Discovering Great Architecture on Foot in Ottawa

Chateau Laurier, Ottawa

Architecture is another area of my interest.

Ottawa is an excellent place to visit if you appreciate architecture of various types and from different eras.

Chateau Laurier by the Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Canada

I love buildings of all kinds.

Global Affairs for Pluralism Building

I used to collect miniature wooden houses. Since my collection has grown to a certain number, I could not longer afford to keep them in our basement or found storage space for them. I started giving them away slowly.

Courtyard of the Global Affairs for Pluralism Building

However, my passion for architecture has not waned.

I get very excited whenever I see interesting buildings, old and modern during our travel.

The Canadian Parliament Buildings, Ottawa

Having walked and explored Ottawa for the past week or so, we came across many beautiful buildings and architecture.

The Royal Canadian Mint Building

One of my favourite buildings was the castle like building where the Royal Canadian Mint  located and where our souvenir gold and silver coins are made.

Connaught Building, Ottawa

This tall building with a few turrets on top located on George Street in downtown Ottawa is the national headquarters of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

View of the Connaught Building at dusk, Ottawa

This is where Canadians send in our income tax returns every April and hope for a refund!

I saw this address many times. Finally I got to see where Canadians tax returns are processed annually.

















It was a pleasure walking along Rideau Street as we saw many different types of buildings.

We first saw the Notre Dame Cathedral with its twin steeples  shimmering in the sunlight.

This is where both English and French masses are held daily for the residents and visitors of Ottawa.















Right across from the Notre Dame Cathedral is the Reconciliation Square with statues of  three soldiers honouring Canadian peacekeepers and their contributions to Canada and the world.

Then we saw the more modern side of  Ottawa's architecture -  the National Gallery of Canada.

Away from the busy main thoroughfares, we discovered other beautiful architecture in a smaller scale.

Tucked in the alleyways, we saw arches, gardens and bistros where visitors relaxing and enjoying drinks.

Stores on Rideau Street, Ottawa

We were delighted that by exploring Ottawa on foot during our visit, we were able to take a closer look of the many fantastic arts and marvelous buildings in the downtown area.














We hope to make this arts discovery trip in Ottawa an annual tradition for us!

R.T.
A Recent visitor to Ottawa