Thursday June 22: Ottawa – Capitol of Canada!!!

After spending Wednesday night at Hurst Marina (nice place – we'll stop again on the way back!), we left early enough to make the 10 am opening of the flight locks 9 miles away. The closer to Ottawa we get, the larger the homes along the waterway.

Timing was great as we arrived shortly before the lock personnel. Steve had time to walk around the lock area and check everything out.

The three arch span on this bridge was pretty fun – very unique.

The first view of the metro area was what I'm thinking is a Greek Orthodox church of some type. 

It seemed to be strange that we were on a waterway that would lead us directly to within ¼ mile of the parliament buildings of the capitol! 

I'm thinking no way would this happen in Washington, DC.

Finally from around the bend, we could see the downtown government buildings. We had arrived!!

From here the Rideau Canal continues through flight locks – 8 locks in a row where you move from one lock to the next to the next – well, you get the picture!

It was a beautiful day with bright sunshine and a cool breeze. Perfect for the top level of a Hop-on Hop-off tour of Ottawa.

First breakfast – Craig led the way to where he 'remembered' there to be a place for breakfast from two years ago. He led us right to it!

The tour was a great way to see the highlights of the city and included a trip across the Ottawa River to Gatinaue – in Quebec!

Karen opted for the Art Museum, Craig did the Air Museum and Steve and I took on the Nature and Science Museum with – according to the tour guide – had an octopus or something hanging in the main entrance. Turns out it was a Jellyfish – according to Steve the biology guy :-)

A few of the sights:

US Embassy

Notre Dame Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral

Steve's favorite meat market from 6 years ago :-)

Spider sculpture at art museum. 

For some history of the spider sculpture, click here!