Abbott's Guide to Ottawa and Vicinity/Drives About the City
DRIVES ABOUT THE CITY.
No. 1. Rockcliffe—Rifle Ranges—Beechwood.
Leaving the Chateau Laurier, then to the left along Rideau st., turn down Sussex st. to the oldest part of the city. On the corner of St. Patrick st. is the Basilica (R. C. Cathedral) and the statue of Bishop Guiges (see p. 23), to the left is the Government Printing Bureau and the Alexandra bridge. Continuing down Sussex st., at the left, fronted by a wide lawn, is the Archives building (see p. 10), and next to it the Mint (see p. 21), while on the right are the Water Street Convent and Hospital. Where Sussex st. inclines to the right, at the foot of the cliff, is Queen's Wharf, where steamers leave daily for Thurso (see p. 40). At this point the Alexandra bridge in its entirety can be seen to advantage. Farther on, but out of view at the foot of the bank, is the Ottawa Rowing Club. Thence passing Bingham's Park, immediately to the left may be seen a glimpse of "Earnscliffe" (see p. 17). Next come the great mills and lumber yards of Senator W. C. Edwards, on each side of the Rideau river, which is crossed by two little bridges. The Rideau Falls (see p. 35), which are within a few yards, are here hidden from view. After passing through the suburb of New Edinburgh will be seen the gates of Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General (see p. 36). At this point there is a pretty view of the bay in the river with the entrance to the Gatineau river in the distance. Beyond Government House grounds commences Rockcliffe Park (see p. 37). Continuing along the river bank and following the Driveway the full expanse of the Ottawa river is here seen. In the distance may be seen the targets of the Rifle Ranges, and possibly also will be heard the "zip," "zip" of the bullets. There is no danger, however, as the marksmen are firing in the opposite direction. A remarkable fringe of silver birch, one-third of a mile in length, next appears between the road and the river. Further on is McKay's Lake, with several pretty cottages on its shores. Continuing, the Rifle Range (see p. 37) is reached. Returning via Beechwood Cemetery and across the Minto bridges via King Edward ave. the starting point is again reached.—Time, about 2 hours.
RIDEAU FALLS
No. 2. Alexandra Bridge—Hull—Lumber Mills—Chaudiere Falls.
From the Chateau Laurier passing on the left Major's Hill Park (see p. 21), at the near end of which is the Sharp-Shooter's Monument (see p. 23). Thence down Mackenzie ave., beside the park, to the Government Printing Bureau, a red brick building without any claims to beauty. Adjoining it, to the left, is Nepean Point (see p. 24). Thence on to the Alexandra bridge (named after Queen Alexandra) which connects the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. From the middle of the bridge is a comprehensive view up and down the river, shewing the most picturesque parts of the capital. Turning to the right, on entering the province of Quebec at Hull (see p. 18), a drive may be taken to the extensive works of the International Portland Cement Co. If desired, the drive may be continued to that famous fishing river, the Gatineau, opposite the village of Gatineau Point (see p. 18). Then through the city swept by the great fire of 1900 to the immense works of the E. B. Eddy Co. Thence on to the bridges crossing the Ottawa river, passing the "Devil's Hole" and mill races till the Chaudiere Falls (see p. 15) are reached. Adjoining the falls and making use of the power, is a mill of Mr. J. R. Booth, one of Ottawa's great lumbermen. The light from the top of his tall incinerator tower is conspicuous at night for miles around. This mill, and its yards, were the only exceptions in the path of destruction by the great fire, even the bridges being twisted into shapeless masses of iron. Turning up Wellington St., Christ Church (Anglican) Cathedral may be seen on the top of the high bluff. Next is St. Andrew's (Presbyterian) Church, the site of the first church erected in Ottawa. Then past the British American and American Bank Note Companies buildings (the latter erected from basement to roof in six weeks), passing on the left the Supreme Court (see p. 38) and the western entrance to Parliament Hill. Continuing on, for more than a block is a succession of banks; next comes the Langevin Block (see p. 20), then the United States Consulate, and the Chateau is again reached.—Time 1½ hours.
No. 3. Sandy Hill—Janeville.
From the Chateau Laurier it is but a short drive to Daly ave., at the lower end of which are the Court House, Jail and Registry offices, then, through one of the chief residential sections, will be noticed the homes of many prominent Ottawans, among them Hon. Mr. Justice Brodeur, Sir Charles Fitzpatrick, Chief Justice of Canada; and Sir Sandford Fleming, the father of the Pacific cable. Turning north at Charlotte st. is seen the Protestant General Hospital, then east, crossing Cumming's bridge ever the Rideau river, through the village of Janeville (annually flooded by the rising of the river) and, if desired, on to Notre Dame (R. C.) Cemetery. Then returning via Charlotte st. to Strathcona Park (see p. 38) where there is a good view of the Rideau river. Turning west along Laurier ave. (named after the late Premier) will be seen Stadacona Hall, a former residence of Sir John Macdonald (see p. 22) and one of the first houses built in Ottawa; it is now occupied by Sir Frederick Borden. Next but one is the Japanese Consular residence. On the next corner, at the right, lives Sir Wilfrid Laurier, ex-Premier of Canada. Still further on, at the right, is the Ottawa University (see p. 25), and at the left the Church of the Sacred Heart, recently destroyed by fire and now being re-built, and the Rideau Skating and Curling Rinks. Then crossing the Canal by the Laurier bridge, on the right is the Arena Skating Rink, and on the left Cartier Square and the Armouries. Thence via Elgin st., passing the Athletic Club, the City Hall and South African Monument (see p. 23), Sparks st. is reached.—Time (not including Notre Dame Cemetery), 1 hour.
No. 4. Driveway—Exhibition Grounds—Experimental Farm.
From the Chateau Laurier down Elgin st., passing the City Hall and the Athletic Club to Cartier Square, where commences a section of the Government Driveway. Following it along the bank of the Canal, passing the Armouries, Military Stores (with three Chinese cannon in front), and Collegiate Institute, till the Rideau Canoe Club is reached at the entrance to Lansdowne Park and the Exhibition Grounds, where the Central Canada Exhibition is held each fall. Thence along the Canal, passing the residence of the Papal Ablegate, to Dow's Lake, crossing which by a causeway the Experimental Farm (see p. 17) is reached. Return by almost the same route as far as the Railway bridge at the head of Elgin st., then along Argyle ave. and encircle the Victoria Memorial Museum (see p. 38), then down Metcalfe st. through one of the best residential sections, passing the residences of Sir Louis Davies, Hon. W. S. Fielding, the Y.M.C.A. building (see p. 39), the Public Library (see p. 33), the Langevin Block (see p. 20), and the Rideau Club to the main gate of the Parliament grounds. Entering, and turning to the left, drive in rear of the West Block (see p. 32). (Particulars of points of interest on Parliament Hill will he found on page 27).—Time about 1 hours.
KING GEORGE (Duke of York) Running Timber Slides.