Ottawa: Canada’s Capital City

Parliament Hill is an area of land on the southern bank of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It’s the home to Canada’s federal Parliament, where representatives from across Canada gather to make laws that affect the lives of every Canadian. It is also a place to meet, celebrate, and visit, and it’s considered the symbolic heart of Canada.

Parliament Hill is made up of three Gothic revival buildings, the Centre Block, the East Block, and the West Block, which house the Senate and the House of Commons. The Centre Block is the largest and most recognizable of the three buildings, and it features the Peace Tower, which is a national landmark.

The grounds of Parliament Hill are also home to a number of statues and monuments, including the National War Memorial, which commemorates Canadians who have died in war, and the Centennial Flame, which was lit in 1967 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Confederation.

Parliament Hill is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a variety of tours and activities for visitors. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Parliament Buildings, watch a debate in the House of Commons or the Senate, or attend one of the many events that are held on the Hill throughout the year.

The National Gallery of Canada, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada’s national art museum. It’s one of the largest art museums in North America by exhibition space, housing over 93,000 works from European, American, and Asian, Canadian, and Indigenous artists .

The museum building itself is a landmark designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie and opened in 1988. It’s made of glass and granite and offers a notable view of the Canadian Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill.

Here’s a bit more about the National Gallery of Canada:

• Collection:The National Gallery of Canada’s permanent collection includes over 93,000 works of art, with a strong focus on Canadian art, European and American art from the 14th to the 21st centuries, and Indigenous art. Some of the most famous works in the collection include The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, Child with a Dove by Pablo Picasso, and Vanishing Point by Emily Carr.
  
   
• Architecture:The museum building is a postmodern masterpiece designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie. The building is made of glass and granite and features a large central atrium that is flooded with natural light. The building is also home to a number of sculptures, including Maman, a giant spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois.
  
   
• Exhibitions: The National Gallery of Canada hosts a wide variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions feature the work of Canadian and international artists, and cover a wide range of topics.
• Visitor Amenities: The National Gallery of Canada offers a variety of visitor amenities, including a restaurant, a cafe, a gift shop, and a coat check. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including tours, workshops, and lectures.

If you’re ever in Ottawa, the National Gallery of Canada is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great place to learn about Canadian art and culture, and to see some of the world’s most famous works of art.

The Rideau Canal is a historic 202-kilometer waterway that stretches from Ottawa, Ontario on the Ottawa River to Kingston, Ontario on Lake Ontario [visitrideaucanal.com]. Constructed between 1826 and 1832, it served as a vital military pathway during a time of tension between the United States and Canada. Today, it’s a popular destination for recreational activities and is considered a National Historic Site of Canada.

Here’s a closer look at the Rideau Canal:

• History: Built by John By between 1826 and 1832, the canal’s purpose was to provide a safe and secure route for transporting military supplies between Ottawa and Kingston, bypassing the unpredictable waters of the St. Lawrence River which could be controlled by the Americans. While its military significance diminished over time, it became a popular commercial route and eventually transitioned into a recreational waterway.
• Locks and Scenery: The canal boasts 46 locks, which help raise boats 83 meters (272 feet) from the Ottawa River to the Rideau Lakes and then lower them 50 meters (164 feet) to reach Kingston. The journey along the canal offers scenic beauty, with charming towns, villages, and natural landscapes dotting the route.
• Activities: The Rideau Canal is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. During the summer months, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities. The well-maintained paths along the canal are also ideal for cycling and walking. In the winter, when weather conditions permit, the canal transforms into the world’s longest skating rink, attracting skaters from all over. [Skateway on the Rideau Canal]
• Parks and Attractions: The Rideau Canal is flanked by several parks and historic sites that visitors can explore. Some notable examples include Dows Lake with its swan paddle boats, the historic town of Merrickville, and the Kingston waterfront with Fort Henry.

The Rideau Canal is a significant part of Canadian history and culture, offering a unique blend of nature, history, and recreation. If you’re looking for a scenic escape or a fun outdoor adventure, the Rideau Canal is definitely worth considering.

The ByWard Market is a historic and lively marketplace located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1826 by Lt-Col. John By, it’s one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada .

The ByWard Market district is a four-block zone bustling with activity throughout the year. It encompasses a vibrant mix of:

• Public market:This includes the year-round ByWard Public Market with its indoor Heritage Hall, featuring local artisans and a variety of culinary delights . From May to October, the market spills outdoors with vendors offering fresh produce, flowers, and other goods.
  
   
• Specialty shops: You’ll find a vast array of specialty shops selling everything from unique clothing and accessories to handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. Local designers showcase their work alongside established brands.
• Restaurants and cafes: There’s a wide selection of restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes and budgets. You can enjoy international cuisine, grab a casual bite, or indulge in a fancy meal.
• Nightlife: ByWard Market offers a lively nightlife scene with pubs, bars, and clubs for those seeking evening entertainment.
• Art and culture:The market district is home to art galleries, museums, and street art, making it a hub for creativity and cultural exploration.
  
