In Oct '12, I was one of three tour buses bringing a group from Toronto to a weekend conference in Ottawa.
With a bit of time off before returning to TO, I grabbed my camera and set off to discover some of our national capital's many attractions.

 

 Pictured are our buses parked outside our hotel in nearby Gatineau (formerly Hull), Quebec, across the Ottawa River from Ottawa.

 

 

Close to our hotel in the background by Jacques-Cartier Park is a life-size statue of Montreal Canadiens' legendary Maurice "Rocket" Richard, among the greatest hockey players of all time and the most prolific scorer of his era.  He played from 1942-60 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.

 

 

 Looking eastward on Wellington St. in Ottawa towards Parliament Hill.

 

Canada's iconic Parliament Building atop Parliament Hill, a promonotory overlooking the Ottawa River. Here resides the country's federal legislature consisting of the House of Commons and the Senate Chamber. Also known as the Centre Block, it is one three buildings including the East and West Blocks that surround the Hill. Here, too, are the Library of Parliament and the Peace Tower. It is built in the Gothic Revival style.

 

 

The Centennial Flame, commemorating Canada's 100 years of Confederation, lit by Prime Minister Lester Pearson on the eve of December 31, 1966.

 

Looking west from the Hill is the Supreme Court of Canada, the highest court in the land and of final appeal.
 

 

 

Near Parliament Hill is the National War Memorial.
Unveiled by King George VI in May, 1939 it honours the sacrifices made by members of Canada's armed services of the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War.
It is the site of the country's national November 11th Remembrance Day observance.

 

 

 Through the arch are depictions of 21 Canadian soldiers of all branches of the First World War in historically correct uniforms moving steadfastly forward.

 

 

 Added in 2001 in front of the War Memorial lies Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, containing the remains of a Canadian soldier who died in France in the First World War.

 

 

 

Nearby the National War Memorial is the grand Chateau Laurier hotel.

It is one of many 'chateau' style hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1800s-early 1900s, first opened in 1893. It is a designated national historic site.



 Within Ottawa's Byward Market, a four-block section of the city containing an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, open markets and curios, is Le Moulin De Provence bakery.
It was here on February 19, 2009 President Barack Obama, during an official visit to Ottawa, happened by and bought a maple leaf-shaped, shortbread cookie with 'Canada' iced on top.
Since then the bakery has become a tourist attraction.

 

 

 

 

 Signs flanking the entrance to the bakery.

 

 

Renamed Obama Cookies they have become a hot seller!

 

 

 They can even be purchased with a commemorative tin.

 

 

 Nearby Notre Dame Cathredral Basilica

 

Autumnal colours near Parliament Hill.

 

 Another view of the Chateau Laurier and Parliament Hill from across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec.
Visible is the Library of Parliament situated behind the Parliament Buildings.

 

 

 

My bus

 

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) J4500 Highway Coach, operated by

Parkinson Coach & Tours, located in Brampton, Ontario.

 

Call us anytime !