National Attractions to enjoy
P arliament Hill: Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system.
Canadian Museum of Civilization: The museum lets you explore 1,000 years of Canadian history, meet some of Canadas most remarkable personalities, explore the traditions and achievements of its First Peoples. The history of this land and other lands is vividly brought to life in the many exhibitions. The Canadian Museum of Civilization is also the home of the Canadian Children's Museum, various international exhibitions, the Canadian Postal Museum and the IMAX® Theatre.
Canadian War Museum: It presents Canada's military past and how it shaped the country. The exhibitions are divided into four chronological galleries, from earliest times to the most recent military operations, including Canada's tradition of peacekeeping around the world. Human conflict is explored through personal stories, art, artifacts, photographs and interactive presentations. The Canadian War Museum is a military history museum of international stature.
National Gallery of Canada: The Gallery is housed in a glass and granite building on Sussex Drive with a notable view of the Canadian Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill. The Gallery has a large and varied collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs. Although its focus is on Canadian art, it holds works by many noted European artists. The Canadian collection holds works by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven as well as Emily Carr and Alex Colville
Canadian Museum of Nature: Explore this natural history museum and take a peek at dinosaurs, insects, birds and mammals.
Changing of the Guard ceremony: This 30 minute spectacle takes place every morning at 10:00 a.m. on Parliament Hill from the end of June to the end of August. This is within easy walking distance from the B&B.
Sound and Light Show: Will start again in July, 2012.
Winter is also a special time of year to visit Ottawa with the Rideau Canal Skateway - the world's largest skating rink, only a 5 to 6 minute walk away.
