Trip to Ottawa during Thanksgiving weekend! Had so much fun, food, and fall photos.
Transportation
So, I reserved a ticket to Ottawa just before the night. They had only economy seats which is second grade of via train. You should book earlier. But, Economy gave me plenty of room to stretch and, luckily, there was an empty seat beside me. The trip was a 4-5 hours so I brought some food and drinks when I boarded. (Last thing you want to do is your stomach growling in the train, right) There was a table you can put your stuff on and power outlet to charge your phone. The road is kinda wanky but beautiful sceneries along the way. I brought my laptop so I can watch shows.
Finally at Ottawa! The train drops you off at Tremblay station at Ottawa. You can buy a day pass or 3 day pass from the vending machine there. And it gives you a paper card to tap in for the train and buses.
There is basic map of the Ottawa subway. I stayed mostly around rideau and parliament station, which is like downtown Ottawa.
The announcement was in both English and French, which was interesting. I guess because it is close to Quebec.
Rideau Canal
After getting off at Rideau station, there was a little bit of spare time before checking in to the inn so I went to Rideau Canal. Well, it was very cold because it was October and I was glad I got a scarf. The canal was like stairs and it lead to the big water. You can ride a cruise and boat too, but you have to reserve online. The online was full for me. So just watching the water.
Stay
I revered through booking.com an inn with $200, including tax. That’s 4pm-12pm on the next day. The room was clean, had queen size bed and a big desk. It also had a big window so you can get sunlight. My room was on the 3rd floor. I don’t know about other hotels but I think this was good enough for me to stay one night.
Blue Cactus Bar/Grill @ Byward Market
I got so hungry after checking in and I went to a restaurant nearby, called the blue cactus at Byward market. The market had a lot of local eateries in one place so less confusing and traveler-friendly. Okey, the food was excellent and service was very good. I got a half rack rib and a pina colada, of course without alcohol. They even had live singer there. The price was about $34.
Landmarks
After lunch, I went to different places to take pictures. That’s me in front of parliament building.
That’s me in front of monument. It was very huge and astonishing. Around that area, there was a lot of statues and interesting buildings, including the senate. Basically, this is why you go to Ottawa, the highlight of the trip.
That’s me in front of the famous hotel, Chateau laurier. It was right in front of Senate building. It was funny that the cup of turned. I heard that this is very old hotel, over hundred years, still working. There was polices around too, which made me feel safe.
It became afternoon at this point. I went for a walk toward Alexandria bridge, after changing. The bridge connects Quebec and Ottawa.
And I went to National Art Gallery that is nearby.
It was located at 380 Sussex Dr. I did not go in there to see actual art pieces, because I won’t be able to see everything, if I did. But, check it out it was a cool place. especially in the night time because they turn on the lights.
Right across the street of the art gallery, there was a Notre dame cathedral.
Isn’t it beautiful? with all the colors? The cathedral was just art. People sat there to prey. Travelers as well as local people.
Night at Ottawa
So, I had pho for dinner. It was so cold and I needed some hot soup. The food was great the pho was okey but I really like the wraps, nice and big. And, you know the iced coffee with condensed milk, it can’t go wrong. Great food. Around $30 in total, totally worth it.
I went to have the famous gelato for a dessert. Well I ordered large for $9. It was a lot of ice cream. Do not underestimate how they can stack. The flavor I got is strawberry, double chocolate, and coconut. Very sticky so it does not melt easily and tasted wonderful. My favorite was the double chocolates. You should try it too!
Okey, I had to walk more. That’s some night time photos of Byward market and peace tower. It was even more beautiful with lights on.
Summary
I had so much fun that day and went back to the inn satisfied. It was a very packed day and I heavily slept for the next day. What more you need? 🙂
Thank You.