Canada: A Collection of Ottawa Scenes

Many (non-Canadians) have often mistaken Toronto or Montreal as the capital of Canada. I cannot blame them really because both cities are the biggest in the country. Ottawa, a smaller city between the two is the capital of Canada.

I was in Ottawa, Canada last year in the fall. I visited my niece who was studying at the University of Ottawa. She has since been back in the country and have truly enjoyed her time in city.

The pictures I took here span between several days in the month of September. I only managed to stroll around downtown area. I had a rental car which was quite easy for me to move around. Because I have my own private transportation, I have decided to stay outside the city in Russell 25 minutes away where I found this lovely French inspired B&B villa.

ByWard Market was one of my major highlights here because I am pretty much a food market lover person. During the day ByWard is both a colourful outdoor and indoor market, and around the block area you will find many stores of all kinds housed in red brick buildings. In the evening ByWard transforms into an entertainment, dining and night out place where mostly young people hang out.

I have not forgiven myself yet for not having gone inside the Parliament building. I was pressed with time and got caught in the downpour. Well at least I have visited the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica.

TRIVIA: Did you know that Ottawa has the highest standard of living in Canada? The capital city also has the lowest unemployment, and is the most educated city in the country.

Many locals in Ottawa also speak both English and French. Culturally speaking, Ottawa is perhaps the middle of the road between the English and French speaking communities in Canada. Bilingualism is the official policy here in conducting business.

Grest news, all the major areas to see in Ottawa are just within walking distance to each other.

Newspapers and magazines sold on the streets. Typically north American style.

Poutine, the national dish of Canada is a street food.

Sparks Street is a pedestrian street which turns into a very lively street with outdoor cafe terraces during warmer months.

Ottawa modern skyline from the Parliament Hill.

The canal lock beside Parliament Hill and the Fairmont Chateau.

The Alexandra Bridge connects Ottawa to Ile de Hull in the Gatineau area which is already part of Quebec region.

A typical traditional English bike =)

The Rideau Canal slices through the city.

ByWard market area.

I was eyeing this restaurant on my first night in the city but my niece does not eat fish, so we settled at the The Grand Pizzeria & Bar further down the road.