Parliament Hill Attractions
Wellington Street
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
Next time you're on the Hill, look beyond the striking Parliament Buildings at some of our favourite attractions.
Cat Sanctuary – These well-cared-for felines have been stealing the show on the Hill since the late 1970s. How many countries would allow, and even care for, a colony of feral cats living next to their House of Parliament?
Famous Five – This larger-than-life sculpture portrays the five women who won the “Persons” Case in 1929, which legally declared women as persons under the British North America Act. The statue depicts Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards.
Sir Galahad – Situated just outside Parliament's southern fence is a statue of Arthurian figure, Sir Galahad, that bears the quotation “If I lose myself, I save myself.” The statue was mounted by Prime Minister Mackenzie King in memory of his dear friend, Henry “Bert” Harper. In December of 1901, Harper attended a Governor General's skating party on the Ottawa River. During the festivities, a young woman by the name of Bessie Blair fell through the ice. Harper dove in to save Bessie and both died in the frigid waters.
