I suggest you stop by Parliament Hill in the morning. (You could take tour if that interest you) Don't miss visiting the cats.

Then head down to the byward market area for some shopping and lunch.

Then either pick one Museum to visit or take a canal boat tour or Ottawa river tour. For Museums youth tend to like the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the War Museum.

Hi Crystalgeorgia,

Definitely Parliament Hill should be first on your list. Then walk along Wellington over the Rideau Canal on the same side of the street towards the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Below you, there is a spectacular view of the lock system that raise boats from the Ottawa River below to the Rideau Canal above. Cross the street (to the large centre island). The Canal Musuem is down the stairs if you choose to check that out. You are now in the midst of the Valiants Memorial, bronze busts & full size monuments of famous Canadians (the kids will like having their photos taken with the statues). Cross the street again and you are at the Canadian Cenotaph, this giant monument was built after World War I, and is the site of our November 11th National Remembrance Ceremonies. At the base of the monument is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Cross the street again and you are now and you'll be able to see the Rideau Canal as it winds its way thru the downtown core... in the winter from this point onwards becomes the world's longest skating rink (7.8 Km = 4.8) to Dows Lake.

The Beaux-Arts style building here is now known as the Government Conference Centre... it was once the Ottawa Train Station.

At the corner of Colonel By and Rideau, is the Rideau Centre, a large indoor shopping mall that is open 7 days a week, and most holidays.

Next walk down Sussex Drive... you will pass by the Connaught Building (this Tudor Gothic Building) was one of the first office spaces added for the federal government off of parliament hill. It has beautiful architecture.

Behind the Connaught Building is US Embassy. The building was dedicated and opened by then President Clinton in 1999.

Across the street from the Connaught Building is the beginnings of the Byward Market. This area has many restaurants, bars and interesting shops.

If you continue along Sussex the shops are housed in historic buildings, many of which over their history have served as religious residences... their top floors nowadays house trendy offices and expensive condos. Newsman Peter Jennings (who came from Ottawa) owned a multi-million condo in one of these buildings. You'll next come to the Canadian Peacekeeping Monument (at the Traffic Circle). Across the street is the National Gallery of Canada (the glass structure). To the west of the traffic circle is Major Hill's Park, and the Interprovincial Bridge (aka the Alexandra Bridge). Across the bridge is Gatineau-Hull, and the Museum of Civilization on the shoreline. Behind the National Gallery is a small park known as Nepean Point, and there is a monument to Champlain overlooking the Ottawa River below... Champlain being the explorer who first charted the Ottawa.

If you have the time, it might be worthwhile to take a cab along Sussex to Rideau Hall, the home of the Governor General.

Along Sussex you'll pass... The Mint (it looks like a castle behind a very big fence), an impressive part of Embassy Row (Kuwait, Japan, Saudi Arabian, Britian, and France). Along this stretch is also the Lester B. Pearson Building that houses the offices of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Across from Rideau Hall (at the traffic circle) is the Prime Minister's Residence. Although you can't get into the PM's Home, you are welcome to tour both the grounds and the building at Rideau Hall. This historic and impressive property has been the home of the Queen's Representative in Canada since Confederation in 1867. The "villa" was originally built by Thomas MacKay who was the main contractor in the building of the Rideau Canal.

If Museums interest you, two of the most popular are the Museum of Civilization in Hull (across the Alexandra Bridge). Among other things they have a fantastic display on Canada's native peoples. People are usually wowed by the Grand Hall and the collection of totem poles, as well as the Inuit Carvings. Spend the extra and take the tour with a guide, they are very knowledgeable and can answer questions.

Another possibility is the National War Museum (at the westend of the downtown core). Besides a great collection of information on everything from early skirmages, thru the Seven Years War, the War of 1812, the Boer War, WWI and WWII, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Gulf War, there is also info on Canada's role as the world leader in Peacekeeping... including a replica of the Nobel Peace Prize Medal presented to Lester B Pearson the PM of Canada who raised the concept with UN after he chaired the committee who defused the Suez Crisis in 1957.

