Ottawa destination known only to Ottawa locals : Canada Travel

Ottawa Travel

< National War Memorial >

The National War Memorial is a prominent monument located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Canada. It was originally built in 1939 to commemorate the sacrifice and service of Canadian soldiers who fought and died in the First World War.

The monument consists of a central granite arch, which is flanked by two large bronze figures representing Peace and Freedom. The arch is inscribed with the words "The Great War 1914-1918" and "The Second World War 1939-1945", paying tribute to the soldiers who fought in both conflicts.

At the base of the monument is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which contains the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in France during the First World War. The tomb is surrounded by a bronze wreath and is guarded by soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The National War Memorial is an important symbol of Canada's military history and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in times of war. It is also a popular destination for visitors to pay their respects and to learn more about Canada's military history.

On Remembrance Day (November 11th), the monument is the site of a national ceremony attended by the Governor General of Canada, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. The ceremony includes the laying of wreaths, a moment of silence, and the playing of the Last Post, a bugle call traditionally used to signal the end of the day on military bases.

Ottawa

< Canada Aviation and Space Museum >

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a national museum located in Ottawa, Canada. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive aviation and space museums in the world, with a collection of over 130 aircraft and artifacts related to Canadian aviation and space exploration.

The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the history of flight in Canada, the science of aviation and space exploration, and the technology and engineering behind aircraft and spacecraft design. Visitors can explore the museum's many galleries, which feature interactive displays, flight simulators, and a variety of historic aircraft.

Some of the most notable aircraft on display at the museum include the Avro Arrow, a Canadian-designed supersonic jet that was ahead of its time, and the Canadarm, a robotic arm used on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. The museum also features a collection of vintage aircraft from the First and Second World Wars, as well as more modern planes and helicopters.

In addition to its exhibits, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum offers a range of educational programs and events, including summer camps, workshops, and lectures. The museum is a popular destination for school groups and families, as well as aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in science and technology.

Overall, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a fascinating and educational destination that showcases Canada's rich history of aviation and space exploration. Whether you are a scientist, a student, or simply curious about the wonders of flight and space, a visit to this museum is sure to be a memorable and inspiring experience.

< Royal Canadian Mint >

The Royal Canadian Mint is a Crown corporation responsible for producing all of Canada's circulation coins, as well as commemorative coins and medals. It is located in Ottawa, Canada and is open to the public for tours and visits.

The Mint was founded in 1908 and has since produced billions of coins, including the iconic Canadian loonie and toonie. In addition to its coin production, the Mint also produces bullion coins and bars for investors and collectors, as well as coins and medals for other countries.

Visitors to the Mint can take a guided tour of the facility, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the coin production process. The tour also includes a visit to the Mint's museum, which features exhibits on the history of Canadian currency and the Mint's role in producing coins and medals.

One of the most popular attractions at the Mint is the opportunity to hold a gold bar, which weighs in at an impressive 28 pounds. Visitors can also purchase coins and other souvenirs at the Mint's boutique, which features a wide selection of coins and collectibles.

Overall, the Royal Canadian Mint is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into Canada's rich history and culture. Whether you are a collector, an investor, or simply curious about the world of coin production, a visit to the Mint is sure to be an interesting and educational experience.

< Ottawa Locks >

The Ottawa Locks are a series of eight locks located on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada. The locks were built between 1826 and 1832 as part of the Rideau Canal, a historic engineering marvel that stretches from Kingston to Ottawa and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Ottawa Locks raise and lower boats between the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, allowing boats to bypass the rapids that once made the Ottawa River unnavigable. The locks are still used by pleasure craft and commercial vessels, and visitors can watch as boats navigate the locks and pass through the historic canal.

In addition to its practical use, the Ottawa Locks are also a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can stroll along the canal path and watch as boats pass through the locks, or take a boat tour to learn more about the history and engineering behind the Rideau Canal.

The Ottawa Locks are also located near other popular attractions in Ottawa, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian Museum of History. They are easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transit, making them a convenient and enjoyable stop on any tour of the city.

