ONTARIO, "THE PROVINCE OF OPPORTUNITY"

OTTAWA, “BYTOWN”

BY CLAY LARROY

It doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

City Attractions in Ottawa

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Visit a working farm in the heart of the capital city, where the sights and sounds of farm animals express Canada's agricultural heritage. There are interpretive activities for children, demonstrations and rides in a horse-drawn wagon.

Opening Times

Tues-Sun 0900-1700.
Admission Fees

Yes
Telephone (613) 991 3044.
Website http://www.agriculture.technomuses.ca

Disabled Access Yes

Unesco World Heritage Site No

Canadian Museum of Civilization

This museum boasts 1,000 years of Canadian history, life-size totem poles overshadowing the magnificent First People's Hall, and an IMAX Theatre with constantly changing features. One of the highlights in the third-floor Canada Hall, which recreates sights and sounds from the country's past. Reconstructed buildings and other historical settings are included among the exhibits evoking a sense of different periods and different regions of the country. The museum itself is dramatic and inspired by nature.

Opening Times

Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 0900-1800, Thurs 0900-2000 (May-June); Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun 0900-1800, Thurs-Fri 0900-2000 (Jul-Sept); Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 0900-1800, Thurs 0900-2000 (Sept-Oct); Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 0930-1700, Thurs 0930-2000 (Oct-Mar).
Admission Fees

Yes
Telephone (819) 776 8600.
Website http://www.civilization.ca

Disabled Access Yes

Unesco World Heritage Site No

Canadian War Museum

Poignant and interactive exhibits reveal Canada's military past, with a stunning collection of artefacts and airplanes from the world's major wars. Its vast collection, which spans around 13,000 pieces, also includes military vehicles and artillery. The extensive permanent exhibition highlights key events and defining moments in Canada's military history via personal stories, photographs and interactive presentations. The panoramic LeBreton Gallery houses a Voodoo jet, 19th century artillery pieces, tanks and a wide range of vehicles.

Opening Times

Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 0900-1800, Thurs 0900-2000 (May-June); Mon-Wed, Sat-Sun 0900-1800, Thurs-Fri 0900-2000 (Jul-Sept); Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 0900-1800, Thurs 0900-2000 (Sept-Oct); Tues-Wed, Fri-Sun 0900-1700, Thurs 0900-200 (Oct-Apr).
Admission Fees

Yes
Telephone (819) 776 8600.
Website http://www.warmuseum.ca

Disabled Access Yes

Unesco World Heritage Site No

Diefenbunker Cold War Museum

Descend 27.5m (90ft) underground into Canada's once-secret Cold War bunker, now a museum after being decommissioned in 1997. Visitors can discover some of the mysteries of this huge, four-story bunker built to house the Canadian government in the event of a nuclear attack. Step back in time and see first-hand 1960s-era government rooms, living quarters and cryptographic areas. Other highlights include the Prime Minister's suite, the War Cabinet Room, the CBC Radio studio, the Bank of Canada vault, and the Emergency Government Situation Centre.

Opening Times

Daily 1000-1800 (Jul-Aug).
Admission Fees

Yes
Telephone (613) 839 0007.
Website http://www.diefenbunker.ca

Disabled Access No

Unesco World Heritage Site No

National Gallery of Canada

Located near the vibrant ByWard Market, the National Gallery is an architectural landmark with its striking glass towers, spacious galleries, quiet courtyards, a cloistered garden, glass-bottomed pool and a reconstructed 19th century chapel. It is the country's finest art museum, showcasing the world's largest collection of Canadian art spanning 36,000 works of art, as well as 125,000 images held within the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Opening Times

Daily 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-2000 (May-Sept); Tues-Sun 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-2000 (Oct-Apr).
Admission Fees

Yes
Telephone (613) 990 1985.
Website http://www.gallery.ca

Disabled Access Yes

Unesco World Heritage Site No

Parliament of Canada

Perched on a rise next to the fairytale Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, the neo-gothic Parliament of Canada with its pointed copper roofs overlook the River Ottawa and neighboring Québec and is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. Sit in on question time at the Legislature, enjoy the sound and light show on the illuminated Parliament Hill, take a guided tour of Centre Block, or explore the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber which houses a special collection of books commemorating Canada's war dead.

Opening Times

See website for more details.
Admission Fees

No
Telephone (613) 992 4793.
Website http://www.parl.gc.ca

Disabled Access Yes

Unesco World Heritage Site No

Rideau Canal

This canal is cruised by boats in the summer, but then transforms into the world's longest ice-skating rink in the winter, with a 7.8km (4.8-mile) channel of ice winding through downtown Ottawa. The canal extends over 200km (124 miles) from Ottawa to Kingston, and links the River Ottawa with Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence Seaway. Requiring 24 dams and 46 locks, it was one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century.

Opening Times

Mon-Thurs 0830-1630, Fri-Sun 0830-1930 (May-Jun); Daily 0830-1930 Jun-Sept); Tues-Thurs 0930-1530, Fri-Mon 0830-1430 (Sept-Oct).
Admission Fees

Yes
Telephone (613) 283 5170.
Website http://www.pc.gc.ca/rideau

Disabled Access No

Unesco World Heritage Site No

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I became a big Kings fan, and then later on my hometown ofOttawa got a team, so then I was very, very torn. I just love both of those teams very much.

-- Matthew Perry

Live Life and Travel Often!