   

The ByWard Market offers a unique experience that blends history, shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it’s a great place to soak up the energy of Ottawa.

Here are some additional details about the ByWard Market:

• Location: The ByWard Market is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, easily accessible by foot, public transit, or car. The address is 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9C3.
• Hours of operation: The ByWard Market is open year-round. The public market has set hours, typically open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, while individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours.
• Events: The ByWard Market is a popular venue for various events throughout the year, including festivals, farmers’ markets, and live music performances.

The Canadian War Museum is the national museum of Canada for military history. It is located in Ottawa, Ontario, on LeBreton Flats, south of the Ottawa River.

The museum was established in 1942 and serves as both an educational facility and a place of remembrance. It houses a number of exhibitions and memorials, including permanent galleries on the history of Canadian military involvement from the War of 1812 to the present day. The museum also has a large collection of military artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and aircraft.

The Canadian War Museum is a great place to learn about Canada’s role in war and peace. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and resources, as well as public tours. It is also a popular venue for special events and conferences.

Here are some of the interesting things you can see at the Canadian War Museum:

• The Second World War Galleries: These galleries explore Canada’s involvement in the Second World War, from the home front to the battlefields of Europe.
  
   
• The Canadian Experience Gallery: This gallery tells the story of the Canadian Armed Forces from Confederation to the present day.
  
   
• The LeBreton Gallery: This gallery features temporary exhibitions on a variety of topics related to military history.
  
   
• The Afghanistan Mission Gallery: This gallery explores Canada’s role in the war in Afghanistan.
  
   
• The Peacekeeping Gallery: This gallery explores Canada’s long history of peacekeeping around the world.
  
   

The museum is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is free. There is also a café on site, as well as a gift shop.

The Canadian Museum of Nature, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is a national natural history museum focused on showcasing Canada’s vast and diverse natural world. It’s housed in the grand Victoria Memorial Museum Building, a beautiful structure that itself is worth seeing.

Founded in 1856, the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 14.6 million specimens, including plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and more. These are displayed throughout the museum’s seven permanent exhibitions, which cover a wide range of topics such as:

• Dinosaurs: Explore the world of these magnificent creatures through interactive exhibits and a massive dinosaur skeleton collection.
  
   
• Birds: Learn about the incredible diversity of birds found in Canada, from tiny songbirds to majestic birds of prey.
  
   
• Mammals: Encounter Canada’s fascinating mammals, from playful otters to towering polar bears.
  
   
• Canada’s Arctic: Discover the unique plants and animals that thrive in Canada’s far north.
  
   
• Water: Dive deep into the world of water and learn about its importance to all living things.
  
   
• Underground: Explore the hidden world beneath our feet and discover the fascinating geology of Canada.
  
   
• Biodiversity: Learn about the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
  
   

The museum also features special exhibitions that change throughout the year. Be sure to check their website for the latest offerings before you visit.

In addition to its exhibitions, the Canadian Museum of Nature offers a variety of educational programs and activities for all ages. These include guided tours, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations. There’s also a children’s area where kids can explore nature through interactive exhibits and play.

The museum is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 PM. Admission is required, but there are discounts for children, seniors, and students. You can purchase tickets online or at the museum entrance.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, the Canadian Museum of Nature is a great place to visit.

Gatineau Park is a vast natural oasis covering 361 square kilometers (139 sq mi) of hills and forest located in the Outaouais region of Quebec, Canada . It’s a wedge of land extending north and west from the city of Gatineau, just a 15-minute drive from Ottawa, Ontario. Administered by the National Capital Commission as part of the National Capital Region, Gatineau Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The park is the second-most visited park in Canada, and with good reason. It offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, including:

• Hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing: With over 165 kilometers of hiking trails and 90 kilometers of trails for mountain bikes, Gatineau Park is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. The Trans Canada Trail also passes through the park, making it a great place for a long-distance hike or bike ride.
  
   
• Swimming: There are several beaches located within the park, including Meech Lake, Lac Phillipe, and La Pêche Lake. These beaches are perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day.
  
   
• Camping: Gatineau Park offers a variety of campgrounds, from basic car-camping sites to more rustic yurt and cabin rentals.
  
   
• Canoeing and kayaking: The park’s many lakes and rivers are perfect for a peaceful paddle.
  
   
• Sightseeing: Gatineau Park is home to a number of historical sites, including the Mackenzie King Estate, the Champlain Lookout, and the Pink Lake Museum.
  
   

The park is open year-round, so you can visit any time of year to enjoy its beauty. However, the best time to visit is during the spring, summer, or fall when you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities that the park has to offer.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Gatineau Park:

• There is an entrance fee to get into the park. However, there is a free shuttle bus that runs in the park 6 days per week, from May to October.
• Bikes and canoes can be rented at the park visitor center.
• There are a number of restaurants and cafes located within the park, as well as picnic areas.
• Be sure to pack for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
• Leave no trace! Be respectful of the park and its wildlife.