THE JEWISH HOME
NOVEMBER 6, 2014
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Travel Guide: Ottawa, Canada By Aaron Feigenbaum
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a thriving metropolis that boasts world-class museums, stunning architectural landmarks, numerous parks and hiking trails, and outdoor activities for every season. The city’s low crime, cleanliness, high stan-
River, thus giving rise to the Rideau Canal that bisects Ottawa today. John By also laid out a village for the project’s laborers. The village came to be known as Bytown and was officially incorporated in 1850. It then became the city of Ottawa in 1855.
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador at the Canada Aviation Museum
dard of living, and strong tech sector have attracted tourists, residents, and businesses alike. Surrounded by a green belt of forests, farms, and recreational sites, Ottawa is a city that values ecology like few other cities do. Ottawa is also the political and cultural nexus of Canada. Not only does it house the seat of government, but it’s also a highly diverse and vibrant city. Located right next to Gatineau, Quebec, Ottawa ties together Canada’s two main cultures: English and French. Colonial-era buildings sit side by side with their modern counterparts in a harmonious coexistence. From touring the majestic Gothic architecture of Parliament Hill to a relaxing cruise on the Rideau Canal which cuts right through the middle of the city, Ottawa has plenty of unforgettable adventures for the whole family. Once you experience Ottawa firsthand, you’ll soon see why this city at the intersection of three rivers deserves its place as the heart of Canada. Before European settlement, the area now known as Ottawa was inhabited by the Algonquin people. The name Ottawa is said to derive from an Algonquin word meaning “to trade.” The French explorer Samuel de Champlain, also the founder of Quebec, first described the future site of Ottawa in 1613. The French colonial government build a trading post around the rivers that run through the valley. After New France was surrendered to the British in 1763, the area became a hub for the timber industry in large part due to Britain’s increased need for shipbuilding in the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The War of 1812 convinced British authorities that the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Kingston was no longer a secure shipping and transportation route. Lt. Col. John By of the Royal Engineers was charged with creating an alternate route on the Rideau
a few steps away from Parliament is the National War Memorial which commemorates Canadian lives lost in various wars. Canadian War Museum: One of the country’s top rated museums, the War Museum tells the history of Canada’s wars
Canadien Tulip Festival
Britain’s unification of Upper and Lower Canada in 1841 begged the question of which city was to be the colony’s capital. As each city claimed it should receive the honor, the matter was brought to Queen Victoria who decided on Ottawa in 1857. After Canadian independence, Ottawa became known as a gritty industrial town with smokestacks, railways, and the smell of paper mills. In 1937 Prime Minister Mackenzie King embarked on a beautification plan for the nation’s capital. Industry and railways were moved out of the city center, greenery filled both the inside and outside of the city, and federal buildings were moved out to lie along both sides of the river. Today Ottawa is one of Canada’s largest cities, attracting over 7 million visitors a year and serving as one of the country’s major historical, transportation, educational, and political centers. Things to See and Do: Parliament Hill: Standing majestically on a bank of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is home to Canada’s national legislature. It is Ottawa’s most popular and most recognizable attraction. A free guided tour takes you through the British-style House of Commons, the Senate, and the lavishly appointed Library of Parliament. The tour’s final destination is the Peace Tower in the center of Parliament Hill. You can see the beautiful clock tower (likely inspired by Big Ben) and get a great view of the city from the observation deck. From July through September you can witness MosAika, a free nightly presentation that tells the story of Canada through a dazzling light show projected right onto the Parliament building. Summer is also the only time you can catch the daily changing of the Ceremonial Guard whose members are decked out exactly like their British counterparts at Buckingham Palace. Just
tell the story of Canada from its prehistoric beginnings to the present. You can see everything from recreations of aboriginal homes to magnificent totem poles to a hall that displays every stamp Canada has ever issued. Special exhibits include the tragic
Changing of the guard at Parliament Hill
and the brave men and women who fought in them. The museum boasts over 2,500 displays ranging from tanks, airplanes, artillery, and guns to war art and uniforms. The archives though are the real treasure trove with around 500,000 military artifacts. You’ll learn about Canada’s military past starting with the Seven Years War that pitted the British against the French, right up to Canada’s current involvement in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan. Special exhibits include “Fighting in Flanders,” telling the story of Canadian soldiers in Belgium during WWI, and “Behind the Battles” which gives a firsthand
Winterlude violin snow scultpture
look at WWI soldiers’ clothing and equipment. Adults are C$13 , children C$8, and students C$11 Canadian Museum of History: Formerly the Museum of Civilization, this is Canada’s most popular museum and one of its oldest. It’s located directly across the river from Parliament Hill in the Hull quarter of Gatineau. The museum’s purpose is to
story of the S.S. Empress of Ireland (aka “Canada’s Titanic”) and a journey through the 150 year history of the Canadian onecent piece. If you’re bringing kids, be sure to take them to the Children’s Museum which features fun exhibits about different cultures of the world. There are toys, props, costumes, and even a replica of Pakistani bus that the kids can climb on. Admission fees are the same as those for the War Museum, but you can bundle the two together for the cost of C$20 per adult, C$12 per child, and C$15 per student. Canada Aviation and Space Museum: This impressive museum located at the Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport shows off the best of Canada’s 105 year-old aviation history. Boasting over 130 aircraft and aircraft parts, this museum’s collection is considered by many to be one of the finest in the world. You can view WWI and WWII-era prop planes, fighter jets, and helicopters. A special exhibit explores how astronauts adapt to the demanding conditions aboard the International Space Station. There’s also a flight simulator which costs from C$20 to C$80 depending on how long you want to spend in it. Admission is C$13 for adults, C$8 for children ages 3-12, and C$10 for students. If you have some extra cash to spend and are feeling adventurous, you can take a museum-sponsored ride on either a vintage biplane or helicopter and take in sweeping views of Parliament Hill, downtown Ottawa, and the beautiful lakes and forests surrounding the city. Aerial tour prices range from C$65 to C$300. Canadian Supreme Court Building: It may not have the grandeur or popularity of Parliament Hill, but the Supreme Court Building offers a fascinating look at Canada’s judicial system and shouldn’t be missed. Tours are free and only take about 20 minutes. Canada Agriculture and Food Mu-