Overall, the Ottawa Locks are a fascinating and important part of Canada's history and a must see attraction for anyone visiting Ottawa. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique experience, a visit to the Ottawa Locks is sure to be a memorable one.

< Rideau Hall >

Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, located in Ottawa, Canada. The residence sits on a 32-hectare estate, which includes beautifully landscaped gardens and wooded areas.

Originally built in 1838, Rideau Hall has been the official residence of the Governor General since 1867, when Canada became a self-governing Dominion. The residence has been expanded and renovated over the years and now includes a mix of historic and modern architecture.

Today, Rideau Hall is used for a variety of official and ceremonial events, including state dinners, investitures, and receptions. The residence is also open to the public for guided tours, which offer a glimpse into the history and traditions of the Governor General's role in Canadian society.

One of the highlights of a visit to Rideau Hall is the chance to explore the extensive grounds, which include formal gardens, a greenhouse, and a skating rink in the winter. Visitors can also see the Ceremonial Guard, a military unit that performs the Changing of the Guard ceremony each day during the summer months.

Overall, Rideau Hall is a beautiful and historic destination that offers visitors a unique insight into Canada's government and traditions. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply interested in Canadian culture, a visit to Rideau Hall is a must-see attraction in Ottawa.

< Hog's Back Falls >

Hog's Back Falls is a series of waterfalls located on the Rideau River in Ottawa, Canada. The falls are located just south of downtown Ottawa and are easily accessible by car or public transit.

The name "Hog's Back" comes from the shape of the falls, which resemble the back of a hog. The falls are created by the Rideau River cascading over a long, rocky ridge and dropping approximately 12 meters (40 feet) in total.

The falls are a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering stunning views of the cascading water and surrounding natural landscape. Visitors can walk along the nearby pathways to view the falls from various vantage points, or take a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

In addition to its natural beauty, Hog's Back Falls is also an important part of Ottawa's history and hydroelectric infrastructure. The falls were originally used to power a sawmill and gristmill in the early 1800s, and in the early 20th century, a hydroelectric generating station was built near the falls to supply electricity to the growing city of Ottawa.

Today, the hydroelectric generating station is still in operation and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the history and technology of hydroelectric power.

Overall, Hog's Back Falls is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty and history of Ottawa. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax, Hog's Back Falls is a must-see attraction in Ottawa.

< Major's Hill Park >

Major's Hill Park is a public park located in downtown Ottawa, Canada, overlooking the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill. The park is situated on a hill and offers stunning views of the city and the river, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Originally established in the early 1800s as a military garrison, Major's Hill Park has since been transformed into a beautiful public park, featuring formal gardens, walking paths, and a variety of public art installations.

One of the most notable features of Major's Hill Park is the annual Canadian Tulip Festival, which takes place in the spring and attracts visitors from all over the world. During the festival, the park's gardens are filled with millions of tulips in a rainbow of colors, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty.

In addition to the tulip festival, Major's Hill Park is also home to a variety of other cultural events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, art shows, and cultural festivals.

Overall, Major's Hill Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Ottawa. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing spot to enjoy the scenery, Major's Hill Park is a must-see attraction in Ottawa.

< Bank of Canada Museum >

The Bank of Canada Museum is a museum located in downtown Ottawa, Canada, which explores the history and role of the Bank of Canada in Canadian society. The museum is free to visit and offers a variety of interactive exhibits, displays, and artifacts that tell the story of Canada's financial system.

One of the highlights of the museum is the "Economy in Action" exhibit, which uses interactive displays and multimedia presentations to explain how the Bank of Canada manages monetary policy and regulates the country's financial system. Visitors can also explore the museum's collection of historic bank notes, coins, and other artifacts, which offer a glimpse into the history of Canadian currency.

The museum is housed in a historic building that was once the Bank of Canada's head office, and the building itself is an architectural gem. The museum's exhibits are spread over three floors and include a variety of hands-on activities and interactive displays that are both informative and engaging.

Overall, the Bank of Canada Museum is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and role of Canada's central bank. Whether you are a history buff, a financial enthusiast, or simply interested in Canadian culture, the Bank of Canada Museum is a must-see attraction in Ottawa.