TL;DR/The Short Version: Historical site that allows you to…read moresee what life would have been like in Upper Canada around the 1860s. The Long Version: I went here with my husband and a friend of his and the friend's kids. It's a little village where they preserved everything so walking through you get a glimpse of what life would have been like in Upper Canada in the 1860s-1900s. Many of the buildings are original buildings that were relocated to the site. They have actors who are dressed in clothing from that time and stay in character like they are living from those times. Some of the buildings include the wool factory, the saw mill, flour mill, bakery, cheese factory, dressmaker, tinsmith, shoe maker, church, and residential homes. There's a farm with sheep, pigs, horses and cows. The bakery makes real bread that's sold in the gift shop for $7 a loaf. The flour is stone milled and the pans are greased with pork lard, apparently the way it was done during the 1860s. We wanted to get a loaf, but they were too popular. The lineup was epic and they only make a limited amount of loaves per day. There are horse carriage rides that are free with admission and also a miniature train ride which costs an additional $8 a person. We took the miniature train ride and in my opinion, it wasn't worth the extra cost, lol. The "lineup" for the free horse carriage was pure chaos. There was no real lineup and hoards of people with their kids just milled around at the waiting area. When a carriage was available there was a mad dash to get on the wagon. It was pandemonium and everyone else in my group snagged a seat but I wasn't able to. So I told them to go ahead and I was good to sit this one out. I scrolled through Yelp on my phone while I waited for them to return. There's a functional sit-down restaurant (Willard's Hotel) that serves food typical of that era and is served by people in period dress. They even had Welsh Rarebit on the menu! We did not eat there though, lol. We ate at the modern cafeteria (The Harvest Barn) since the food there was more to the kids' tastes (burgers, fries, etc.). It's overpriced Sysco foods but you're paying for the convenience. I got 3 chicken tenders and fries ($14.95). My husband got a sausage on a bun ($8.95) and made it a combo (additional $6) with fries and a small fountain drink. I got a bottle of water, which I think was about $2.50. The food was frozen mass produced food that was refried. At least the chicken strips were real chicken breast meat. Had we been there on our own, we would have gone to Willard's Hotel. They also have a cafe and a Beaver Tails (deep fried flattened dough) kiosk too for food. It was neat to walk around, but I feel like one visit was enough. I found it amusing that they sell season passes because I can't imagine wanting to go back anytime soon, if ever. Lol. They do have special events here like Pumpkin Inferno where they have lots of carved pumpkins/Jack o'lanterns on display, but I'm pretty sure admission to those events are not included in season passes. Despite my less than enthusiastic review, I have no regrets going, life is about adventures, lol, and I'm grateful to my husband's friend for getting me out to a place I would likely have never gone to otherwise. General admission is $26. Kids under 4 are free, 5-12 is $17 and 13-18 is $20. Seniors 65+ are $24. A family pass is $80 (2 adults and up to 3 kids 18 years old or younger). Parking is free and plentiful. Review #136 (2025)

I remember going to upper Canada as a kid and loved it. I was so excited to bring my kids here…read moreand show them the Village. We got there first thing in the morning and it was already quiet busy. Maybe we just went on an off day, but the vibe was just different than I remembered. We actually only ended up staying about an hour and a half before we took off. Lots of walking, so be prepared to bring some good shoes. Not the greatest place for a little runners (babies) but better for four year olds and older. It was hard to find food on site, so bring lots of food with you . There was supposed to be a barn on site that sold french fries and sandwiches but we couldn't find it. Gift shop had a small cafeteria, but was understaffed . Picked up some bread that was made on site. I heard it was some of the best bread in town but I just wasn't a fan. It was whole wheat bread, and I just don't like the taste of whole wheat. There is a Beavertail stand at the entrance, but they weren't open at the time which was a bummer . They did give us free tickets upon checking in for another visit, but I'm not sure if we will go back.

Wow, what a story What a place…read moreSo much history So long ago. 1812 Spend an hour, learn a lot

A good tunnel experience…read more The tunnel was very nice and well maintained. Unfortunately, the music wasn't working which is why I am unable to give this place 5 stars today. The lights were working and it was a nice experience still. I thought the experience was awesome because a decorated railway tunnel is cool and is interesting to see. For the reasons that I have stated in this review, I recommend that you all check this tunnel out because of the excellent ambiance and for the beauty of it.

