Ottawa

We made two visits to Ottawa and felt that we had only begun to enjoy some of the many possibilities that are available. The city is blessed with a wide range of cultural and historical sites, to offer a visitor endless sightseeing opportunities. Although we didn't plan it that way, nor did we see her, the Queen was in Canada to celebrate her Golden Jubilee at the same time as we were. Low key security was in evidence and access to some parts of Parliament Hill was restricted while preparations took place for her visit. As it was October the markets were full of squash of all shapes and sizes adding to the local colour.

	The Musée Canadien des Civilisations is located just over the Ottawa River in the very French Québec state. The museum was sited here to help regenerate a run down area, Ottawa's poor neighbour, Hull.
	Inside the museum is the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Allow a full day to do justice to everything on display.
	In the rooms behind the totem poles are collections of artefacts used by various tribal groups. These are developed in cooperation with the Native people of the region concerned.
	Looking across the Ottawa River from outside the museum. The Parliament building is separated from the Château Laurier Hotel - Ottawa's finest hotel - by the flight of locks at the end of the Rideau Canal.
	The Rideau Canal was opened in May 1832, a truly amazing engineering feat. In winter it freezes becoming the world's longest skating rink!
	The Parliament building. A slightly crazy angled shot to avoid the tents and canopies erected for the Royal visit.
	The Centennial Flame was lit for the first time on January 1, 1967 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.
	Guided tours of the Parliament building are free. It was re-built between 1916 and 1927 to replace the original building destroyed in a spectacular fire in 1916.
	The lower chamber or House of Commons takes green as it's predominant colour, like it's British counterpart, on which it is loosely styled.
	The red-carpeted Senate or upper chamber continues the British Parliament's colour scheme.
	Confederation Square and the National War Memorial are just across the road from the Parliament building. The Château Laurier Hotel in the background has some grand public areas that are worth visiting.
	A short walk past the Château Laurier Hotel takes you to the area of Byward Market, named for Colonel By who constructed the Rideau Canal.
	Rows of small squash painted with faces - $3 each or two for $5! By the end of October it seemed as if every house had a pumpkin mask outside.
	Every size and shape of squash imaginable! The whole of the market area was an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and bars busy with shoppers and street entertainers.

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