OTTAWA “BYTOWN”
BY Clay Larroy
Traveling
can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New
friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It
can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a
hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places. Canada is a close locations to take vacations.
When you want to plan a vacation
contact me!
OTTAWA
Ottawa is a vibrant Canadian city, offering a fascinating history,
acres of green space and tons of European charm.
After
its humble beginning as a small lumber town, Ottawa was designated Canada's
capital by Queen Victoria in 1857. It is now a buzzing urban center nestled
between the River Ottawa, Rideau Canal and River Rideau, overlooking the
Gatineau Hills of Québec. The impressive Parliament Buildings create an air of
European elegance, with neo-gothic spires and turrets stretching skyward on the
steep bluffs high above the River Ottawa.
The
city's early heritage is evident in the proliferation of Irish pubs in the
ByWard Market area, originally known as Lowertown and still the focal point for
Ottawa's French and Irish communities. The more conservative Uppertown
developed around the seat of government, with its wealthier neighborhoods,
embassies and politicians. In the 1970s the high tech sector drew highly
skilled workers to this burgeoning world computer and telecommunications center,
giving birth to Silicon Valley North.
Today
the nation's capital is a desirable place to live and work, with green spaces,
outdoor activities and an easygoing lifestyle. Ottawa is the nation's cultural
and intellectual capital and center for visual and performing arts, with
numerous museums, galleries, two universities and a community college.
In
this multicultural community, government and service industry jobs demand
bilingual skills in French and English, and restaurants serve cuisine heavily
enhanced with French influence. Away from the city's top restaurants and its
ubiquitous maple syrup products, however, don't forget to sample the classic
Quebecois poutine dish, a greasy but satisfying medley of fries, curd and
gravy, to which meat or vegetables are often added.
An
invigorating array of outdoor recreational opportunities are available across
the seasons, from winter skating on the frozen Rideau Canal, the world's
largest naturally frozen ice skating rink, to summer cycling on extensive
recreational paths, or kayaking and canoeing on the city's waterways.
In
addition, there is a colorful program of events year round in the capital.
Winterlude, which takes place over three weekends of February, offers
everything from learn-to-skate clinics to a children's snow playground and
draws around 600,000 visitors. Music enthusiasts have no shortage of options,
with Bluesfest, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and Ottawa Chamberfest.
If
you're looking for nightlife, head for the vibrant ByWard Market district -
home to local farmers, artisans and boutique shops during the day - which
transforms in the evening with the opening of countless bars and lounges.
Alternatively, there's a thriving theatre, classical music and performing arts
scene.
Meanwhile, when you want to sample some culture, learn about the aboriginal experiences of the Algonquins who gathered, celebrated, and traded on Victoria Island for centuries before the first Europeans arrived. Sitting between the Chaudière and Portage bridges in the Ottawa River, the small island is open to visitors during the summer, offering opportunities to sample bison and venison, and to enjoy traditional dance performances.
When
you want to escape the city, a world of adventure awaits in the Ottawa Valley.
White water rafting is one of the most popular activities and provides plenty
of thrills as well as the chance to soak up beautiful scenery.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
There's more coming tomorrow than there was today. Quite a few people
coming from Ottawa to watch. There were still a lot of people out there today.
Some coming from farther tomorrow.
-- Alaine Chartrand
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