We lived a few miles south of Ottawa for about 10 years during the time I worked for Bell Canada in Ottawa.
In the winter, the Rideau Canal was drained of most of it’s water and it would freeze over. It was plowed by the city, flooded when required, and it became the longest skating rink in the world. A Winter Festival took place on the canal annually. Festivities were free so it was great family fun! ‘Beaver Tails’, another Ottawa tradition, were sold from booths on the canal along with hot chocolate.
In the summer, the canal was beautiful with boats passing through the locks. Some would anchor in Ottawa and enjoy all that summer had to offer. There was an annual Jazz Festival where some musicians would play on the river bank. We would take our lunch from work, sit on the grass, and enjoy the music.
In the spring, the hill in front of the parliament buildings would be awash with color from the tulips. The Dutch (Holland) have donated tulip bulbs every year since the end of World War II. The colors are amazing and of course another reason to hold a celebration (The Tulip Festival).
The architecture of the Parliament Buildings are to be admired. When I worked in Ottawa, anyone could stroll around the grounds and enjoy the view from behind the buildings overlooking the Ottawa River.
If you get a chance to visit do so.
