Canada/Ontario: Ottawa – Exploring Ottawa
Ottawa has a relatively compact downtown area, centered east of the Parliament Hill, along the bend of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal coming out of it. Victorian architecture, many monuments (celebrating everything – from wars to native Canadian Heritage), a grand gothic Ottawa Cathedral, fortress-like Chateau Laurier, futuristic National Gallery, and many more attractions are packed closely together on the high river’s bank. The most happening area is the Byward Market – full of restaurants, bars, and cafes. And one must try the famous Canadian beaver tail – a flat deep fried sweet dough loaded with maple syrup – a guaranteed way to hasten the approach of diabetes, heart attack, obesity, and sugar-clogged arteries – but it’s oh so tasty!
