Since 1867, Rideau Hall (officially known as “Government House”) has been the official residence of the Canadian Monarch and Governor General. The House was originally built in 1838 by Scottish stonemason, Thomas McKay (principal contractor for the Rideau Canal). While working on the canal, McKay purchased 100 acres of land overlooking the Ottawa and Rideau rivers and built a stone villa for his family. Known by locals as “McKay’s Castle” ( but by McKay himself as “Rideau Hall”), the family lived here until 1855. When “Bytown” became the new capital of the Province of Canada in 1864, and renamed “Ottawa”, the mansion was leased to the Crown as a “temporary” residence for the viceroy of Canada. The following year, renovations to the building quadrupled its size with the addition of a 49 room wing. By 1868, the property was purchased outright and soon became the social center of Ottawa. Today, this 175 room mansion, with its 27 out buildings, serves as the center piece for the Governor General’s state occasions, as well as his/her personal residence and offices. Also on the grounds, the “Rideau Cottage” is the official residence of Canada’s Prime Minister and his/her family. Among the other buildings located on the grounds are the headquarters of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police detail, the Governor General’s Foot Guards, a Visitors Center, six greenhouses, a farm, and stables. Free tours of the State Rooms are available throughout the year.

While there are several entrances to the 100 acres surrounding Rideau Hall, this one serves as the “official” main gate.

With its 175 rooms, Rideau Hall serves as the official residence and offices of Canada’s Governor General, as well as the Monarch upon her/his state visits.

The main entrance hallway is as elegant a first impression as we’ve seen throughout our travels...

...although the Reception Room easily adds to the sense of grandeur.

Originally built as an indoor tennis court in 1876, the Tent Room now functions as a space for large receptions and dinners.

Of course, no large mansion nor palace would be complete without a Grand Ballroom...

...nor a dining room for 30-40 (or more) of your closest friends.

After diner, retiring to a cozy drawing room for some intimate discussions about the politics of the day is a must.

We would have loved to have a library like this in our house!

Archival photo of the Governor General’s Office.

Canada’s Prime Minister resides in the Rideau Cottage, also located on the grounds of Government House.

The grounds themselves are beautiful, with manicured lawns and lovely gardens...

...as well as peaceful tree-lined walkways...

...even nagnificent sculptures dedicated to First Nation peoples.

Originally built in 1878, the “Laurier House” served as the residence for two of Canada’s important Prime Ministers.Sir Wilfred Laurier (for whom the House was named) was Canada’s First Prime Minister of French Canadian descent. He lived here from 1897 until 1919. His wife, Zoe, willed the home (upon her death in 1921) to William Lyon MacKenzie King, who governed the country longer than anyone else. King lived in the house until his death in 1950. In his will, King bequeathed the home to the Canadian Crown. Touring this house was tantamount to exploring the first years of Canada’s political history. Some of the world’s most important political leaders of the time, conducted state business while here. Among the many “VIP’s” that were received as guests in the “Laurier House” were King George VI, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as well as many others.The building was designated a National Historic site in 1956. For the entirety of 2017, admission to this historic homestead is free.

Having been home to Canada’s two most important politicians, the Laurier House is a beautiful Victorian mansion.

Sur Wilfred Laurier was the first Canadian Prime Minister of French Canadian heritage.

William Lyon MacKenzie King governed Canada longer than anyone else.

Our exploration of this historic Victorian mansion began with Melissa (on the left) and Sandra (on the right)...

...one of whom (i.e. Sandra) is a star in her own right. Sandra was one of the models used for the Laurier House brochure.

Off of the ground floor hallway was the Reception Room where dignitaries were first received in the mansion.

The Drawing Room was the mansion’s social center...

...while the formal dining room was used for state occasions.

Smaller and more intimate, this dining area was used for family meals.

Being the home for the Canadian Prime Minuster required a certain amount of security. This Royal Canadian Mounted Police room served as headquarters for the security force .

While formally known as the library, this room served primarily as the Prime Ministers’ office

For us, what made this mansion truly elegant was the wrap-around porch. We loved it!

