July 22, Day 39 - In Ottawa

This morning we slept in … we were tired from yesterday’s activities. At around 9:30 we heard a band. Turns out it was the “guards” for the changing of the guard ceremony on Parliament Hill. They marched right by the canal dressed in their bright uniforms and bearskin busbies.

We headed out to explore and decided to take a tour to help us get a feel for what was in the area. We passed several museums, government buildings and the Byward Market. We got off the bus there and walked through the fresh produce market and some of the little shops and had lunch. This was a very interesting place to stroll as it was full of boutiques, arts & crafts and numerous restaurants. We will probably go back tomorrow to do a little provisioning (cheese, bread, fish, fruits and veggies). We also found a good sized grocery store (need to get soda) and other stuff (need to get some more wine). Later in the evening we walked through the Sparks Street Mall. It’s an outdoor pedestrian mall which covers several blocks. We decided to eat at an Italian restaurant before returning to the boat by way of Wellington Street which is where all of the Parliament Buildings are located. It is a very impressive city.



Monk's Vineyard on the canal wall with the "impressive skyline" in front. It was very different scenery from the night before.
Guards marching past the boat on their way to the Changing of the Guard

Ottawa City Hall

The Supreme Court of Canada --- since it is summer they are currently in recess.

Looking down Wellington Street

We found our namesake at the Byward Market (minus the Monk)

Some diners at the table next to us (guess the bread was really good)

Flower beds along the canal wall

The canal at dusk. The boats in front are tour boats that take people up and down the canal for an hour tour.

One of the tour boats going by. They are taking a picture of us and we are taking a picture of them.