OTTAWA, THE NATION’S capital, is
a feast for the senses in all seasons. Summer is always a great time to visit, but the summer during which we celebrate our 150th anniversary of Confederation will be particularly memorable. Besides the usual selection of activities and attractions, there is an extra helping of fun to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial. Here are some of the must-see highlights.
SUMMER IN
OTTAWA A capital adventure!
Parliament Hill (The Hill) The historic buildings that grace our currency are located in downtown Ottawa, perched overlooking the Ottawa River. The epicentre of Canada’s legislative system is composed of the Centre Block (which has the Senate and Commons chambers) and the East and West blocks (which have ministers’ and senators’ offices). The Centennial Flame burns on the central lawn, and there is a collection of statues of historically significant people scattered around the grounds, as well as free, guided tours to enjoy daily.
DID YOU KNOW? Fire destroyed the original Centre Block in 1916. A walk to the west takes you to the Supreme Court of Canada. A walk to the east takes you to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While there, don’t miss the daily changing of the guard ceremony (10 a.m.) and a nightly Sound and Light show (starting on July 11; times vary depending on sunset). There are even weekly yoga classes (Wednesdays at noon, May to August, all weather dependent). If your visit coincides with July 1, you will see the organized chaos that defines Canada Day. The festivities for about 100,000 people start in the morning and continue into the 30 T8Nmagazine.com
wee hours of the (next) morning. You will find street performers and face painters during the day and revellers later in the evening.
ByWard Market (The Market) Bounded to the north by Cathcart Street, the east by Cumberland Street, the south by George Street and the west by Sussex Drive, the ByWard Market is the heart of the action. The central market building (with its selection of casual international eateries and touristy trinkets) remains open year-round, while vendors appear on the streets and sidewalks outside, weather permitting. Don’t forget to sample some of the cuisine while strolling through the ByWard Market. Some of the specialties worth sampling: Beaver tails—Sure you can get them in Banff, but these deep-fried pastries are more authentic in Ottawa. Poutine—How to improve on French fries and gravy? Cheese curds from St. Albert (read on!). Obama cookies—After President Obama stopped at the Moulin de Provence to buy a cookie, the maple leaf shortbread cookies were christened “Obama cookies.” Between Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, you will find purveyors of all manner of sightseeing tours: an Ottawa River cruise,
a Rideau Canal cruise, a “Hop on, hop off” city bus tour. You will also find the Bytown Museum, a water taxi to take you across the Ottawa River, and the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Museums & History The National Capital Region is chockablock full of museums, all of which have free admission on certain days and times. The Canadian Museum of History is located in the Hull sector of Gatineau, directly across the Ottawa River from the Parliament Buildings. The impressive structure will look familiar, as it was designed by Douglas Cardinal. The Canadian Museum of Nature, housed in the “castle” on the fringe of downtown, is a wonderland for the kids. Dinosaurs, fossils and live creepy-crawlies will keep them entertained for hours. For grown-up entertainment, check out Nature Nocturne, a once-monthly themed event with dancing, music and a cash bar. The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum is located at the Rockcliffe Airport along the Aviation Parkway. Explore the history of aviation, and for an impressive aerial view of the National Capital Region, try a flight in the open-cockpit biplane (helmets and goggles provided).