The first Canadian coins were minted in 1858 at the Royal Mint in London. A branch of this Mint was activated in Ottawa during January of 1908. During the Great Depression, Canada was able to negotiate its independence from the British Royal Mint and created the Royal Canadian Mint. By 1969 Canada reorganized it’s Mint as a Crown Corporation. As such, it no longer was considered a branch of the Department of Finance, but rather as a separate entity. Ten years later, the building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. In May of 2007, Canada’s Mint produced the world’s first , and only, 99.999% pure gold Maple Leaf bullion coin. Today, the Mint produces all of Canada’s circulation coins (up to two billion per year), as well as foreign coins for such countries as Singapore, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Yemen, Ireland, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, etc. in addition, the Ottawa facility created the medals for the 1972 Montreal Summer Olympics and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The President of the Mint is known as the “Master of the Mint.” This was an interesting place to visit, and it is easy to get to (less than a mile outside of the Central Business District and just beyond the U.S. Embassy).

Looking more like a fortress than what it really is, the Royal Canadian Mint is located along the Ottawa river less than a mile from the center of town ( and just a short distance past the massive U.S. Embassy).

It is an impressive looking building (somewhat reminiscent of National Guard armories back in the U.S.).

While tours of the facility do come with a price tag, they are not expensive (around six Canadian dollars - which is a little less than five U.S. dollars).

In addition to producing all of Canada’s circulation coins, the Mint also creates Collector coins and sets which can be purchased in their gift shop.

On display in the shop is this 28 pound, 24k gold bar...

...which you can lift up...but not take home (in today’s market it is worth more than half a million dollars).

Photographs of the process of making the coins are not allowed (this is a stock picture).

Across the Ottawa river, in the Gatineau area, is a park named after the French explorer, Jacques Cartier. Created during the 1930’s, the park offers a relaxing respite from hectic urban life. Within its confines are two historic buildings; Maison Charron (built between 1826 and 1841) is an example of an early European settler home. It is the oldest surviving home in the area. At the north end of the park is the Gilmore Hughson building. Built in 1892, it is one of the last sites on the Ottawa river linked to one of the major Canadian lumber companies of the 1800’s. What drew us to this park was a temporary (lasting only 107days) exhibit known as “MOSAICanada” - the largest horticultural event celebrating Canada’s 150 years of history. Made up of nearly 40 different pieces covering Canada’s 10 provinces, 3 territories, and First Nation settlements, this exhibition of living art was a must see. Bear in mind, the following images are pieces of art made entirely out of plants and flowers over a wire frame.

Greeting visitors at the entrance to the exhibit is the Canadian Pacific Railway’s engine 374. This was the first passenger train to cross the continent between Montreal and Vancouver...

...but now it is an impressive horticultural piece of art.

Most folks first image of Canada is of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - the “Mounties.”

Perhaps the best known resource off of Canada’s eastern province of Nova Scotia is the lobster, with its iconic fishermen loading their dories with wooden traps full of these shellfish.

However, the discovery of gold along the Klondike River in 1896 soon brought thousands of people from the four corners of the globe to Canada.

Soon afterwards, the traditions of the First Nation tribes began to be lost...

...to the influx of prospectors, fur traders, and settlers.

No question, for us, the biggest highlight of the collection was this piece, labeled “Mother Earth.”

Each piece started with a wire frame to create the basic shape...

...and then filled with potting soil before adding the finishing touches with plants and flowers.

Triangular in shape, Ottawa’s Confederation Square is considered the second most important ceremonial center in the capital (after Parliament Hill). At its center is Canada’s National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Originally, this area had been named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s seventh child, Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, who served as Canada’s tenth Governor General. By 1910, two bridges that had spanned the Rideau Canal we’re replaced by a single structure (none known as Plaza Bridge) under which rail traffic passed from the newly created Union Station. This restructuring allowed Prime Minister King to commission a design for a Square which would include a war memorial. The old central post office (built in 1886) once stood on this site. When we visited this Square, we were fortunate to witness the “Changing of the Guard” at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier. Led by a bag piper, this was a unique experience.

Confederation Square’s National War Memorial...

...including the Tomb of the Unkown.

We persuaded one of the security guards to take our picture (he was quite nice about it..even answering our numerous questions about the Memorial).

Prior to the construction of Confederation Square, the old Central Post Office dominated the area.

Old photo of the Square as construction commences.

With bagpipes playing, the changing of the guards happened while we were there.

It was impressive!

