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Confederation Park: Ottawa's Downtown Oasis

Discover a serene urban retreat in Ottawa's Confederation Park, featuring monuments, events, and a tranquil atmosphere in the heart of the city.

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Confederation Park, nestled in the heart of downtown Ottawa, is a vibrant urban park that offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Opened in 1967 to commemorate Canada's centennial, this park features monuments, sculptures, and a beautiful fountain, making it a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike.

A brief summary to Confederation Park

Local tips

  • Attend seasonal events like Winterlude ice sculptures, Canada Day celebrations, and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.
  • Explore notable permanent features such as the South African War Memorial and National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.
  • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with benches around the fountain perfect for people-watching.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Confederation Park is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many downtown Ottawa landmarks. From Parliament Hill, walk east along Wellington Street, then turn left onto Elgin Street. The park will be on your left, just past the National Arts Centre. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    OC Transpo buses and the O-Train light rail provide convenient access to Confederation Park. Several bus routes stop near the park, including routes 11, 12, and 14. The O-Train's Confederation Line (Line 1) has stations within walking distance, such as Parliament Station and Rideau Station. From these stations, it's a short walk to the park. A single fare on OC Transpo is approximately $3.70 CAD.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Ottawa. A short taxi ride from nearby locations such as the ByWard Market or Parliament Hill to Confederation Park typically costs between $10 and $15 CAD, depending on traffic and distance.

Unlock the Best of Confederation Park

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Discover more about Confederation Park

Confederation Park, a National Historic Site of Canada, is a 2.63-hectare urban oasis located in the heart of Ottawa. The park was established in 1967 to commemorate the Canadian Centennial, marking the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. Today, it stands as a popular feature of Confederation Boulevard, the Capital's ceremonial and discovery route. Throughout the year, Confederation Park hosts a variety of public events, including Winterlude activities, Canada Day celebrations, and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival. When not being used for events, the park provides a serene escape with its mature trees and well-maintained pathways. Visitors can relax on numerous benches scattered throughout the park, enjoying the perspectives of surrounding buildings and the peaceful atmosphere. The park is home to several notable monuments and sculptures, including the South African War Memorial, the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument, and a memorial fountain honoring Colonel John By. The fountain, constructed of Peterhead granite, was relocated from Trafalgar Square in London, where it stood from 1845 to 1948. Confederation Park also features temporary art installations, adding to its artistic charm. Historically, the land where Confederation Park now sits was once part of Ottawa's downtown core. It was the site of businesses related to the nearby Rideau Canal and The Arena, where the original Ottawa Senators ice hockey team played from 1908 to 1927. Over time, the area was transformed as part of the National Capital Commission's efforts to create an urban landscape befitting a national capital.

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