NeilyWorld      Birding Ottawa - Local Non-birding Attractions


   LOCAL NON-BIRDING ATTRACTIONS

"... facets to bird-watching. It can be not only a skillful game, but also a science, an art, an esthetic experience, a heathful recreation, a philosophical pursuit -- or just a bore -- depending on the observer." - Roger Tory Peterson

        As locals rarely bother visiting 'their' points-of-interest, this section is addressed to visiting birders who may be multi-dimensional or, more likely, who may have non-birding travelling companions to amuse.
        Parliament Hill, (birding between the building and the river in migration), the seat of the Canadian government, has guided tours. One block away from the river is the Sparks Street Mall, an upscale shopping area. East of Parliament on Wellington Street is an Information Centre for visitors (or locals), where you can ask about local events, places, etc. and get handfuls of useful? brochures. Beyond this is the beginning of the Rideau Canal (the world's longest skating rink in mid-winter). Beyond that Rideau Street begins and on the south is a huge mall (the Rideau Centre) and a block to the north is the old-fashioned, turning ritzy, Byward Market area. That should keep the shoppers with you busy for a day or two.
        North of the Byward Market, along Sussex Drive, are the Royal Canadian Mint, the War Museum and the new, largely glass National Gallery.
        Across the Alexandra Bridge from the National Gallery is the new Museum of Civilization (Canada's National Museum).
        Sixteen blocks south of Parliament, at Metcalfe and McLeod, is the Museum of Nature. Lots here to fascinate young and old alike. The kids fav is the dinosaur section, of course.
        In the eastern end of the city, one can visit the Science & Technology Museum on Lancaster Street, off St. Laurent Blvd., where children can be amused for hours (adults too). The National Aviation Museum on the Rockcliffe Parkway at Aviation Parkway has a good collection of old planes, always a hit with kids.
        Some Ottawa websites providing information on what to see, where to stay, where to eat, where to go and what's going on are the National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa, Ottawa.com and the Ottawa Citizen News.
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View of Parliament Hill area
Parliament Hill

Sparks Street Mall
Sparks Street Mall


Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  October 24, 2009