Sharing my second day in Ottawa. Bicycling around the parliament, eating, and shopping and more.
Bridgehead Coffee
First thing in the morning, I needed caffeine because I was so tired from walking yesterday. So, I head out to Rideau station/Rideau station, which was close to Byward Market. In the Center, I went to Bridgehead coffee. I never seen this brand in Toronto. I googled this and it is Ottawa brand. No wonder why it was everywhere in Ottawa. I felt like getting pumpkin spice latte, for thanksgiving you know, but I got vanilla matcha latte, my favorite. They had latte art although it is franchise. Good quality and their logo was cool.
Then, I felt like going to parliament hill again to walk more. I used my scarf as a matt and got some sunlight and calmed my self down with the drink to prepare myself mentally for more walking. I did not forget to take some pictures, of course.
Le Moulin de Provence
Then, I got hungry and went back to Byward market and had some breakfast. They started breakfast staring 8:30. So if you are early bird type of person, go here. They had nice desserts and bread. Actually they had too many. They also served breakfast and coffee. I got the #1 breakfast menu and raspberry tart. Perfect place to visit if you want Canadian breakfast. It was delicious. I heard that this bakery is where Obama, the US president, visited. They even had Obama cookie as a menu.
Bike Rental
I reserved a scooter but I could not pay $300 deposit with debit card so I got a bike, instead. Well, it was my first time riding a bike that big-wheeled. So I only went close by for 40 min. The rental place is close to the rideau canal. The owners were really nice. I really liked their bike. I paid around $13 for an hour rental.
That’s how far I went. (20min bike time from the parliament) It was downhill and the road is shared between pedestrians and bike riders so it required your biking skill. Be aware there are multiple signs that said to get off at crossroad. Don’t wear short skirts!
Rideau Centre
I went to Rideau Centre and got a pink coat from Zara, cause it was so cold. I felt a lot comfortable after getting the coat. I walked around more.
Library and Archives
I went to Lee’s station and I took some pictures in front of library and archives building. That’s a statue right in front of building. I could not get in there because it was thanksgiving. There was nothing much at the station. So I say skip it if your are busy.
UOttawa
Then, I went to Uottawa station. Well, it was a bad idea to go to uOttawa in thanksgiving too. There was no one in the campus so no shop open as well. I wanted to get a sweatshirt but could not get it. All I could see was outside of buildings. I was kind of disappointed.
Mr. Pretzel and Umi Sushi
I checked out and went to Rideu center to eat something. There was a big line in Rideau center basement and an irresistible smell of bread baking. So, I got a salt prezel and it was so good. They made and baked on spot. Please visit if you are there.
After charging my phone, that was dying, at lunch area of the mall, I got a udon and a take-out sushi to eat and bring to the train. It was very hot and too much noodle. But, I think it prevented me from getting cold.
LOLLO Salad Café
Before getting to the train station, I had an hour or so of time so I walked in to Lollo salad café. I did not get any salad but it was good place to study. It was quite and there was power outlet. So I charged my phone more.
Summary
Then, I went to via station and could get in the train in time. The train arrived 30 min latter to Toronto than expected. I recommend getting 3:30 train. Also, the train was so shaky. Despite all that, it was a wonderful trip. I think, I saw and learned a lot through this first two-day trip alone.
Thank You.