Tourists wouldn’t be disappointed with Confederation Boulevard. The route is symbolic of Canadian heritage, encompassing buildings such as Parliament hill, Rideau Hall – home of the Governor General – and the National War Memorial.
Confederation Boulevard
Even without a map in hand, the route can be easily traced throughout downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
Well, how would one know to see it?
The boulevard is distinctly lined with decorative flags flaying from posts marked with the ultimate national Canadian symbol – the maple leaf. Confederation Boulevard is a loop that crosses the Ottawa River twice.
Confederation, which has won awards from the American and Canadian society of Landscape Architects, has an extensive history.
In 1967, 100 years after Canada formed as nation, urban designers began planning a route that would display not only Canada’s capital, but also its spirit.
Confederation Boulevard would be the canvas for diplomats and dignitaries visiting Canada.
The plan did not come without controversy after many different routes were proposed. It was decided that if the boulevard were to represent Canada it would need to represent both the francophone and anglophone communities. Consequently, the route was planned to cross the Ottawa River, connecting Québec and Ontario.
The creation of the Confederation Boulevard launched in 1985 and was officially opened by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on June 30, 2000. The devising of the boulevard is estimated to have cost about $40 million.