Human Rights, Disarmament and Peace Sites in Ottawa

Photo: Peacekeepers' Monument near the National Gallery

Canadians’ image of our country and national character is of a peace seeking and peacemaking nation. This walk will celebrate Canada’s contributions to efforts on the international stage that have promoted different aspects of peace and human rights. The walking tour will view seven monuments, sculptures, and buildings in downtown Ottawa that illustrate Canadians striving for peace, social justice, and human rights. We will look at the prominent role that both individual Canadians and our government have played in this sphere over the last 100 years. 

The tour begins at the Human Rights Monument and ends at the Peacekeepers' Monument. At each site, we will explain the connections that prominent Canadians like Lester Pearson, John Humphrey, Oscar Peterson, and Lloyd Axworthy had to promoting peace and human rights internationally, and to Canada’s connection to two Nobel Peace Prizes. 

Through the memorials that honour collective efforts ― like the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument and the National War Memorial ― we will look at the significance of public art in acknowledging the contributions of Canadians from many different backgrounds working to promote peace and justice. The walk will help participants understand the incredible achievements of Canadian institutions and individuals in this area.  It will also help them see these prominent, but often overlooked sites in a different way. This walk offers a unique way to commemorate their achievements during the 150th anniversary of Canada.