On this day, there is no better place to be in Canada than the capital city of Ottawa. If you've never been to Ottawa, it's a beautiful city. Ruth and I both grew up in Ottawa, so we know the city well and we have spent many Canada Days downtown enjoying the festivities.
There's something going on all day today downtown. Streets are closed off and there are happy people partying everywhere in the downtown core. In the evening, there will be a huge fireworks show at Parliament Hill. It's really something to see!
Canada flags everywhere.
The Rideau Canal runs through downtown Ottawa.
For our American readers, here is the United States embassy in Ottawa.
I bet they will have their own party on Monday!
Taken from the Ottawa River, Canada's Parliament Buildings on the right, and the famous Chateau Laurier Hotel on the left.
Parliament Hill at dusk. There will be wall to wall people there today!
Have you been to Ottawa? If not, you really need to go!
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Pretty cheap deal on a Motorola pay as you go Tracfone. I don't think you could buy a smart phoen for cheaper than this. And it has good ratings too...
And in Canada...this is a little different...
I have never been to Ottawa, only Toronto and Kingston. I really want to go to Montreal and Ottawa - a future trip at some point. I hate to say it but when we can fly more cheaply to Europe than across Canada that surely bites the big one.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Flying within Canada is ridiculously expensive.
DeleteWe were in Ottawa last summer ever so briefly, but haven't been around the capital buildings in a long time. Might be time to go back.
ReplyDeleteNice pics. Thanks for sharing, and Happy Canada Day.
Hope you don't have to work too hard. Previous comment deleted, since I forgot to proof read. *sigh*
Highly recommend a tour of the parliament buildings! The library is amazing to see and the tour is free.
DeleteHope you had a great Canada Day. Ours was busy but everyone had a great time and the weather was beautiful.
Happy Canada Day to you as well, Have been there many times even there for Expo 67 and visited relatives there a few times over the years as well.
ReplyDeleteExpo 67 was in Montreal not Ottawa but glad that you have been to visit Ottawa.
DeleteHappy Canada day to you both! Ottawa looks beautiful and someday we will visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter we had a busy day but it was a good one. Ottawa should definitely be on your list of cities to visit. :-)
DeleteGreat pictures of the downtown area! Unfortunately, it is supposed to rain this afternoon and evening!
ReplyDeleteLol...but you asked me to send you some of our rain!
DeleteVisited Ottawa around 1990 on business. Flew my bike there, rode in from the airport, biked the Rideau and the Gatineau park as well. Beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteWell done Dugg! Ottawa has always been great for biking. They have miles and miles of bike paths and they get used a lot.
DeleteGorgeous photos. Happy Canada day...or is it weekend? I vote celebrate the entire weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul and Marsha. Everyone here is celebrating the entire weekend! :-)
DeleteThe Rideau "Canal" runs through Ottawa
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle, even when I read through the post I missed that error. It has now been corrected. :-)
DeleteHaven't been there or Quebec, darn it. We wanted to get into the Gaspe Peninsula this year, but ... guess that's not gonna happen anytime soon. Next year we may spend some time in BC (again). That's a lot closer to us in California.
ReplyDeleteHighly recommend a visit to Ottawa, you will not be disappointed. We toured the Gaspe Peninsula back in the summer of 2008 on our way back from Nova Scotia to Ottawa. I wish we had more time to spend there, it really is a pretty area.
DeleteI've been to the Parliament building in Victoria and it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe Parliament building in Victoria is the provincial parliament and is a beautiful building but the Parliament buildings in Ottawa is the national parliament and is amazing to see, especially the library.
DeleteRuth, I will put the library on my list. Plan to be in Ottawa for the approx mth of August, staying at hostel (old jail), with bike and kayak, too. Any other suggestions?
ReplyDeleteThe library is part of the parliament buildings and is part of the Centre Block Tour. The tours are free but you have to register for them, not sure if you can do it on line or not, if not then they have a Vistor's Centre where you can register. If you like art there is always the Art Gallery but it is a bit pricey to get in, in fact most of the museums are a bit pricey. I think Thursday evenings they are free but not sure anymore about that. Biking in Ottawa is fantastic, there is the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River Parkway, the Airport Parkway and across the Ottawa River in Quebec you have Gatineau Park. Also kayaking on the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River or Rideau River. Walking in the Market area and just all around the downtown area. You should like staying in the old jail, it is pretty interesting. Can't really think of anything else off hand but don't hesitate to send us an email if you have any other questions about the area.
DeleteThx Ruth! will post a blog about my experiences later this summer.
ReplyDeletehttp://lalaironwheels.blogspot.com/