Ottawa, Canada, eh?

Canada's capitol city makes for a great visit--a fascinating history, beautiful sites, fine cuisine, and hospitable people. With a population that hovers around one million, the city was named for the river it borders, the Ottawa, which comes from the Algonquin words for "to trade."

One of the highlights of the trip is a visit to the comprehensive War Museum, which traces Canada's military engagements from the very beginning. I found particularly interesting the descriptions of the brief Canadian-American skirmishes following the end of the American Civil War.

Tanks and other military vehicles on display

One of Adolph Hitler's personal vehicles 

Interesting architecture throughout the entire complex!

The National Holocaust Monument, with strikingly contemporary architecture,  is extremely moving.

On a much lighter note, a visit to the Byward Market area and Beavertail pastry is a must--where else can one enjoy a slab of dough, lathered in a variety of sweetness, and stretched to resemble a beavertail??

The "Cattle Castle", once the site of livestock auctions, but now used as an exhibition hall

The Federal Government buildings evoke a sense of old Europe 

The changing of the guard ceremony--elaborate and fun to watch!

The elegant Chateau Laurier, just above the federal government complex. 

Ottawa is truly worth the time. And, if you are a winter sports enthusiast, consider visiting during the annual Winterlude Festival. If you miss that opportunity, you can nevertheless join the locals and skate on the Rideau Canal to take in an entirely different perspective of Canada's national seat. Oh--and have that Beavertail. Or two.