THE MANY FACES OF 'ROCKCLIFFE'

December 2005

What does the name "Rockcliffe" bring to mind? To most of us it suggests posh mansions for old moneyed Ottawa families and modern techno-plutocrats -- more like a state of mind than a community. To military people it brings back memories of the airbase that used to be the showpiece of the RCAF. To commuters it represents a handy way to get downtown from the east end without getting stuck in traffic. In fact, Rockcliffe is all those things and more, as we will see in this tour, which runs eastward from the ... (more)

24 Sussex Drive
This stone mansion on a densely treed lot, overlooking the Ottawa River and...

the Governor General's gatehouse
It is located across the street from the PM's residence. This is where...

on the grounds of Rideau Hall estate
This is the roadway (obviously designed in the era of carriages) leading from...

Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence
Built by Scottish stonemason Thomas MacKay in 1838, and surrounded by a...

JFK's 1961 oak tree
It is customary for visiting heads of state and other invited dignitaries to...

cricket at Rideau Hall
Now I've seen everything!

the Pavilion in Rockcliffe Park
The Park, between the Governor General's estate and the Ottawa...

sunset cruise passing the Pavilion
An evening cruise on the Ottawa River makes a very popular finale for high...

balloons over Rockcliffe Park
I took this shot from the street that passes the US Ambassador's residence.

Rockcliffe Boat Club from the lookout
This is a private club on the Ottawa River, just below the Rockcliffe lookout.

a shady path
... in the main part of Rockcliffe Park, near the Pavilion and the lookout.

Stornoway
... has had an interesting history. Built in 1914 for an Ottawa...

an ambassador's residence
More than 100 countries have High Commissioners or Ambassadors in Ottawa....

another one
Ambassadors generally fly their nation's flag and sometimes display the...

and yet another
Ambassadors and High Commissioners are prominent patrons and promoters of the...

a quiet side street
Not all residents of Rockcliffe Village are diplomats and, while...

Hemlock Lake in December
It's small (maybe 3 or 4 acres), but peaceful.

Ashbury College (1891)
This (now) co-educational institution is the older of the two private...

the Rockcliffe Parkway
This map traces the 8.5 mile (14K) parkway (in orange) past Rockcliffe...

evening at another Boat Club
... on the Ottawa River, with entrance from the Rockcliffe Parkway.

Canadian Police College grounds
It occupies part of the former RCAF Station, and is a sort of graduate school...

The Musical Ride enters the compound
This spectacular event, with 32 horses and riders, was first performed...

The Deputy Commissioner
... and distinguished guests arrive by landau. During her most recent...

former Rockcliffe base
Aside from a few Married Quarters soon to be demolished to make way for urban...

entrance, Canadian Aviation Museum
This extremely interesting musum specializes in aircraft having...

HRH Prince Philip
... Duke of Edinburgh visits the Museum, while HM Queen Elizabeth is...

Rockcliffe Parkway, Sunday mornings
A 5 mile stretch running eastward from the Aviation Museum is closed every...

along Rockcliffe Parkway
Autumn is when you can best appreciate the wide variety of trees that...

the Ottawa River
... as seen from the Parkway. There's a pathway, about 10 feet (3 m) wide...

cross country skiing
... beside the Parkway. This is what you'll see in January and February....

article published 12/14/2005

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Very fine photos!
— Nuno, December 17, 2005

Way to go! Excellent coverage, Fred. The photos are just great. Keep it up, you make me appreciate where I live. Thanks, happy, happy holidays to bobth of you.
— Eleanor, December 16, 2005

The colours of the trees are spectacular! We were in that area in 1991. It certainly is beautiful there. Great photos, Fred. Thanks. Lea
— Lea Horbaty, December 16, 2005

Ottawa...one of the finest presentations
Hi Fred, this is one of the finest presentations of our capital I have seen. I like your comments about architectural design, touch on Ottawa history and tradition, and the life of the diplomatic community in Ottawa and Gatineau. Many years ago, when we came to Canada we took train instead of flying to Calgary. We would like to see our new country. We left Montreal and arrived to Ottawa just before sunset. The view of the city, mansions and mood is exactly what we saw 30 plus years ago and now your beautiful presentation reminds me of our travel. Thank you for sharing your observation. Greetings, Rafal
— Rafal K Komierowski, December 15, 2005

Nice coverage of Rockliffe Park. I particularly enjoy driving through this area at Christmas time when all the lights are up and it looks like a winter fantasy! Great job!
— angie, December 14, 2005

Very nice Fred...
It certainly is one area I wouldn't want to miss if I were visiting Ottawa. I liked the autumn colors & the residences, of course ;o) Good idea to include a map. Well done my friend.
— Lorraine Brecht, December 14, 2005

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