10 Things to Do and See Around #Ottawa, #Canada

10/23/2019

I was enamored by the beauty of Ottawa. Fall is a spectacular time of year to visit Canada’s capital city. The beautiful government buildings and orange and yellow leaves were a breathtaking view. And each year, fall celebrations and activities attract thousands of people to nearby Gatineau Park a bucolic conservation area just a 15-minute drive from Parliament Hill. We arrived in Ottawa late, but had time to get a quick view of the parliament buildings. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott, which was an excellent location, close to the market and many landmarks.
Here are the must sees when visiting Ottawa and countryside.

Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada's government and the setting for national celebrations year round. Tours are offered daily and admission is free.

2. The Rideau Canal, Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage site, welcomes you to experience the world's largest skating rink in the winter and an amazing recreational waterway in the spring and summer. We took a bike tour on the Rideau Canal and it was one of the highlights of my trip. We stopped at several monumental vistas as well as Rideau Falls.

3. National museums galore! The National Gallery of Canada presents the country's national art collection and outstanding international exhibitions. The architecture of the building is phenomenal as well as the art. There is a huge spider sculpture, Ottawa Maman, on the outside of the building. Or try the Canadian Museum of History that celebrates Canadian and world cultures and houses the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles.In the back of the building, you have a lovely view of the Parliament Buildings. I’ve been to Alaska and seen several totem poles, but these were more magnificent.

4. Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. It is near the National Gallery. Not quite as nice as the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, but still very nice. Its towers are made of tin.

5. The ByWard Market is one of the oldest and largest farmers' markets in Canada and is the absolute epicentre for the dining enthusiast in Ottawa with a selection of pubs, restaurants and cafés lining the walkable streets. If you are feeling adventurous, take a stroll through our various unique neighborhoods! We ate lunch at the bakery in the market place.I had a salmon sandwich. It was excellent. I also recommend the soups and cookies. We also snacked on a cinnamon apple beaver tail. This Canadian treat can be shared two or three ways. We had dinner at The Keg and it was fabulous.I highly recommend the steak.There are street performers such as flute, guitar, violin, bagpipe, and singers. If you're up for a carriage ride, they can provide that as well.

6. Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum Built in secrecy at the height of the Cold War, this four-storey underground bunker, meant to house Canada’s government in the event of a nuclear war, is now a National Historic Site and Canada’s Cold War Museum. A lot of thought was put into this museum. The walls are gray cement to help you envision the cold, hard war.

7. The National War Memorial. There are two guards on duty from 9 to 5 daily. Be there on the hour to see the changing of the guards along with a bagpiper.

8. The Ottawa Sign- Near Byward Market

9. Drive around the city and see the embassies including US and Saudi Arabia,
10. Walk or Bike the city and see sculptures.

Hockey Player
Queen Elizabeth Monument
John By, Engineered Rideau Canals

NEAR THE CITY
In fall, the forest is a burst of color surrounding this (9 mile) self-drive Canadian safari. Only 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa in the rural area of Montebello, Quebec, you’re right in the center of Canadian wildlife in their natural habitats. The park even offers overnight accommodation options, including glamping in a beautiful yurt-like Wi-Tent, or observing real wolves in their den from the panoramic windows of a Wolf Cabin
With 64 different climbing routes over five different rock faces, the picturesque Eardley Escarpment in Gatineau Park is worth scaling for the view – once you get to the top, of course! Accessible all year-round, see breathtaking views of the Ottawa Valley from 300 meters up.They also have zip lining and bungee jumping close by.

1000 Islands
Take a cruise on the St. Lawrence River. You will love to see the 120 room Boldt Castle. A tour of the castle is optional. Check out the tours at Gananoque Boat Line, GanBoatLine.com. Thousand Island Dressing was named after all the islands.