Wow. Is this ever neat. You gotta walk thru Hard hard…read morework and some good engineering Takes about half an hour to go thru

It's very frustrating that I have drove past this colossal mirror ball countless times, yet I have…read morenever snapped a photo. The stainless steel ball was commissioned in 1966, and stands elegantly next to the National Research Council of Canada building. Canadian artist Art Price designed the sphere as a symbolic representation of the NRC's research in the area of science and technology. This well known landmark and intriguing piece of art, is outdoors in all of it's glory, on the South side of Montreal Road. I've been fascinated by this giant mirror ball sculpture for years. Check out some local copyrighted pics here: http://www.artbabych.com/2010/October-th/pearl-th.jpg and here: http://www.artbabych.com/2010/October-th/mirror_mirror-th.jpg

This one will be short and sweet. I was going through the photos on my phone and found some of…read moreCourt House Square. They are a few years old, but I figured I'd upload them to Yelp all the same. Court House Square is a beautiful park in the centre of Brockville by the Court House and a Presbyterian church. It has a beautiful water fountain in it and some park benches and picnic tables. The greenspace is pretty. In the spring and summer there are patches of flowers in the park. It's a great place for pictures, perhaps even engagement and wedding pictures. My husband and I always visit this park when we're in Brockville to snap some pretty photos. Review #23 (2026)

What makes this park fantastic is the view and the proximity to everything in Brockville. It's in…read morethe dead centre of town surrounded by a fantastic cobble-stone-esque roadway, the river to the south, and the court house to the north. The clock tower is at the north end of the park allowing you to sit in full view of the entire court house and it's lawn and front garden. The walk up to the park takes you past the war memorial and a gorgeous town fountain. There are tons of local restaurants and cafés nearby that will provide you a take-away lunch that you can take to the park and enjoy. The downtown in Brockville is really nice and quaint to begin with. This park is the topper.

If you have been following my reviews, you should have noticed by now that I really enjoy history -…read morespecifically visiting historic sites, such as Pinhey's Point, The Keg Manor, Goulbourn Museum, and The Canadian Museum of Nature (that wonderful old castle that has such a rich history!) To that list, we can now add Manotick's Watson's Mill. I have to wonder if the current Mayor of Ottawa is a descendant of the Manotick Watsons? I have been to Manotick several times over the years, but for some odd, bizarre reason, I had never seen the mill before. I had enjoyed 2 or 3 of the local restaurants, and shopping along the main street, but managed to overlook this beautiful historic section. Isn't that typical of history? It so often gets overlooked... until you do a little digging! On this visit, I learned how the population of Manotick has exploded recently! In roughly 100 years, the population grew only a little bit, going from 400 to about 470, but in the last decade it mushroomed to over 5000 people! This particular visit to Manotick was prompted by the Christmas Craft Fair which runs for 3 consecutive weekends until December 3-4. That's really cool! I haven't seen any other fairs run for so long. Another intriguing thing about this fair is that some of the vendors are there for longer or shorter than others, so if you happened to visit on any one weekend, there would be no harm in taking another trip to Manotick to visit the fair again, as it is likely the display will be different. This event was really well run, in my opinion. There were lots of vendors and as a result, a wider variety of items to choose from. Oh, and of course, if you happen to be there early enough, you might be lucky to find fresh bread baked from Watson's Mill flour! Or you could also purchase some flour to take home to use in your own baking. It's all good! Bear in mind what other reviewers have said: the Mill itself is original and although the building does have windows - ie: it is NOT like a parking garage with wind whipping through it! - But it also does NOT have heating or running water inside. Washrooms and heat are across the street. Wearing layers to attend winter events at this venue is a good idea. While there, I took a stroll through the memorial gardens and saw the names pressed into the sidewalks along the river of people whose lives have been lost in the wars. There's a cenotaph there that still had poppies from the local Remebrance Day celebration. Walking back to the Mill, I got a glimpse of the rushing waters behind the mill, and took photos. Manotick really is a lovely village! I highly recommend visiting this site in different seasons. The Mill itself does run in the summer, and you can learn about how flour is made.

