Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

If you’ve never been, then making a trip to visit my hometown, Ottawa, is a must! Ottawa is the Capital of Canada and is located in the province of Ontario, right near the Quebec border. Ottawa has a long history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ottawa 

Ottawa boasts many things, but perhaps its most spectacular feature is the Parliament Buildings where the national government meets. We have a parliamentary system, with a Prime Minister, instead of a President, and Members of Parliament who are elected in ridings across Canada. The Prime Minister is the head of the party that receives the most votes in a general election. You can book tours of both the House of Commons, where the Members of Parliament sit, as well as the Senate. Unlike the US, Senators in Canada are appointed by the governing party.

https://visit.parl.ca/sites/Visit/default/en_CA

Parliament Hill is located in downtown Ottawa, right on the banks of the Ottawa River and the historic Rideau Canal. It’s beautiful year-round, with bike and walking paths and it turns into a skate way in the winter months. It’s interesting to note the canal’s history, “The canal was opened in 1832 as a precaution in case of war with the United States. It remains in use today primarily for pleasure boating, with most of its original structures intact. The locks on the system open for navigation in mid-May and close in mid-October. In 2007 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[5] It is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rideau_Canal

https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/rideau-canal-skateway

​There’s lots to see and do, in and around Ottawa too. We have the “Byward Market” which is steps away from
Parliament Hill and the Canal, as well as lots of shopping opportunities at the Rideau Centre. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a delicious Beaver Tail either – a local delicacy famous to Ottawa. You can also take a “Haunted Walking Tour” throughout the market and
downtown area. Just over the river in Quebec are the beautiful Gatineau Hills, which include Gatineau Park and several ski hills.

https://nccccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park

​You can have year-round fun in Gatineau Park, with hiking trails, cycling, campsites and beautiful fresh water lakes to swim in, and cross country ski trails and winter camping. Take time to check out my city. I’m very proud of it and I think you will enjoy a visit too