, CA

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Rideau Canal, just a short walk away.
  • Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic views of Parliament Hill from the park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Colonel John By Statue is located in Major's Hill Park, easily accessible on foot from downtown Ottawa. From the ByWard Market, walk south along Mackenzie Avenue. The park is situated east of the United States Embassy and north of the Chateau Laurier. The statue is located within the park, overlooking the Rideau Canal.

  • Public Transport

    OC Transpo buses serve the area around Major's Hill Park. From downtown Ottawa, take any bus that stops near the National Gallery of Canada or the ByWard Market. From there, it's a short walk to the park. A single-ride fare is $4.00 when paid by card. Seniors (65+) single-ride fare paid by e-purse is $3.20.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Ottawa. Provide the driver with the address: Major's Hill Park, Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J6. The fare from downtown Ottawa typically ranges from $10 to $20 CAD, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Colonel John By Statue

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.

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