A Scenic Drive -- For a picturesque outing, drive east on Wellington Street past Parliament Hill, through Confederation Square. After Château Laurier, on the left, turn left (north) on Sussex Drive. After passing the imposing American Embassy, glorious views open up to the left over the islands.
Proceed along Sussex Drive to St. Patrick Street, turning left into Nepean Point Park. Here share a fine river view with the statue of Samuel de Champlain. Across the road is Major's Hill Park, between Château Laurier and the National Gallery, where the noonday gun is fired (at 10am on Sun to avoid disturbing church services). Return to Sussex Drive, continuing in the same direction. Just beyond the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge stands Earnscliffe, once the home of Sir John A. Macdonald, first Prime Minister of the Dominion of Canada, and now the residence of the British High Commissioner.
Farther along, Sussex Drive crosses the Rideau River, passing the contemporary Ottawa City Hall, in the middle of Green Island near Rideau Falls, to the left. The parkway proceeds past the Prime Minister's house, shielded by trees at 24 Sussex Dr., and on to Rideau Hall, at no. 1, also known as Government House, the Governor-General's residence. On the 35-hectare (88-acre) grounds are scores of ceremonial trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state, from Queen Victoria to John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Princess Diana. They're identified by nameplates at the base of the trees. In summer, a brief changing-of-the-guard ceremony is held at noon at the main gate. Tours of the grounds and the interior public rooms are conducted daily in July and August and on weekends the rest of the year. For information, stop in at the Visitor Centre (daily 9:30am-5:30pm) or call tel. 613/991-4422.
Continuing, the drive becomes Rockliffe Driveway, a beautiful route along the Ottawa River and through Rockcliffe Park. Where the road splits in the park, follow the right fork to Acacia Avenue to reach the Rockeries, where April blossoms herald spring. If you wish, continue on Rockliffe Driveway to reach the Aviation Museum. Or proceed on Acacia, which doubles back and connects once again with the Driveway back to the city.
