The old Village of Rockcliffe Park, McKay Lake, & the Caldwell Carver Conservation Area

This walk will explore the sights and sounds of Rockcliffe Park Village and the nearby walking trails. On the way, we will see historical homes, many of which are now Embassy residences, as well as some newer homes. We will also walk along the eastern side of McKay Lake, where we can look across the water to homes built along the waterfront. Along the lake we will take note of the trees, meadows, and wetlands that provide habitat for wild creatures such as waterfowl, turtles, and abundant native plants. We'll make short stops at two lookouts affording a view of the McKay Lake wetlands before moving on to the Pond, a smaller body of water to the east of McKay Lake.

We'll pass several interesting residences along Lakeway Drive, and then we will walk through the NCC park to the Rockeries, an eclectic collection of architectural bits and pieces, some of which were salvaged from the demolition of an earlier generation of Ottawa buildings. From there, our walk south along Acacia Ave will pass numerous Embassy residences (Egypt,Japan, Argentina, South Korea, Spain, Austria, India, Thailand), as well as Stornoway, the residence provided for the leader of official opposition in Canada's Parliament.


Carte indiquant le point de départ
Trajet

We'll meet in front of the Rockcliffe Park branch of the Ottawa Public Library at 380 Springfield Road. From there, we'll walk east along Buena Vista and north on Cloverdale to Hillsdale, where we will go east to the walking path down the east side of McKay Lake to the viewing stands for the wetlands on the lake. We'll continue on to Pond St and north along Lakeway Drive to Sandridge, turning west along Sandridge and then south on Hillsdale, and along the recreational path through the NCC park to the Rockeries. Finally, we will walk south on Acacia Ave. past the Embassy residences, returning to our starting point at the OPL parking lot.

Note that some of the route is along unpaved pathways, which may be wet in places this time of year. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.



Au sujet du guide

Liz Heatherington has lived in the Villiage of Rockcliffe Park since 1949. As a child, she enjoyed walking & cycling around the community in all seasons—discovering the short trails, beautiful views, stately trees, seasonal plants, and local wildlife. This tour will introduce you to some of the historic and newer houses in the area and will also pass by McKay Lake, one of the oldest lakes in the district. LIz has served overseas with the Canadian Foreign Service and also worked for Parks Canada, in the interpretation and archaeological divisions.

Guide:

Elizabeth Heatherington

Quand:
Date:dim 5 mai, 2024
Heure:14h00
Durée: 1 heure 30 min
Langue: anglais
Où:
Début:Ottawa Public Library, 380 Springfield Rd
Fin:Same
Quartier:Rockcliffe Park
Distance:4.0 kms
Accessibilité:

Part of the route around McKay Lake will be difficult for strollers, scooters or wheelchairs.

Galerie d'images
View of McKay Lake, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa Waterstone is the Rockcliffe Park mansion that is the residence of the Japanese ambassador to Canada.. One of the Rockeries near the Rockcliffe Pavilion
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