Sizzling in Ottawa

Our hotel in New York was just 30 miles south of the border so it was a quick drive into Canada.  Getting through customs was very easy; one look at Ida and the guy knew she could not tell a lie.

Thousand Islands Bridge

Canadian Border

It was a nice drive into Ottawa.   We saw the Rideau Canal and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel before having some lunch at Nate's on Sparks Street near Parliament Hill.

This is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, a 400 room luxury hotel build between 1909 and 1912 and renovated in recent years.  It was built at the end of a train line so that's where most of its business came from in its early years.  

Canal Locks

The Rideau Canal connects Canada's capital city of Ottawa, Ontario  to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River at Kingston, Ontario. It is 202 kilometres in length. The name Rideau, French for "curtain", is derived from the curtain-like appearance of the Rideau River's twin waterfalls where they join the Ottawa River.  In the winter, the canal becomes  a huge ice skating rink.

The temperature today was a balmy 96 degrees, but we did a brief tour of the exterior of the Parliament building.   They were taking down the stage from yesterday's Canada Day celebrations.

Dave at the Library of Parliament

Dave at the East Block

Ida with the Parliament Building

Queen Elizabeth II

Ottawa River

Centennial Flame

The National War Memorial is a tall, granite memorial arch with bronze sculptures in Ottawa, Ontario, designed by Vernon March and first dedicated by King George VI in 1939. Originally built to commemorate the Canadians who died in the First World War, it was in 1982 rededicated to also include those killed in the Second World War and Korean War and again in 2014 to add the dead from the Second Boer War and War in Afghanistan, as well as all Canadians killed in all conflicts past and future.  In 2000 the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in front of the memorial and symbolizes the sacrifices made by all Canadians who have died or may yet die for their country.

We were able to witness the changing of the guard. 


Our next stop was the beautiful cathedral basilica of Notre Dame.  The interior was stunningly decorated.  Ida lit a candle for the sisters at McAuley convent.

Lighting a candle

Main Altar

Side Altar

Side Altar

We then checked into our hotel near the Bywood Market where we took a stroll before having dinner at Victoria Trattoria.   After dinner, we shared a beaver tail for dessert.  Its very much like funnel cake.

View from our hotel of Parliament

Pub in the Market Area

Vegetables for Sale

By Wood Market

Delicious Antipasta

Dessert