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Ottawa - A Touch of Olde Europe

8 votes

Canada's capital is like a piece of Medieval Europe on the American Continent. So many government buildings look like castles & cathedrals I've seen in Germany, England, & the Netherlands. The city is surrounded by water & beautiful parks & holds an easy-going atomosphere.

Favourite spots:
Just accross the Ottawa River is the Province of Quebec. Five of the bridges which cross it lead to Hull. Just across the Alexandra Bridge is the Museum of Civilization. Then east from there to the end of Laurier Street is the Ecological Park & it's many hiking trails.

What's really great:
So much is in walking distance of the hostel that I never needed to take a bus or taxi. I could see so much in just one day's walk.

Sights:
Just about any place along the river is a good place to just stroll & take in the view. In Wintertime, the Rideau Canal freezes up & is full of skaters. As I mentioned, so many buildings look like European castles & cathedrals. And you can't come to Ottawa without seeing the Parliament.

Accommodations:
Ottawa International Hostel 75 Nicholas Street, (613) 235-2595 This is a hostel converted from a very old prison. The cells & bars are still in use & the bare red bricks & grey stone can still be seen. The third floor is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of executed criminals.

Nightlife:
There are several within a few blocks of the hostel. The hostel staff will give you a map of what establishments are in the immediate area.

Hangouts:
Same as above.

Restaurants:
There are restaurants of many kinds & price ranges which can be found just by walking around. My favourite which I found is Coasters at 54 York Street. If you like seafood, you'll love this place.

Other recommendations:
Just across the street from the hostel is Rideau Centre, a huge shopping mall. Behind the hostel is the University of Ottawa.

Published on Wednesday September 4th, 2002 by shotclog

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