Finally we arrived in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada! Let´s see how it looks like:
Parliament Hill
Our first stop: Parliament Hill, the political heart of the nation and the most visited attraction in Ottawa.
Another highlight: the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place late June through late August, at 10 am sharp each morning. Be sure to arrive early to Parliament Hill to grab a spot with a great view! After the Changing of the Guard, you’ll see a march by the Guard up Elgin Street.
Rideau Canal and Locks
Right next to Parliament Hill: Rideau Canal, a historcic waterway filled with boaters spring to fall and the world´s largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. The canal winds through the heart of Ottawa before connecting with the Ottawa River through dramatic stepped locks. It is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, and in 2007 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bytown Museum
Just steps from the Locks you will find the Bytown Museum, housed in Ottawa´s oldest stone building. The museum explores the city´s history from the early years of Rideau canal construction, through the rough and tumble days of Bytown, to its emergence as Canada´s capital and beyond.
Fairmont Château Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier is one of Canada´s most recognized landmarks, built in 1912. It is situated next door to the Parliament Buildings and just steps from the shopping and restaurant district.
We did not overnight here, but at least it was nice to see the in- and outside of this luxury hotel.
Downtown
Always a good choice: visiting downtown.
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is one of Canada´s premier art galleries. It features Canadian, Native and Inuit art, American and European painting, sculpture, prints and drawings, modern and contemporary art and photographs.
Alexandra Bridge
The Alexandra Bridge is a steel truss cantilever bridge spanning the Ottawa River between Ottawa (Ontario) and Gatineau (Quebec). This bridge – also known as the “Interprovincial Bridge” – offers great viewpoints!
Musée canadien de l’histoire (located in Gatineau)
Canada´s national museum of human history.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
We stayed 2 nights at Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport and enjoyed it. Our room was comfortable, modern and clean, but a tiny bit too noisy from the road.
Metropolitain Bible Church
Very welcoming and good service, and most importantly preaches God´s word authentically.
External links
Tourism Board
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Ottawa Tourism: https://www.ottawatourism.ca
Attractions
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Parliament of Canada: http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/Visitors/index-e.html
Rideau Canal: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1221/
National Gallery of Canada: http://www.gallery.ca/en/
Musée canadien de l’histoire: http://www.historymuseum.ca
Hotels
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Fairmont Château Laurier: http://www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/
Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport: http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontario/hampton-inn-by-hilton-ottawa-airport-YOWATHX/index.html
Church
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Metropolitain Bible Church: http://www.metbiblechurch.ca
