Canada's Capital

Ottawa is one of the prettiest cities I have visited.  The historical significance of this city, the architecture,  the canal and the river, the beauty, the people and the Canadian pride.  At this time of year the city is bustling with tourists soaking up all the sights.

Tom had to make a trip to Ottawa on business and I tagged along for the ride.  We headed down early Tues morning for the first four hours of the trip arriving in Kemptville to meet with his first appointment at noon.   After a luncheon meeting we continued on into Ottawa where I did some shopping while Tom meet with his next appointments.  After dinner we went for a long walk down to the Sparks Street Mall to take in the sights and sounds of summer in Canada's Capital.

In 1961 several blocks of Sparks Street were closed to traffic and turned into a pedestrian mall during the summer to try to improve commerce in the area.  It was so successful that in 1966 the street was permanently closed to vehicles making it the first permanent pedestrian mall in North America.  It runs from Elgin to Bank Street and contains outdoor restaurants, shops, fountains and works of art.  Many old buildings of beautiful architecture remain standing along this mall.    The picture below is the entrance to the mall with the Château Laurier and the National War Memorial in the background.

Wed. morning after breakfast we made a quick trip across the Ottawa River into Gatineau, Quebec for a stop at Costco to stock up on rv supplies that are cheaper in Quebec than in Ontario.  Back in to Ottawa for Tom's next appointments and another walk-about for me.  I headed back to the Sparks Street Mall and to Parliament Hill.  I never tire of this walk, the buildings are so impressive and have so much history.  The Parliament is made up of three buildings set in a horseshoe shape with beautiful gardens in the center where the Centennial Flame is located and the Changing of the Guards takes place daily.   The Center Block features the Peace Tower, the Library of Parliament and the House of Commons and Senate chambers.  This buildings was completed in 1927 to replace the original building that was destroyed in 1916 by fire.

Center Block

 The East Block has historic and restored rooms that look much like they did in 1867 at Confederation. Looks like they are working on renovations to the outside of the building.

East Block

The West Block is not open to the public.  It houses the offices of the members of parliament.

West Block

Right next door is the National War Memorial which stands in Confederation Square.  It was originally building to commemorate the First World War.  In 1982 it was rededicated to include the Second World War and the Korean War.  In 2000 the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added to symbolize every Canadian who has died or who will die serving their country.

War Memorial

 And next door to the Memorial is the Château Laurier which was commissioned by the Grand Trunk Railway president Charles Hays and constructed between 1909 and 1912.  It was to be opened April 26, 1912 however Hays, who was returning to Canada for the hotel opening, perished aboard the Titanic which sank on the 15th of April.  The opening was held on June 12, 1912 with Sir Wilfred Laurier in attendance.  Laurier was the Prime Minister of Canada at the time the building was commissioned and played a large part in the plans.

Château Laurier

 I love this walk but had to return to meet Tom when he was finished his appointments.  We drove out to the west end of the city his final meeting at noon and then started our drive home.  Along the way we stopped at a little road side park near Actinolite.  It is a pretty spot where we often take a break when travelling this highway.

Might be a good spot for the kayaks!!   Until next time - safe travels.