My friend, who was my professor during my undergraduate years, recommended visiting Watson's Mill…read more I took his advice and had a good, educational experience. The mill is in Manotick, which is a quaint, picturesque town just shy of Ottawa. This mill played an important part in the grain and seed industry years past. You can learn about the grain process and go up all three floors. It does get cold, so bundle up! Admission is free. However, I made a small donation. I also bought some lollipops at the gift store, because it is who I am. Across the street is Dickinson House, where the co-builder and mayor lived. I'd also recommend seeing the Rideau behind the mill. It's a beautiful site. Additionally, there is a memorial and a pathway honouring those who fought to served and protect Canada. It's done tastefully. I was moved reading the names of veterans as I walked back to the mill.

Saigon Square is a tiny little park at the south west corner of Preston St and Somerset St West, in…read morefront of the Plant Recreation Centre, which is also the western edge of Chinatown. It was named in 2018 "in recognition of the contributions to the City of Ottawa by the Vietnamese refugees who came to Canada in search of freedom." There is a sizeable Vietnamese population in Ottawa, in part due to Project 4000, which was created by then-mayor, Marion Dewar, who in 1979 welcomed 4000 Vietnamese refugees to Ottawa through private sponsorship. There is also a monument in the square that is "in memory of those who have lost their lives in the quest for freedom." The monument was erected in 1995, before the square was named. I sometimes see fresh flowers at the monument and I sometimes see people praying at the monument. Since those who died fleeing persecution were often lost at sea or buried near former displaced persons camps throughout Southeast Asia, visiting their graves may not be possible, so I think this monument serves as a substitute for the family members of these people. I am always in support of things that provide solace and peace to those who need it. I see a lot of meaning and significance in this Square. The monument is a reminder of the innocent victims of war (the statue is of a woman running barefoot while carrying a child). The plaque acknowledges the positive contributions that the refugees have made to the place that received them. The benevolence of those who helped the refugees is implied. And the monument and square symbolize both realism and hope, two things that I think are vital, both in times of war and times of peace.

Saigon Square is located at the west part of Chinatown. To officially have me walk the entire…read morestretch of Chinatown, we walked over here and found this little park. Even though it's a small park, it's significant when you take the time to read everything. First, there is a plaque that recognizes Vietnamese refugees who left their home to come to Canada, and start fresh by finding freedom. The plaque is in English, French, and Vietnamese. It is classy. Second, the statue of a mom, holding her child tightly in her right arm, as she flees, smack in the middle of this park, is powerful. This tribute is meaningful, especially to folks like me who didn't know that there is a huge Vietnamese population until I strolled through Chinatown to notice the positive mark that they have made in Ottawa. This park is pretty and quaint. It was also fitting to see the greenery and growth, which is symbolic on so many levels. Well done! (269)

Commenting as a tourist, I was able to go there even though it's being renovated (will be complete…read moreby 2032, apparently). You can even go into a legislative session (need to bring a governmental ID and pass a security check) to see parliamentary procedures and democracy in action. Definitely worth checking out!

The place that runs Canada. The parliament building, modeled after the Big Ben in London, has an…read moreamazing site. Currently it's going through some renovations, so two gigantic cranes are towering over the building. Very popular site with tourists. There are huge boards that provide details of the building and the government. Visitors can the building too but we saw a long line. Lots of law enforcement officers in the area to keep everything safe and in order.

It's a beautiful and historic church in the heart of Ottawa. There's no admission fee, instead, you…read morecan make a donation to the church. Whether you're visiting or coming here to say prayers, it's definitely worth the trip. The painted glasses, the craftsmanship and all the details included in them is so impressive; I could spend hours in the church, admiring the artwork. The ceiling is the most impressive part about this beautiful cathedral; I loved it.

This cathedral is located in a residential area, which makes it easy for people to come and visit…read moreor attend mass. When we entered and saw the church it was a Wow moment. Omg it's beautiful, the Colour's used , glass painting looks amazing when the sun shines on it. It's a huge basilica, the architecture is amazing, it's a must see . The choir sits on top floor and sounds soooo good .