Ottawa - Day 2

I slept ok - all 8 beds were occupied, but the girls were very nice and considered.  There are 2 bathrooms on the floor - clean thank goodness....

I got myself ready, checked out and went to the Byward Market for coffee and breakfast!  Need to start the day right....I felt almost like being in Paris, sitting there with my coffee and watching people pass by....

Today I am planning to see yet another Notre Dame, walk to the Rideau Falls, walk across the Pont Alexandra Bridge to the other side of the river and then back along the Rideau Canal.  I know.... some people think I am crazy... but I love walking and exploring.  It keeps drizzling so I don't fancy hiring a bike...

I have til 4pm then I'll have to figure out how to get myself back to the train station, which is outside of town.  I need to take the bus to get there.... good luck to me....






The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is an ecclesiastic basilica in Ottawa, located in the Lower Town neighbourhood. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990.

The Basilica is the oldest church in Ottawa and the seat of the city's Catholic archbishop. Its twin spires and gilded Madonna are easily identifiable from nearby Parliament Hill and the surrounding area.

This big spider belongs to The National Gallery of Canada (French: Musée des beaux arts du Canada).It is one of Canada's premier art galleries. The Gallery is now housed in a glass and granite building.

I didn't go in to see the Gallery, only used the 'washrooms'.....

Off I stroll along Ottawa River to the Rideau Falls.

The Rideau Falls are two waterfalls where the Rideau River empties into the Ottawa River. The falls are divided by Green Island. The falls were named by the early French for their resemblance to a curtain, or rideau in French. The Rideau River was later named after the falls.

 I sat for a while to take in this breathtaking environment....such a beautiful and tranquille place....

Next stop the Canadian Museum of Civilization and a stroll through Jacques Cartier Park.  The other side of the river...across the Pont Alexandra Bridge...

 View of Parliament Hill from the other side...

 Museum of Civilizations....

 Autumn colours....

After a coffee break at the museum, I continue back over the bridge all the way to the Rideau Canal.... apparently in winter, when the Canal is frozen, people can iceskate on it - that'll be fun....

The Rideau Canal (French: Canal Rideau), connects the city of Ottawa, on the Ottawa River to the city of Kingston on Lake Ontario. The canal was opened in 1832 as a precaution in case of war with the United States and is still in use today, with most of its original structures intact.   It is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. It is operated today by Parks Canada as a recreational waterway. The locks on the system open for navigation in mid-May and close in mid-October.

Turned out it was a good day - sunny in between.... I love Ottawa, and autumn here is a great season - am glad I stayed!  Ottawa has a lot to offer, lots of museums, universities, parks and water ways and countryside around it.... I can only recommend a visit here - specially during autumn time!

By chance I passed the bus terminal at the university from where my bus goes - had to ask which direction to go, but all went well. I found the train station with plenty of time to have a cup of tea and a snack.



The train journey was uneventful and comfortable.  There was an absolutely beautiful sunset, the sky was lit up - just beautiful.

 I arrived back in Toronto safely at 10.oopm.  Huda picked me up from the subway station - thank you!

Ahh, how wonderful to have my own room and bed and space again....

Signing out...

S & D.