After our tours in New York and Toronto, we headed to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. It’s a small, quiet, and safe place, making it a great destination for both tourists and business travelers. Ottawa is where culture and politics converge. Unfortunately, we only had a day and a half to explore the city before moving on to Montreal the next day.
Ottawa is a small city that’s perfect for exploring on foot! Even though it was a gloomy day with dark skies and some light rain, nothing could stop us from wandering around. I took pictures using my Samsung Note 4 and GoPro Hero 3 (Black Edition).
Here are my personal top favorite places in Ottawa, Canada
1. The Parliament Hill
Directly across the Ottawa River is Parliament Hill, which serves as Canada’s seat of government. The main building, known as the Centre Block, contains the House of Commons and Senate chambers, the Cabinet meeting rooms, and the offices of the Prime Minister and opposition leaders.
Originally constructed in 1866, the Centre Block was destroyed by a fire in 1916 and was subsequently rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style. The circular building housing the Library of Parliament, however, survived the fire and retains its original Victorian High Gothic architecture.
The tallest structure on the grounds is the Peace Tower, dedicated in 1927 as a memorial to Canadians who have lost their lives in military service.
2. National War Memorial
The National War Memorial in Ottawas was originally built to commemorate Canada's sacrifice in the First World War (1914-18). It now honours all who have served Canada in wartime. -The Canadian Encyclopedia
3. Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a remarkable feat of military engineering from the 19th century that opened central Canada to settlement and trade. Its construction attracted thousands of people to the area, significantly shaping the community of Bytown, now known as Ottawa, Canada’s capital.
The entrance locks mark the beginning of a 202-kilometer route that connects the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario through a network of lakes and rivers, made navigable by the channels, locks, and dams built by workers. Originally designed for military purposes and completed in 1832, the canal was never utilized for defense. Today, it serves as a hub for recreational boating and is designated as a national historic site, managed by Parks Canada.
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre-Dame Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic archbishop of Ottawa and the mother-church of the archdiocese of Ottawa. The historic building, begun in 1841, is the largest and oldest standing church in the nation's capital - Notre-Dame Ottawa
Just across the church is the National Gallery of Canada.
5. National Gallery of Canada
It was closed when we went there. We only took pictures outside, and with this big spider standing behind me!
The National Gallery of Canada is one of the most striking landmarks in Ottawa. Designed by Architect Moshe Safdie and opened in 1988, this stunning building of granite and glass houses Canada's exceptional art collection. Ligh, spacious galleries and quiet courtyards await you as you partake in a voyage of discovery through exceptional collections which reglect the rich diversity of Canada's heritage and culture. Over 1,200 works from the permanent collection are on display, including from the Canadian, Indigenous, International, and Contemporary collections. Special exhibitions, organized by the Gallery in conjuction with museums from around the world, highlight the work of renowned Canadian and international artist. From centuries-old paintings to avant-garde sculptures, the Gallery offers a fascinating journey of exploration through the collective imagination of Canadian artists. - Ottawa Museums
6. Canadian Museum of Civilization
This museum is actually located at Quebec. We took a cab going to this place from the downtown area of Ottawa. I forgot how much it cost us but, i guess it is not that expensive 'cause it's just a 15 to 20-min drive.
The Canadian Museum of History welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year to its celebrated complex in the heart of the National Capital Region, making it the country's most-visited museum. With roots stretching back to 1856, it is one of Canada's oldest public institutions and a respected centre of museological excellence, sharing its expertise in history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies both within Canada and abroad. - Canadian Museum of History
7. Byward Market
CHEESE, ANYONE?
....AND, OF COURSE! MAPLE SYRUP!
This is a great last stop for buying souvenirs for yourself, and your family back home!
All photos are owned by the writer and owner of this blog.
© Monica Peralta
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