Ottawa, a capital to discover absolutely
Federal capital of Canada, on the border of Quebec, Ottawa is worth the detour for its summer festivals, museums and parks. Less than two hours from Montreal, the city can be easily explored on foot. Here are some of the must-haves.
1- Parliament
Parliament overlooks the Ottawa River. Every summer morning, we attend the changing of the guard while in the evening, the walls come alive with a free sound and light show. In the park, young and old alike test the wall of murmurs: we whisper at one end to be heard perfectly at the other!
2- The Rideau Canal
On the banks of the Outaouais, this canal links Ottawa and Kingston. Built between 1826 and 1832, it is the oldest still operating in North America. It allows beautiful walks and the discovery of the nine locks (all manual). We are looking for the small wooden staircase for direct access to Parliament. In winter, the canal becomes a huge natural ice rink 7,8 km long.
3- The Byward Market
In this covered market, there is really something for all budgets. Opposite, we taste beaver tail, a fried dough shaped like it, and garnished with maple butter, cinnamon and sugar, chocolate-banana… All around is the old center with its cobbled streets, its many pubs and restaurants.
4- Parks
Major Hill hosts many festivals but you can relax in the company of gray, red or black squirrels but also marmots. In Parliament Park, every Wednesday in summer we take a free yoga class!
5- In the footsteps of ghosts
Ghostly Night Tours allow you to experience historic places in Ottawa in a whole new way. We go from the Rideau Canal to the Hi-Ottawa prison hostel (where we can sleep) by lantern light.
6- Museums
The most famous is the Museum of Fine Arts with one of the most important collections of Canadian art. We are greeted by “Mum”, a 9,25 m high bronze spider. We also visit the aviation museum, that of war, nature or civilizations which houses the largest indoor collection of totems.
7- Festivals
The festivals are numerous in Ottawa with the Winterlude in February then the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest, the international jazz festival or that of Chamber music. The Canadian Tulip Festival in May is a staging of millions of tulips across the city.
Before leaving
• Remember that you will need an electronic travel authorization (eTA Canada)
• As long as you have crossed the Atlantic, take the opportunity to visit Montreal and Quebec, and of course Niagara Falls.
