Abbott's Guide to Ottawa and Vicinity/Bridges
BRIDGES.
Dufferin Bridge is named after the Marquess of Dufferin, Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The bridge crosses the Rideau Canal between the entrance to the Chateau Laurier and east gate of the Parliament grounds. A remarkably pretty view is had of the locks on the Rideau Canal, the Alexandra Bridge, and the Ottawa River, with the Laurentian Mountains in the distance.
Sappers Bridge, which crosses the Rideau Canal in front of the Central Station, is so called after the "Sappers"—or military workmen—who built the Canal.
The space between Sappers and Dufferin bridges is about to be covered over, and the whole made into one large plaza, extending from the Post Office to the Chateau Laurier (see view on p. 14).
Alexandra Bridge—This inter-provincial bridge, named after the consort of King Edward VII, connects Ottawa, in the province of Ontario, with Hull, in the province of Quebec. The Ottawa end rests on a base cut from the face of Nepean Point, and over this bridge the transcontinental trains of the Canadian Pacific Railway pass daily. A particularly fine view looking up and down the river is here obtained.
Laurier Bridge, named after Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Premier of Canada, crosses the Rideau Canal and railway tracks at Laurier ave., in front of the Armouries, and connects the Sandy Hill district with centre town.
Union Bridge crosses the Ottawa river immediately below the Chaudiere Falls, and the finest possible view of the falls is had from the north end ot the bridge. Turning about is a most picturesque view of the Parliament Buildings and the Ottawa river. Over this bridge the street cars pass on their way to Hull. The history of this bridge is given in the first paragraph on page 10.
Minto Bridges cross the Rideau River at the north end of King Edward ave., and are part of the Driveway system. They were constructed partly as a suitable approach to Government House, but also form a useful alternative route going to or returning from Rockcliffe Park, Beechwood Cemetery, and the Rifle Range.
St. Patrick Bridge crosses the Rideau River at St. Patrick St., and may be used as an alternative route to Beechwood Cemetery.
Cummings Bridge crosses the Rideau River at the east end of Rideau St., near the Protestant General Hospital. Over it is the way to Notre Dame (R.C.) Cemetery.