Lover's Walk - Ottawa, Ontario
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Weathervane
N 45° 25.546 W 075° 41.843
18T E 445444 N 5030486
The route of the walk followed an aboriginal trail later used as a lumber raftsmen's pathway. Incorporation of the Lovers‘ Walk into the landscape architecture of Parliament Hill is attributed to Chief Dominion Architect Thomas Seaton.
Waymark Code: WM11Y59
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 01/09/2020
Views: 8
Caution - Do not climb the dilapidated stairs behind the Bytown Museum in an attempt to reach the pathway which has been abandoned for many years. The stairs are unstable and damaged while the ramps are broken in places. Furthermore, it is very steep and the ground extremely slippery. I took the photos from behind the museum and Major's Hill Park.
Lover's Walk - History
The route of the walk followed an aboriginal trail that ran halfway up the escarpment. It was later used as a lumber raftsmen's pathway.
Incorporation of the Lovers‘ Walk into the landscape architecture of Parliament Hill is attributed to Chief Dominion Architect Thomas Seaton Scott. Scott had learned that a well planned park would offer people many different experiences. Behind the buildings, Scott created a more relaxed area for strolling, admiring the view and enjoying the exotic floral displays created by skilled gardeners. These Pleasure Grounds had benches, a charming summer pavilion and commemorative statues of Canadian statesmen. This was Nature, tamed and improved by Man.’- Parliament of Canada - History of the Hill
‘For untamed Nature, the public could follow a pathway cut into the face of the escarpment along an old raftsmen's trail. This feature was first created in the 1860s and had always been popular. It was a perfect fit into Scott's park. He built stairways from the Pleasure Grounds, look-out platforms, washrooms and water fountains for the convenience of the public. Known as Lovers' Walk, it was a welcome escape from the city streets into the cool shade. "A more charming stroll for man or maid, lover or misanthrope, could not be wished for … shut off from the city life and embowered in trees".’ - Parliament of Canada - History of the Hill
The demise of Lovers' Walk is Ottawa's single greatest landscape architecture loss. Stories as to the reasons for its closing vary. Some accounts state that the decision was made following the rebuilding of the Centre Block. Others say that the walk was closed on the orders of Mackenzie King as a national security measure at the outbreak of World War II. There are no plans to restore Lovers' Walk, and if national security is still an issue the likelihood is dim.
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