Ottawa, ON, Canada

Not just a hub for politicians, these green-topped buildings on Parliament Hill attract tourists from around the world.

If you’re willing to negotiate the rigorous security checks - yes, they have metal detectors and even an x-ray machine for your bags and personal belongings - then you can climb the Peace Tower inside the Parliament Buildings to look out across the whole city. Great views (if you don’t mind the heights).

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Well, if you’re in Canada, like me you’ve probably spent the day lazing around as today was a Civic Holiday (a ‘day off’ from work, basically).

The weather was unfortunately cruddy - not what you’d expect for August Weather. Anyhow, we had a good day and drank a few Canadians (a Molson brand of beer - the Americans consider Canadian beer to be like moonshine because its a tad stronger than Budweiser!! But, we love it!)

 Got outside for a while, until it rained and things got soggy. Then watched a few movies.

 More news from the capital coming soon…!

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As I mentioned in March Weather, April is a time for greener and warmer climes.

Unfortunately the old adage about ‘April showers’ also can be true but, in recent years, we’ve been looking at the skies and waiting for them to pour, but often nothing happens. It seems global warming is ensuring that it’s drier at times when you expect rain, and tempestuous in months when you expect sunshine… But, hey, what do I know? Am I a meteorologist? Nope.

But, as an Ottawan I can say, hand on heart, that April is mostly a good month to visit Ottawa, and most of

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July 1st was another awesome Canada Day. We also had a ‘bank holiday’ today as the 1st was a Sunday… Which is great for sleeping off the one too many Canadian beers that I may have imbibed - Labatts Blue, Alexander Keiths, and Molson Canadian (of course).

In Ottawa, we pull out all the stops for a great Canada Day celebration - fireworks, cool people, and even the sun was shining!

Best place to see the fireworks is in front of the Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill, where things ‘lift off’ around 10pm. See you there next year!!

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Whether you’re a native of the Canadian capital, or you’re a visitor to our fair city; welcome to my website devoted to all things OTTAWA! 

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Ottawa region, there’s plenty to see or do. From the historic Parliament Buildings to the scenic Rideau Canal, not to mention the dozens of cool festivals, such as the internationally-renowned Winterlude, the Tulip Festival, Bluesfest, and many more…

And I am here to give you all the juicy insider info and gossip, and hot hints and must-see’s, from a friendly local who knows what’s what (and will tell you everything straight from the horse’s mouth). Frommers and Lonely Planet ain’t got nothing on me!

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