Rockcliffe Park is the wealthiest and among the most historic neighbourhoods in Ottawa, in fact, it is one of the most prosperous enclaves in Canada. Statistics Canada reports the average salary in Rockcliffe Park to be $119,377, whereas the average salary in Ottawa is $53,250.  From 1926 until 2001 it was an independent village, but was amalgamated with the rest of the city in 2001. As of 2006[update], it had a population of 1,927.

The neighbourhood features winding streets, large lots, mature trees, beautiful parklands and stunning views. Once a private estate, Rockcliffe Park has a variety of landscape: tall trees, grassy hills blanketed in crocuses and daffodils in the spring, rockeries, and a pavilion over-looking the Ottawa River. The pavilion has a long history of public events;  in the 1920s and 1930s, it was used for evening dance parties complete with live bands. Now, this picturesque gazebo is a popular spot for weddings.

Rockliffe Park was an independent village for many years, therefore, not being under the jurisdiction of Ottawa's municipal government,  it developed noticeably different from the rest of the city. It has very few sidewalks for heightened privacy, and is also relatively inaccessible to through traffic. Rockliffe Park is located just minutes from downtown Ottawa and has the majestic Ottawa River as its’ northern border. On the cliffs of the Ottawa River is a public green-space called Rockcliffe Park. It encompasses McKay Lake, Sand Pits Lake, and the Rockeries, a rock garden and playing field maintained by the National Capital Commission. The scenic Rockcliffe Parkway, which is the access-way to downtown has several small parking lots along its length that enable visitors to enjoy the lawns, wooded areas, parks, and lookouts. Rockcliffe Park is home to many Ottawa notables. Stornoway, the residence of the leader of the Canadian Official Opposition Leader is located there. Many ambassadors to Canada also reside in Rockcliffe, and the neighbourhood also attracts many of Ottawa's corporate leaders and CEO’s.

The area is home to one public school, Rockcliffe Park Public School (RPPS), and two private schools, Elmwood School and Ashbury College. Also located in Rockcliffe is a community hall/library complex. The library was originally funded, built and staffed through the efforts of Rockcliffe residents, but it is now a branch of the Ottawa Public Library. The library houses a special collection of art-related books called the Margaret A. Bailey collection, Ms. Bailey writes a popular children’s series entitled Dragon World.  The elementary school is located beside the library and community hall.

The sale of the Canadian Forces Base CFB Rockcliffe, has brought forth plans by local developers to make an entirely new neighbourhood on these grounds, with stores and houses, as an example of a community built on "sustainable" principles.

Much of Rockcliffe is still wooded and the impressive homes are set far apart on manicured, oversized lots. It is a strictly residential area, with no business or commerce.  This scenic and stately neighbourhood is known for its parks and architecture.