Ottawa & Gatineau

I’m nearing the end of my travels in Canada.

The furthest West I’ve gone in Canada is Gatineau in Quebec. This is the most French you can get in the entire land of Canada. 3 months worth of intensive basic French only got me as far as listening to a guided tour in French. Can’t say that I understood all that I heard, but hey, I can read the exit signs.

Kicked start the walking journey on a bright sunny morning. On hindsight, I must have been my fittest when I was in Canada! I walked a lot of places by foot!

Let’s head over to Quebec!

From Gatineau, the view of Ottawa is pretty. Parliament hill looks picturesque.

We headed to the Civilisation Museum of Canada to understand a little more about the Canadian’s way of living.

Can’t say that it was as good as how the travel guide paints it to be. I much prefer the mall at Washington DC.

I did like this exotic looking bus though.

Back on the land of Ottawa, lies the Parliament Hill.

Makes for a lovely way to end the night.

Even though this place probably sees more business travellers than tourists - given that it is the capital - it has its good tourist spots that are worthy of a visit. In my opinion, these beats visiting the museum at Gatineau.

I did like the one hour that I spend at the Byward market. If you are a bargain hunter like I am who likes to source for interesting nicknacks, this is a place that you would want to visit.

Spend some time browsing through the street stores around the market for handcrafted items. I picked up a lovingly made dream-catcher with real parrot feathers for CAD10.

A little off down town, in a little serene neighbourhood lies Laurier House, former residence of Prime Ministers Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mackenzie King.

Much has been left the way it was when the two Prime Minister lived in the house.

Le Salon.

A well read man, is indeed a wise man.

I can’t quite remember the story behind this veiled lady. But I truly recall being totally freaked out at the sight of the head. Not something I would want in my house!

Another place that is off the track but worthy of a visit - if you haven’t already seen a gazillion state houses and parliament house - is the Rideau Hall. Unfortunately, I think photography is not allowed in the hall.

Photography is permitted in the next place of visit, the Parliament House.

What a misfortune that I ran into some problem with my memory card and had most of the pictures wiped out. The horror!

But thankfully, this picture was saved.

An iconic picture of Ottawa. Makes a very pretty postcard!

I do recommend that you take the free tour to have a full preview of the parliament house. The guides are really friendly and are well informed.

I can’t believe that my journey in Canada is really coming to an end. It has been one of the most exciting trip I have ever made in my life!