Ottawa is a beautiful and diverse city, worth visiting at any time of the year, as there is always something to see. The city boasts impressive architecture, with many buildings designed in a Gothic Revival style. Additionally, Canada’s capital is home to numerous parks and monuments dedicated to various historical figures and events significant to the country.
Ottawa is rich with monuments. It’s impossible for a tourist to see them all in one day. However, there are some key monuments in the capital that are a must-see for visitors. These landmarks offer tourists a deeper understanding of the history of both the city and Canada. Read more on ottawa-future.com.
Heroes of Canada Monument
Located in the heart of Ottawa, this monument honors key military figures in Canadian history.
Known as the “Valiants Memorial,” it was erected near the Sappers’ Staircase and inaugurated by Governor General Michaëlle Jean in 2006. The memorial consists of 14 notable military figures: nine busts and five life-sized statues. These individuals represent five pivotal military periods in Canadian history:
- The French Regime (1534-1763);
- The American Revolution (1775-1783);
- The War of 1812 (1812-1816);
- World War I (1914-1918);
- World War II (1939-1945).
These figures made significant contributions to Canada’s fight for freedom and independence during different periods.
Monument Dedicated to Canada’s Flags
This monument, located in the center of Ottawa, features all 14 flags of Canada. Ten flags represent Canada’s provinces, three flags represent its territories, and one is the national flag of Canada.
Each flagpole also showcases the coat of arms of its respective province or territory.
Victoria Tower Bell
The Victoria Tower once stood where the Peace Tower is now, and it was much smaller than the current structure. The bell, now a monument, is the only surviving artifact from the original Victoria Tower, which was destroyed in the 1916 fire. The bell was cast in 1875 and installed on the tower in 1877.
In 2000, the bell, which fell during the 1916 fire, was restored and placed on a granite base on Parliament Hill as a reminder of the tragic event. It is positioned at the same angle it fell during the fire.
Territorial Prerogative
This interesting bronze statue of a bear eating a fish was created by sculptor Bruce Garner in 1980.
The bear sculpture can be found in Ottawa’s Sparks Street Mall, where anyone can admire the architectural piece and take a photo as a keepsake.
Millennium Fountain
The Millennium Fountain, located on York Street in Ottawa, was unveiled in 2000. This fountain serves as a tribute to an older well from which the people of Ottawa used to drink. In the past, it was difficult for residents to access fresh water. One of the first structures built by the Ottawa municipality in the 19th century were wells and fountains, often placed in prominent locations throughout the city and designed to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The Millennium Fountain stands where an old well from the 1800s once stood, reminding visitors of a time when water was a precious commodity.
Centennial Flame
This monument with a flame was built specifically to commemorate Canada’s Centennial. It was constructed on Parliament Hill, and the flame was first lit on January 1, 1967, the day Canada turned 100 years old. The Prime Minister at the time, Lester B. Pearson, ignited the flame, and his portrait is now featured on Canada’s 50-dollar bill.
Surrounding the flame is a fountain that doesn’t freeze in the winter. The coins tossed into the fountain are collected and given to individuals with disabilities, some of whom have received over $5,000.
“The Colonel by the Fountain”
This fountain, located in Confederation Park, is named after Colonel John By, the Royal Engineer who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal from 1826 to 1832. In fact, Ottawa was once named Bytown in his honor.
Originally, the Colonel By monument was unveiled on Ottawa’s waterfront leading to the Laurier Bridge in 1955. It was later restored and relocated to the park in 1975.
Peacekeepers Monument
This monument honors Canadians who have participated in various peacekeeping missions for the United Nations over the decades.
The Peacekeepers Monument is located near the National Gallery of Canada, just north of the U.S. Embassy.
War of 1812 Monument
Another important memorial in Ottawa, located on Parliament Hill, is made of bronze and stone and was unveiled in 2014.
The monument honors those who fought in the War of 1812. It features several figures, including a Métis militiaman, an Indigenous fighter, a regular infantryman, a farmer, a marine, and a Québécois soldier. Each of these figures represents the diverse group of warriors who fought on Canada’s side during the War of 1812.
Ottawa Firefighters Memorial
This memorial, located on Laurier Avenue in Ottawa, in front of City Hall, honors all fallen Canadian firefighters. Every September, the city’s residents gather here to remember those who have died in the line of duty.
In addition to the firefighters’ monument, a memorial wall on Laurier Avenue lists the names of all the fallen firefighters since the 1800s. The wall is engraved with over 1,700 names of Canadian firefighters who died during their service.
National War Memorial
This impressive memorial stands in the heart of Ottawa at Confederation Square. It was unveiled in 1939 by King George VI.
Initially, the memorial honored Canadians who died in World War I (1914-1918), but over time, it came to honor those who died in World War II (1939-1945), the Korean War (1950-1953), the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), and the war in Afghanistan (2001-2014). In 2001, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in front of the memorial.
These are just a few of Ottawa’s monuments. Parliament Hill and other parts of the city are filled with numerous fascinating statues and memorials that tell the story of Ottawa and Canada’s rich history.