Ottawa

At our last posting, we had just arrived in Ottawa through the Step Locks. This first picture is of “Still Busy” at the top of the 8 locks that was taken by a fellow boater as we arrived on Saturday afternoon. I realize we talk a lot about locks but the locks are an important part of the journey and the canal system that allows this passage around dams and rapids. The locks on the Rideau, including the 8 Step locks in Ottawa, were built in the early 1800’s and operate today as when they were built by the British. Parks Canada hires local college kids to work the locks during the summer and we are very impressed with how helpful and friendly they are.
Upon arriving in Ottawa, we tied up to the canal wall downtown. We were so impressed with Ottawa that we stayed on the canal wall for 4 nights. We could actually see the Parliament Buildings sitting from the back of our boat. We arrived on Saturday early afternoon and spent an enjoyable evening at the Byward Market area downtown – dinner, drinks, street performers, etc. Very festive! On Father’s Day we attended a festival honoring the Aboriginals (native Canadians) on the first day of “Indian Native Days”. We actually ate a bison burger and bannock –grilled bread - with blueberry jam. These first few pictures were taken at the festival. Jack received a call from Brent, Jackie, and Jen for Father’s Day wishes. Always great to hear from all the kids and grandkids.
On Monday we spent the day touring Parliament Buildings and were very impressed with the tours of the government buildings. This next picture was taken of the House of Commons not in session. We were both amazed with the Victorian Gothic Architecture of the Limestone buildings as well as the brief but robust history of this nation. During the tour of the government buildings, we took the elevator to the top of the Peace Tower overlooking Parliament and made this picture of “Still Busy” and another looper – “Carolyn Ann” – tied to the canal wall. (We will spend the next few days traveling with Joe and Punk from “Carolyn Anne”). We also toured a couple of museums in the city including “The Museum of Civilization” which recapped Canadian history since the Indians. This last picture of Ottawa is Jack and Pia at The Champlain Monument Hill with the Parliament Building in the background. In addition to the museums and government buildings, there was ample shopping and restaurants in the downtown area. Along with a couple of fellow loopers, we sat on the sidewalk beside the canal wall one evening for local cheese, fresh baked bread and drinks – try that in NYC. We would both highly recommend a trip to Ottawa for anyone that has the opportunity.
When we leave Ottawa, we will take the Rideau Canal – which is 126 miles and 44 locks – to Kingston on Lake Ontario where we will spend Canada Day on July 1st.