Situated in downtown Ottawa and overlooking the Rideau Canal, Major Hill Park was once home to those who built the canal. This area included the official residence of Lieutenant-Colonel John By, superintendent engineer of construction. At that time (1832), the Park was known as “Colonel’s Hill.” When By returned to England, his house was taken over by Daniel Bolton, who had been promoted in 1838 to the rank of Major. Then the area was renamed “Major’s Hill.” By’s/Bolton’s House was destroyed by fire on October 5, 1848. Today, the park’s landscape is decorated not only with beautiful flowers, but gorgeous bushes as well. Some of the best views of Ottawa can be seen from the top of the hill.

Entering from the street opposite the “Byward Market”, Major Hill Park offers a welcome respite from city life.

Lieutenant-Colonel John By still watches over the area.

Model of the By family home, which once stood in the area behind where Lt.-Col. By’s statue now stands.

Painting of how the soldiers’ barracks looked while they built the Canal.

Some of the Canal’s construction crew.

Long before By or any Europeans came here, the area was inhabited by members of the First Nation Algonquins.

Montreal contractor, Thomas MacKay, began construction, in 1827, of the Commissariat building on the lower west side of the Rideau Canal lock system in Ottawa. As the canal was being built (between 1826 and 1832), under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the Commissariat was in use as an office, treasury, and storehouse. By 1854, the building was turned over to the government of Canada for use by the various departments devoted to the maintenance of the canal. In 1951, the Women’s Canadian Historical Society moved their “Bytown Museum” ( founded in 1917) from the former City Registry Office to the Commissariat building. Today, this three story structure is the oldest remaining stone structure in Ottawa.

Located within the Commissariat building alongside the Rideau Canal, the Baytown Museum explores the history of Bytown (now known as Ottawa).

Taken from the Rideau Street Bridge, this view shows the relationship of the Commussariat building to the Rideau Canal.

In addition to serving as an office and storehouse, the Commissariat also housed a treasury for the money to pay the soldiers ...

...as well as a powder magazine. The walls are three feet thick in order to withstand the blast of a canon ball if the United States were to invade Canada.

John Summers’ carpenter’s chest . He served as construction foreman on the canal for more than 50 years.

While visiting this museum, we happened upon a ceremony sponsored by “Tree Canada.” During their 25 year history of pursuing a greener, healthier environment, this organization has been responsible for the planting of 82 million trees. Originally named “The National Community Tree Foundation,” this not-for-profit organization provides resources and teaching expertise for planting trees throughout Canada. This was one of those unexpected and fun happenstances we’ve so frequently discussed.

Reminiscent of days gone by, the “Town Crier” announced the opening of the ceremony...

...which included speeches by many “VIPs”...

...and still more speeches...

...and finally the “ceremonial planting “ of the 82nd millionth tree.

After all the hoopla, the tree was able to get down to the business of growing.

Designed to connect Ottawa with Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence river (at Kingston), the Rideau Canal ( in French meaning “curtain” because of the curtain-like twin waterfalls where it joins the Ottawa river) was opened in 1832. As the oldest, continuously operated canal system in North America, it’s original intent was to provide a secure supply and communication route to Kingston in case of possible invasion by the United States. Because it was easier to navigate than the Saint Lawrence river, the canal also served an important commercial purpose. Construction, which started in the Fall of 1826, was supervised by Lieutenant Colonel John By (Ottawa was first named “Bytown” in his honor) and was completed six years later. Prior to the 1840’s, the canal was the main travel route for immigrants headed west into “Upper Canada.” By 1849, the St. Lawrence river rapids had been tamed by a series of locks, so commercial shippers switched to this more direct route. In 1925, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. By 2007, the Rideau Canal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The 125 mile long Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River below Parliament Hill.

Its primary purpose during the mid-19th century was as a communication and supply route between Ottawa and Kingston in the event of invasion by the United States.

Early painting of Lt. Colonel John By supervising the canal’s construction.

View of the canal from the Rideau Street Bridge.

While the original purpose was as part of the military defense system of Ottawa, today the canal is primarily used for pleasure craft.

Remnants of the Engineer’s building along side the canal.

Colonel By still overlooks the canal from atop Major’s Hill Park...

...with a little help from a temporary supervisor.