Then of course there is the "basement" of the Museum that houses an eclectic mix of vehicles (both military and civilian) that have a varied history in war zones... Tanks, Ambulances, Motorcycles, and quirky things like Canteens and even Hitler's Staff Car. The basement always seems to be a big hit with kids and men.

On the serious side is Memorial Hall... the room houses a headstone of an Unknown Solder from WWI, and due to the unique architecture of the room on November 11th at precisely 11:00 AM, a small window sheds sunlight on the headstone. The room is small, but impressive... sort of a cross between a crypt and a chapel, it definitely causes one to pause and think.

Hope this is helpful... The great thing about Ottawa is the whole core of downtown is about 10 x 10 blocks, so it is very compact and walkable. So although the list appears long, it is all close together, and interactive.

Cheers!

Wine-4-2

Parliment Hill is a must. You can then walk towards the Byward market. On the way, you will pass the Chateau Laurier where you can see the locks. If you walk down by the locks, there is a gorgeous view. The byward market has a lot of seasonal stands as well as a lot of shops and great restaurants. You can also grab a beavertail in the market and maybe a poutine. I am not really a museum goer myself, so personally, I might do the canal boat ride if I had time left. Enjoy!

Hi Crystalgorgia,

FYI the Canal Boat Tours end on Thanksgiving Monday (this year October 13th).

For more info see their website at www.paulsboatcruises.com/rideau_can.htm

Cheers!

Wine-4-2

Speaking of views:

Best view of Ottawa/Parliament from ABOVE: Merlot revolving restaurant a top the marriot. Dinner is a bit pricey, but you could go for drinks. (or Brunch if you're here Sunday)

Best view of Ottawa/Parliament from BELOW: accross the Ottawa river at the Museum of Civ. or any where along the bike path on the Quebec side. Views on the Ottawa side are just of Gatineau, which has a far less attractive skyline (Government Buildings/Paper factory)

Thank You so much wine-4-2

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Is there a way I can make reservations for the canal tour?

Also is there some other boat tours, train rides? My dh does not want to go to the museum.

Again thanks for taking the time to write.

Hi Crystalgeorgia,

Unfortunately for your timeframe the activities on the Rideau Canal with be over, the canal may very well be being drained by then in preparation for the winter skating season.

I am sorry I don't know of any other boat tours (not even on the Ottawa) and I checked Gray Line's schedule, and organized bus tours of the City of Ottawa also come to an end on Canada's Thanksgiving (October 13th this year).

:-(

The Canal Museum however is open year-round, for more information see their website

www.bytownmuseum.com

Cheers!

Wine-4-2

Thanks again for the replies.

So far I have

1. Parliament Hill

2. View of the lock system that raise boats

3. Photo with the statues

4. Rideau Canal

5. Rideau center (more likely will not spend time there)

6. Byward Market

7. Sussex Drive

8. Maybe the Museum

Looks like it might fill in approx 4 hours or so.

Is there anything else that is a must see?

Or in nearby places?

I searched through these forums and found the change of guards? Is that part of the parliament?

Trying to pack in as much as I can into the one day.

Thanks in advance.

To bad DH doesn't want to go the museums. They are Ottawa must-sees. If you like the outdoors, you could go for a hike in the Gatineau park or a walk along the river.

Are you coming in October?

If you have a car you could head out to Saunder's farm in the afternoon for some Hallowe'en fun. Corn maze/ Haunted House/ Haunted Hay ride.

www.saundersfarm.com/pages/fall_home.htm

Hi Crystalgeorgia,

Unfortunately the Changing of the Guard Ceremonies at both the Hill and Rideau Hall only happen in the summertime.

:-(

SCRATCHMYFEET had some good suggestions if you are here in October... Gatineau Park's Fall Foliage will be nice until Thanksgiving, and going to the Lookout or for a walk / hike is nice. Also Saunders Farm is a big hit with kids and adults alike, and sort of a Hallowe'en tradition here for many families.

If you could share your vacation dates, we'd perhaps be able to come up with some more ideas.

And it is sad that your DH won't go to a museum, because the ones here are great. Have we already mentioned the Science and Technology Museum? Guys tend to like that one particularly with its science stuff and interactive displays not to mention the Trains. For more info see www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca

Cheers!

Wine-4-2