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| Selfie alert!!!! Me and Mr Moose |
Last weekend, I finally managed to take a trip to Canada's Capital, Ottawa!!!
Not one of Canada's better known cities, I was still excited to travel to the capital, to visit all the museums and learn a little bit more about the country I've spent the past six months in and in all honesty there was mixed reviews.
'Confusion' is the first word that now comes to mind when describing my trip to the Capital.
Firstly, I had no idea that Ottawa was half in Ontario and half in Quebec!! This will not come as a shock to most, as my geography is notably terrible ( I once though that Argentina was North of Scotland?!?)
Firstly, I had no idea that Ottawa was half in Ontario and half in Quebec!! This will not come as a shock to most, as my geography is notably terrible ( I once though that Argentina was North of Scotland?!?)
The Guidebooks show the beautiful Parliament building, and the sun drenched canal where you can take leisurely strolls... What we found was deserted streets (even at the weekend), an out of use canal and a parliament buiding that was masked by construction (due to be completed in around 10 years time)
It seemed like a bit of a lots Capital, with no real main area... I have to assume this was due to the time we visited (End of Feb) or maybe the snow and cold was keeping everyone inside!! However Ottawa does have a few jewels in it's slightly obscure crown....
so here is my 'Top 5 Must See' things to Do in
so here is my 'Top 5 Must See' things to Do in
Ottawa...
1. War Museum
In everything I read, this museum always came second to the Museum of Civilisation, however, if you are a war geek like myself you will LOVE this museum! We spent a good few hours learning all of the Canadian war history and the involvement of the French and English and how they formed this nation!! They also have an impressive collection of tanks and air crafts as well as Hitlers ACTUAL car that was gifted to Canada after the WW2.
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| Hitler's Parade Car |
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| Canadian aircraft used to watch over the Russian/ Canadian water |
2. Beaver Tails
This is a Canadian based chain that originated in Ontario that sells a fried dough pastry that is stretched into the shape of a beaver tail and covered with a topping of your choice!! relatively inexpensive... and perfect for desert, a snack to warm you up and lets face it... your in Canada, your going to need the extra calories to keep you warm!!! I have already tracked one down in Montreal they were sooo good!
Warning: prepare to feel like a Child again with Chocolate sauce and syrup all over your hands and face while trying to eat these!!
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| Maple Butter, Nutella and Oreo Beaver Tails!! |
3. Museum of Civilisation
The museum is perfect for all ages and a good place to spend a few hours. It seen as THEE place to go and I did enjoy myself a lot at this museum...its just not as much food for thought as the War Museum in my opinion. Here there is lots of information on the Canadians Native American routes or 'First Nations' people as well as lots of important people though the ages. Lots of interesting features but the highlight for me was the current Exhibition on Voodoo. This spiritual and a little bit spooky exhibit takes you through the myths and facts of Voodoo as well as have am amazingly impressive number of used artefacts. as you walked through the rooms there was an erie and enchanting atmosphere, Specially in a room that was full of just smaller that human size dolls that had real human Skulls!! Not for the faint hearted but if you hold any interest in such things it was a rare view into such a world!
4. FOOD
The food was amazingly good here with soooo many places to eat! We ate out almost every meal on our short trip and you can get pretty much every cuisine you could possibly want. ByWard Market is the perfect spot for lunch on the go in between sightseeing and there are lots of little restaurants in the surrounding area. Ottawa also has a decent China town (A lot bigger than Montreal's) if you are looking somewhere a little cheaper to dine, it is a bit more out of the way but well worth a visit none the less.
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| Amazing Fish and Chips from Irish pub 'The Aulde Dubliner' |
5. Parliament and the Canal
Ok so yes the main sight seeing destinations are important to see, and the only reason they are last on my top 5 is due to the construction and time of year they looked a little depressing!!! In Ottawa's defence we visited at an awkward time of year (after the winter festivities and before spring/summer)
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| Parliament Buildings |
