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Workers’ History Museum Labour History Walking Tour

Workers’ History Museum Labour History Walking Tour
Col. John By supervising the building of the canal locks at the Ottawa River.
Col. John By supervising the building of the canal locks at the Ottawa River.

The tour covers the history of labour in Ottawa, from pre-contact all the way through to modern times. Highlights include the lumber trade, LeBreton Flats, the building of the Rideau Canal, and the construction of the Parliament Buildings. The tour weaves personal and community stories into the broader narrative of Ottawa’s changing character.

Photo:  Major By overseeing workers on the Rideau Canal locks above the Ottawa River (painting by C.W. Jeffreys).

Location
Route

Beginning at the NAC near the Oscar Peterson statue, we'll follow the Rideau Canal, cross Parliament Hill, then walk west to the Supreme Court.

Transit info:  the meeting point is between the Mackenzie King and Metcalfe stops

About the walk leader

Robert Hatfield is a retired union educator with an interest in labour history. He volunteers with the Workers' History Museum.   You can find out more about the history of labour in Ottawa at the museum's website.   

This walk is also offered on Saturday, May 7.  Robert's colleague Sanna Guerin will lead the Saturday version.

Guide:

Robert Hatfield

When:
Date:Sun May 8, 2016
Time:3:30 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Language: English
Where:
Start:NAC, near Oscar Peterson Statue
End:Supreme Court Building
Area:Centretown/Parliament Hill
Distance:2.0 kms
Accessibility:

Accommodations can be made for the route, but there will be inclines (especially getting onto Parliament Hill). Participants should be prepared to walk moderate distances between points of interest.

Gallery
Col. John By supervising the building of the canal locks at the Ottawa River.
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk