Visit the Capital City of Canada Updated June 2022
Here are some photos of my favourite Canadian city.
Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and home to the majestic Parliament buildings.
Work on the three buildings on parliament hill started in 1860 and was completed in 1876. It was the largest construction project in North America up to that time. Unfortunately, the original Centre Block burned down in 1916, and the present building, built in the Gothic Revival style, was completed in 1927. The Centre Block houses the commons and the senate. The other buildings to the left and right contain offices and meeting rooms. Gothic Revival are buildings built from approximately 1740 to 1880 in the medieval style.
The Library of Parliament
The Library of Parliament is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen, especially the interior. It is located behind the Centre Block. (The round building with the pointed roof in the photos above). It is attached to the Centre Block, and you must pass through the main hallway of that building to reach the library. It was built in 1876 and is the only part of the Centre Block that did not burn down in the fire of 1916. If you tour the parliament buildings in Ottawa, don’t forget the library, which I think is the best part and is probably overlooked by most tourists.
Changing of the Guard
If you are in Ottawa during the summer, take in the Changing of the Guard ceremony on the lawn of the Parliament Buildings.
The Cenotaph
The Cenotaph, also called the War Memorial, is not far from the Parliament Buildings. It is Canada’s memorial to military members who lost their lives in several wars in which Canada has been involved. A large ceremony and military parade occurs here each November 11th, the anniversary of the ending of the First World War.
It was completed in 1939 as a memorial to the First World War, just before the outbreak of the Second World War.
World’s Longest Skating Rink
In Ottawa, during winter, you can go skating on the Rideau Canal, the world’s longest skating rink. About eight kilometres of the canal are kept clear of snow for skaters. Dress Warm. You can stop at a stall along the canal selling hot chocolate and beaver tails. A beaver tail is a large flat doughnut in the shape of a Beaver’s tail, and they are unique to Ottawa and delicious. In February, there is an ice carving completion with many beautiful ice sculptures on display.
Chateau Laurier
The Chateau Laurier is a 429-room hotel built in the Gothic style and completed in 1912. It looks more like a castle than a hotel.
Canadian War Museum
If you are interested in military history, take in the excellent War Museum. It contains a lot of fascinating artefacts, including Hitler’s car, which Canadians captured during the Second World War.
Canada Day
The best time to be in Ottawa is Canada Day, which is celebrated each year on July 1st in commemoration of the country’s founding on this day in 1867. The whole downtown area becomes a huge party. Then, after dark, there are fireworks behind the Parliament Buildings. Fun for all ages.
Cities
I usually avoid large cities. I am happiest in the mountains, canoeing down a river, or exploring in a desert or jungle. Most cities are crowded and polluted. I go to them only to buy necessities that I can’t get otherwise. However, there are a few exceptions. Ottawa is a great place with wonderful historic buildings. It is very clean and has one of the best public transit systems in North America. Visit Ottawa, Canada’s majestic capital city.
que hermosa ciudad…