Cute little place along the Ottawa River Pathway. People come here to have a picnic by the water or…read morejust sit by the water bank and read a book or simply enjoy nature. Some people, more rugged outdoorsy than me (I realize it does not take much to be more rugged outdoorsy than me, lol) will enter the water in their kayaks here since there is a parking lot here where they can park their cars. The water was very calm on my visit (mid-April) but I think there can be more waves depending on the time of year and water levels. I just like to take in the sights and enjoy the cool breeze by the water.

On my jog this afternoon, I decided to cross my side of the Ottawa River Pathway and go check out…read morethe view of the river. I happened upon the parking spot for Deschenes Rapids, a little spot where whitewater rafters and kayakers come to surf a little baby wave, and I spot I've driven by several times, but never stopped at. This area is small, but beautiful. It offers gorgeous views of the river, a few picnic tables (it would be such a nice place to eat lunch!). It doesn't have any kind of fencing - the water goes right to the edge of the rocks, so be super diligent if you have little ones. I enjoyed a really nice few minutes of peace and quiet here, and it's definitely a great spot to read a book, and maybe have a romantic bottle of wine with a special someone!

As you probably know - if you've been following my reviews, I am a bit of a history buff! I love…read morethe museums in Ottawa! Billings Estate is the former home of one of the region's earliest settlers, Braddish Billings, and it is the oldest wood framed house in Ottawa, built in 1827-9. It has been on my bucket list for a while now, but it's on the "other end of the city" from where I live... so as a result, I have never been there yet - but this is about to change! This facility is run and operated by the City of Ottawa. Enter the work scenario: our office plans annual luncheons, inviting the entire office (and every year, there are some who cannot join us). Funds for these events come out of Social Committee dues, and the events provide a good way to mix and mingle, reacquaint ourselves and get to know our colleagues outside the office work situations. This year, we did some research as to where we could meet that provided space, tables and seating, easy access for all, and to get quotes on catering. And we had a budget.... It is always a challenge to keep it interesting and within budget! Our event has not yet taken place, but so far, I have to admit that the Billings Estate has been relatively easy to deal with (although they are not always easy to reach for a quick response). What they do that works for us: - They pitch a tent that stays up all summer. - They put a temporary floor down so that people with walkers can actually walk on it, and access it. - Parking is free. - Anyone could potentially hold an event there, like a wedding. ** I will update this review once the event has taken place.

"Great place to work--if you survive the geese."…read more Carling Campus has everything you could want in a government facility: sleek architecture, decent cafeteria options, good coffee, and free daily encounters with aggressive wildlife. The real stars of the show? The Canadian Geese, who have clearly unionized and now operate as full-time security. Need to get from your car to the front entrance? You better be ready for a covert goose bypass operation. These birds don't just honk -- they judge, glare, and, if provoked, launch a full-scale flapping offensive. Forget swiping in -- if you're not on the goose-approved list, you're not getting past the parking lot. One hiss, and you know you've crossed a line. Two hisses? Kiss your Tim Hortons goodbye. The cafeteria might serve chicken, but rest assured, it's not their chicken. That would be grounds for war. Facilities: 10/10 Security: Also 10/10 (goose-led) Outdoor morale walks: Now a tactical operation Wildlife preservation: Thriving Human dignity: Occasionally compromised Pro tip: Walk with confidence, avoid eye contact, and always carry a granola bar for potential negotiations.

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.

This is one of many statues of Terry Fox across Canada. This one in Ottawa is across from…read moreParliament Hill. There are others in St. John's, NL, Richmond Hill and Thunder Bay, ON, as well as Victoria, Port Coquitlam and Prince George, BC. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete. He had a rare form of bone cancer which caused him to have to have one of his legs amputated. With his artificial leg, he embarked on a journey to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. His cross-country run was called "The Marathon of Hope." He ran for 143 days and 5300 km, roughly the equivalent of a marathon everyday. He started in St. John's, NL and was forced to end his journey in Thunder Bay, ON because the cancer had spread to his lungs. He died of his cancer shortly after at age 22. Terry Fox is considered a National hero. He has several buildings, streets and schools named after him. His name is synonymous with hope. Thr bronze statute features him in his t-shirt, shorts and sneakers, what he wore during his Marathon of Hope. It was created by John Hooper in 1983. It is a beautiful tribute to an exceptional Canadian who has inspired so many.

I hated when they moved the Terry Fox statue. Even though it now finds itself in front of…read moreParliament Hill, somehow it seems less prominent than it's original spot. Back in the early eighties, the bronze statue of internationally inspiring Terry Fox was unveiled at the eastern edge of the Rideau / Colonel By underpass. Terry Fox remains one of Canada's most inspirational heroes in the world. Still to this day, I find it very powerful.

Ottawa's urban castle…read more Ok, it's not really a castle, but it could be with it's crenellated roofline. This is one of my favourite quirky buildings in the city, with it's enchanting architecture. I haven't had the good fortune to visit the interior, but here's to hoping the embassy opens it's door again this year for "Doors Open Ottawa".

It's nice to have a community centre in such a small area in Ottawa. This community centre is…read moremerely steps from my door and offers lots of classes, from yoga, to art, to music, to pilates! There are children's programs available too and camps are run in the summer. Classes are held at all different times. There is even an early morning fitness class starting at 630am! The community is knit further by holding frequent meetings and events, both in the community centre and at various places around the Lindenlea community. Events are also organized to help the community by giving to the Food Bank and becoming a more green neighbourhood.

This is a decent facility, in a busy and bustling Ottawa neighbourhood. We attended an interesting…read moretalk that concerned travel to India, from the perspective of 2 different travellers, and the travel agency which books group tours. Lots of interesting information was provided, and some beautiful photos. We were located in a large room to the left of the entrance; it had large windows facing the street. The presenters did have some technical issues (audio/visual) which they resolved. There is lots more to this community centre than we had time to explore! Maybe next time we can take our time.