Ottawa – Canada’s Capital City

After getting into Ottawa pretty damn early, I dropped my gear off at the backpackers and hit the sidewalks to see what the lye of the land was all about.

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and thus a lot of government departments have their presence here. As well as the various government departments, the city is well known for its museums and the like.

My first museum was the Royal Canadian Mint – Although I took no photos, they are the ONLY mint in the world that produces Five Nine Gold – i.e. 99.999% pure… all else is four nine gild – 99.99% – They also make all the special coins there, and the collector coins for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Anyway – enough lecturing….

The Contemporary Art Museum was pretty interesting. I spent a good few hours zen-ing out there. This sculpture is located outside the building.

I saw some symmetry and pattern in these chairs of an outdoor theatre space, which overlook Parliament Hill.

The Museum of Civilization – Also another draw card on the museum stakes – I didn’t think too much of this place, it was ok. They had a traveling exhibition from Egypt – mummies and other very, very old artifacts. That was pretty impressive.

From the viewing deck of the Museum of Civilization – from Left to Right – Alexandra Bridge (National Civil Engineers Historic Site), the Chateau, the Otttawa Locks and Parliament Hill.

The Ottawa Locks – pretty impressive set of gates built in 1836? – a very, very long man-made canal joins this to the Ottawa River. I spent a bit of time down here, watching the water levels being adjusted, gates opened, and boats navigated through.

….. and every other man, woman and their dogs were also just watching!… The Chateau in the background.

“No. 1” – hahaha… this is one of the classic ‘calls’ that we make all the time!… Great to see others embracing it!

Sunset – from the bottom of the Locks. Civilization museum and Alexandra Bridge. Day 1 in Ottawa (Saturday) was pretty long, and tiring especially after the no-sleep-in-car, and me generally trying to do too much around the City!

On the Sunday Morning – there was some parade/gathering on Parliament Grounds.

It was pretty full on – military guard, marching bands, and tourists everywhere.

Gun. Soldier

There are some pretty nice historic buildings in Ottawa – some good Federal Taxpayers money has gone into the SCAFFOLDING design around this building on Parliament Grounds….

Bank of Canada

…and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Well known for its hints of Art Deco, with some of that whatchucallit other kind of congressional architecture….

Photo from the side

My first glimpse of the National Symbol/Animal of Canada – The Beaver. Right near the Court Building, smack in downtown!

So – off to another museum – The Canadian War Museum.

Flags of all the Provinces of Canada Outside. Rather patriotic.

What? – Some Sick URBAN on the BMX….

Hilters Parade Vehicle – Shipped to Canada in 1945 after the War… Would be interesting to know how the Allies split up all the ‘trophys’ gathered up from 1945…..

Zepplin Field in the Background…. I was there last Christmas/New Year!

From Germany 08-09 Part 1

This Museum has some pretty nice concrete work….…ok – this isn’t going to degenerate into more shop-talk… don’t even start me on the architectural merits of this building.

There is this rather nicely done room, to pay tribute to the Fallen Soldier – an un-identified victim of the war. Here’s a pic of the headstone. Worth a visit to pay your respects.

Ok – back on the war/walking path – back to Parliament – here is another Building on the grounds… (I can’t recall which one this is)

…here is the Parliament Library – it is the only section of the Original Building – done in the Gothic Style – very cool. It sits behind the massive Main Building (earlier – with the parade – and looks like Big Ben…) – and you can see this from across the other side of the Ottawa River.

Canal – Upstream of the Ottawa Locks and the Chateau.

The Chateau

Well – in true bike nut fashion – the next day I rented a bike, and rode over into Quebec (the other side of the river) – and into Gatineau, and on the pathways through Gatineau Park.

They have this SWEET network of pathways – over 160kms worth – dedecated to roadies, rollerbladers, walkers etc.. and in the winter, it is an awesome trail for Cross Country Skiers! (cue more lycra…)

Yeah, the trails were sweet.. even on my rental – Pics later….

Roadies… Performance..

Back onto the Ottawa Side of the river – albeit 3 hours later… there are some nice stone sculptures – just balanced. They are recreated every year, since they are probably washed away by the snow/snow melt/weather.

Yes – All Balanced – no glue/pins or anything. They love Stacking Rocks here in Canada – We could learn a thing or two off them.

Impressive!

So – back to the Locks – another Pic

..and my lovely RENTAL bike – I don’t think this was made for hucking…. Go the commuter.

Old School actuation of the locks… crank it…..

….. and roll on by in style ☺

… If you are ever passing through – I would recommend staying at the Barefoot Hostel – It is a pretty new hostel, not too much in the way of cooking stuff (think kettle and microwave/fridge) – but super tidy/clean and run by this Lovely Swiss Lady who runs the Swiss B&B next door. Never felt too busy, and love the cosyness of the place!

http://www.barefoothostel.com/

Ok – Last Leg coming up – Montreal.