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Richelieu Park consists of 17.5 acres of land including more than four acres of woodland. To the east is a playground most commonly used for soccer. To the north is a rich maple forest and over 2.5 km of hiking and cycling trails. A true greenbelt in the middle of town, the park is in close proximity to the Beechwood Cemetery and serves as a refuge to many species of birds and small woodland animals. There are also picnic tables, playground equipment for children, games for the elderly, flower beds and park benches.
The property called Richelieu Park belonged in the past to the Society of Missionaries of Africa. These priests were well known as the White Fathers. They built an important scholasticate on the site of the Richelieu Park in 1938. Two extensions were added in the 1950s. It was an imposing building and of course interesting from an architectural angle. The White Fathers also built a sugar shack on the property. The property of the White Fathers was bought by the City of Vanier in 1977 and the main building of the scholasticate was demolished. In 1985, Vanier’s City Hall moved into one of the remaining buildings. Today, the 17.5 acres of the Richelieu Park remain a natural treasure in the midst of an urban setting. The Vanier Museopark, the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, the Vanier Public Library and even a sugar shack are all located in the Richelieu Park.
Richelieu Park is a jewel in the Vanier district that enriches the livelihood of its residents. Its diversity makes it a popular park in the city of Ottawa and its qualities as an historical and natural site draw visitors from miles around.
Points of interests of the Richelieu Circuit