Ottawa Things to Do Tips by MDH

The Canadian War Museum Ottawa and area Museums Review

Military history junkies beware! If you want your daily fill of muskets, cannon, trench warfare, blood, grit and Sherman tanks, then this is the place for you.

The Canadian War Museum details more than three hundred years of the military history of this peaceful country. Exhibits here display the fighting weapons and conditions experienced in the early colonial wars, the American Revolution, War of 1812 (when Americans attempted to invade and conquer Canada and failed, and afterwards Canadians and British attempted to invade America and also failed), the various Plains revolts of the the 19th century, the Boer War, WWI, II, Korea, and the many peacekeeping missions of the modern day.

In all this is a very enlightening museum for those wishing to explore the military side of Canada, which isn't well-known. Outside the museum, people in period piece explain to visitors the equipment and life they would have had in the various wars of previous centuries.

Admission for adults is $4 CAN, with Seniors and youths at $3, children at $2, and families over five at $9. Canadian military veterans or present day Canadian Forces members enter free of charge

Address: 330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Directions: From Parliament buildings, turn right on Wellington Street. Turn left on Sussex Drive. The museum is on the left between the National Gallery of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mint.

Other Contact: http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca

Phone: 1 800 555-5621

Website: http://www.warmuseum.ca/

The National War Memorial National War Memorial Review

The National War Memorial/Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a large memorial arch perched above a ragged collumn of soldiers, calvarymen and sailors marching underneath it, heading perhaps towards their own fates. Dedicated in 1939 by King George VI in commemoration of Canada's traumatic First World War loses, the memorial has since incorporated the years of Canada's other more recent conflicts.

In May of 2000, the remains of an unknown soldier killed sometime in the First World War near Vimy Ridge were laid to rest below the memorial. His tomb is marked by a simple plaque, sword and WW1-era British helmet.

This is a moving monument that reflects the nation's 116,000 war dead. Visitors to the city should spend a few minutes at the monument.

As a note of respect, please don't stand atop or sit down on the Unknown Soldier's tomb.

Directions: Confederation Square, corner of Elgin and Wellington Streets in between Parliament Hill and the Chateau Laurier. It will be the tall monument with dark statues.

Phone: (613) 992-7468

Website: http://http:www.canadascapital.gc.ca

The National Gallery of Canada National Art Gallery of Canada Review

The National Gallery of Canada is one of the nation's best art museums, housing extensive collections of Canadian, American, and European artworks. Painters from Warhol, the Group of Seven, Renoir, Bacon, and new First Nations artists have their work displayed here.

The very building itself is practically a work of art. Built around tulip fields near Parliament Hill, complete with glass towers and brilliant lighted corridors, this building is a post-modern masterpiece, and is well suited to be the host to many of the world's top painters.

Art lovers should take a few hours to explore this place. It's well worth it.

Address: 380 Sussex Drive

Directions: Another building that's hard to miss. Travel along Sussex drive past Parliament towards the Alexandria Bridge. It'll be to the left. It's distinct architecture is a dead giveaway.

Other Contact: http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca

Phone: (613) 990-1985

Website: http://national.gallery.ca

Walk along the Rideau Canal Rideau Canal Review

The Rideau Canal was built between 1826 through 1832 to keep trade far away from potential American military threats, as well as a corridor for quick troop movements if the Americans ever dared to do a repeat of 1812. Thankfully that invasion never took place, and today, the Rideau Canal stands as a testimonial to the early days of the city, as well as one of Ottawa's pleasure zones. In the spring, summer, and fall, joggers and bicyclists stroll down the canal's meandering path through the city, from its southern suburbs to running a few hundred feet away from the steps of Parliament Hill. Pleasure boats and boating tours also make good use of the canal during this time of the year.

When winter comes, the Rideau freezes up to become one giant skating rink. If you look at pictures of Ottawa in the winter time, you're bound to find with skaters covering the world's longest skating rink.

Near the canal's entrance at the Ottawa River, a series of locks help boats travel up the stream. Although it's a long process, it's great to see a boat actually slowly move up a hill (!). Onlookers watch very patiently from each side of the canal.

Address: Central Ottawa

Directions: The beginning locks are found wedged between the giant Chateau Laurier and Parliament Hill. The canal then travels south through the city.

Other Contact: http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca

Website: http://www.parcscanada.gc.ca/

The Canadian Museum of Civilization Ottawa and area Museums Review

The Canadian Museum of Civilization (or Le Musee canadien des civilisations) is located across the Ottawa Rver in Quebec, and is an an easy twenty minute walk from Parliament Hill. The Museum of Civilization is first rate and perhaps one of the finest museums in the country, and documents that nation's pre to post modern history.

On the lower level is the First Peoples Hall, which extensively explores the various cultures and artifacts of the native First Nations. Up above is Canada Hall, with another extensive collection that documents the coming of the Vikings to Newfoundland around 1000, Nouvelle-France, the birth of Canada, the gradual expansion of people from the East and to the West, to the modern day. Rotating exhibits on culture and history in other halls vary throughout the year.

Also within the building are a Children's Museum, the Canadian Postal Museum, and an IMAX theatre that rotates movies frequently.

Admission for adults is $10 CAN, with youth at $7, and small children $4.

This museum is well worth the money, time and visit if you happen to be within the National Capital Region.

Address: 100 Laurier Street, Hull

Directions: Facing Parliament Hill, turn right on Wellington Street. Past the Chateau Laurier, turn left on Sussex Drive. Follow the signs leading to the Alexandra Bridge

Other Contact: http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca

Phone: 1-800-555-5621

Website: http://www.civilisations.ca

The Canadian Parliament Buildings Parliament Hill Review

Since Ottawa became the capital of Canada in the late 1850s after a decision made by Queen Victoria, this site has been the hub of Canada's federal government. When the neo-gothic style Parliament Buildings were built between 1857 and 1866, they were intended to house not only Parliament but the entire public service of Canada. Since over 100,000 people are now employed with the federal government, it would be hard to squeeze that many bureaucrats into this place now!

The original Centre Block of Parliament sadly burned down during 1916, in the midst of World War I. Some conspiracists believed the Germans were responsible, but in all likelihood, it was probably a bureaucrat's misplaced cigarette. Once the ashes had been gathered, reconstruction began immediately, and within five years, the Centre Block had been completely rebuilt. One new addition to the structure was the 295 foot tall Peace Tower to commemorate Canada's 60,000 war dead in WWI. Today, the tower is a city and national landmark, and one of the defining pieces of the building.

During the summer months when Parliament isn't in secession, visitors can recieve guided tours of the House of Commons and Senate, where they can actually go on the debate floor. Visitors should go to the white tent on the lawn grounds to sign up for these tours. They are free of charge.

The summertime is busy on the Hill, with the British-like Changing of the Ceremonial Guards taking place between June and August, Canada Day (July 1) celebrations, and light and sound shows displayed on Parliament's exterior walls in the evening.

If you wish to visit Parliament while in secession, write to any MP (Member of Parliament) and ask for gallery tickets. You'll be able to see debate live.

The grounds around Parliament are littered with statues of Canada's most famous prime ministers, politicians and figureheads. Behind Parliament are excellent views of the Ottawa River and the various bridges that cross over to Quebec.

Address: 90 Wellington St.

Directions: Across the street from the Ottawa Infocentre. It's hard to miss, because, well...it's really big and tall.

Other Contact: http://www.parl.gc.ca

Phone: 1 800 465-1867

Website: http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca