Ridau Canal : The 200 Kilometer long (but only 1.6 meter deep) Rideau Canal connects Ottawa with Kingston on Lake Ontario. It was originally intended as a strateic route bet ween Montreal and Lake Ontario the military need for which was demonstrated during the war with the United States in 1812. In summer the canal and locks are an active waterway and in winter the frozen canal becomes a recreational area for skating and festivals. Chatew Laurier is one of the grand byildings on the canal banks. Though it has the air of a medieval castle it was actully built in 1912 and is a prime example of how big Cadian railroad companies added grand hotels (and striking landmarks) across Canada.
Parliament Hill: The Parliament Buildings in all their splendor of Victorian Gothic sandstone are quite an imposing sight on a 50 meter high hill looking out over the Ottawa River. The Parliamentary Library at the back of the building opposite the entrance is a wonderfully furnished octagon that was untouched in the 1916 fire Free quided tours explore the sprawling historic Centre Block and the public can also attend question period when the government is in session or climb the Peace Tower. The grounds encompass many sculptures and front of the Parliament buildings extends an attractive grassed area patrolled in summer by members of the Canadian Mounted Police looking very dashing in their Mountieuniforms of scarlet jackets Stetsons riding breeches and knee boots.
Ottawa grew up between 1820 and 1840 from a construction base where the Rideau Canel diverged from the Ottawa River. hn By (1779- 1836) was in charge of the canal project and consequently the town was known as Bytown. In 1854 the town changed its name to Ottawa and later developed as the Canadian capital. The Parliament buildings were built in 1865 high above the Ottawa River and it was here that the first Canadian Parliament met following the founding f the Dominion of Canada in 1867.