Just over the border from the United States, and only 123 miles from Montreal, lies Ottawa, the federal capital of Canada. Situated along the south bank of the Ottawa river, it was originally founded, in 1826, as Bytown. Ten thousand years ago, after the Champlain Sea drained away, the valley became habitable. The First Nation Algonquins called the area “Odawa”, meaning “to trade,” because three major rivers converged here, making it an important center for trade and travel. Etienne Brule, in 1610, was the first European to travel the Ottawa river. Three years later, Samuel de Champlain followed Brule’s route and wrote extensively about his experiences with the Algonquins. In 1800, a New Englander named Philemon Wright established the first settlement on the north side of the river and pioneered the Ottawa Valley timber trade. Twenty-six years later, the settlement became known as “Bytown” (named after a military engineer by the name of Colonel John By who had designed and built the Rideau Canal through the area). By 1855, Bytown was renamed Ottawa and incorporated as a city. In 1857, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada.

Canada’s Parliament Hill overlooks the Ottawa River. If you look closely to the left of Parliament, you can just make out the entrance to the Rideau Canal.

Spanning the Ottawa River is the Interprovincial Alexandra Bridge (constructed in 1900).

Connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River, the 125 mile long Rideau Canal was originally built (in 1832) as a military precaution in case of war with the United States. It’s primary use today is for pleasure boating.

Right from the beginning, lumber has been a major part of Ottawa’s growth.

To some diehard Canadians, “Beavertails” are just as important to the economy...

This delicious treat is HUGE, but oh so good!

All-in-all, Ottawa is just a fun place to visit.

The federal legislature of Canada, located on what is now known as “Parliament Hill”, was established in 1867 uniting the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada (Quebec and Ontario). Originally a limestone outcrop covered by a primeval forest, the “Hill” for hundreds of centuries served as a landmark along the banks of the Ottawa river for First Nation native tribes. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Hill, then known as “Barracks Hill”, was the site of a military base. When Queen Victoria, in 1858, selected Ottawa to be the capital of the Province of Canada, the Hill evolved into a government precinct. Today, the three buildings atop Parliament Hill house the offices and meeting halls of the Canadian Government. Divided into three parts, the federal legislature of Canada is composed of the Monarch (represented by the Governor General appointed by the Queen), the Senate ( all 105 members being appointed by the Governor General upon the advice of the Prime Minister), and the House of Commons (all 338 members being elected by the people of Canada). While tours of the “Center Block” building have been available to the general public, it should be noted that beginning in the Fall of 2017, all three buildings will be closed for several years due to extensive renovation projects. We were fortunate to be able to tour Parliament before this closure occurred.

The Centre Block building is the main structure of the Canadian Parliamentary complex. Officially opened in 1866, and dominated by the central Peace Bell Tower, the building is home to the Canadian Senate and House of Commons.

A devastating fire in 1916, destroyed the building except for the Library of Parliament...

...which was saved by the closing of the heavy metal doors at the entrance of the library.

During our tour of Parliament, we were fortunate to see part of the Senate in action. All 105 members are appointed by the Governor General upon advice from the Prime Minister.

The 338 members of the House of Commons on the other hand are elected by the people of Canada.

Within the central tower is the “Memorial Chamber” dedicated to those Canadians who lost their lives during the “Great War” in France and Flanders.

A short ride to the top of the tower provides some excellent views of the Ottawa river...

...and the city.

We have often reported that some of the most interesting experiences during our journey have been discovered by happenstance. While exploring the downtown Austin area, we heard music eminating from the front of the Texas State Capital building. Investigating, we discovered the Mexican Independence Day Festival. Not to be confused with “The Day of the Dead” (which occurs later in the Fall), this festival commemorates the “Cry of Delores” - a famous speech by Father Miguel Hidalgo Castile on September 16, 1810 calling on Mexicans to revolt against the Spanish ruling class. This speech initiated the uprising that resulted in Mexican Independence in 1821. Now-a-days, this festival, organized by the “Fiestas de El Grito” foundation celebrates Mexican heritage. With all the singing and dancing, the colorful costumes, and the enthusiasm of the crowd, this was a fun day.

Mexican Independence Day kick-off on the front steps of the Texas State Capital building.

The day was full of music...

...dancing...

...and more music...

...including a little one-on-one with a band member.

Entire families came out to enjoy the festivities.

Mexican pride was in evidence everywhere...

...even amongst the youngest participants...

...as well as the Statue of Liberty.