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.

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.

"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.

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.

Along the Ottawa River betwixt Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Québec, Alexandria Bridge gets all…read morethe love ... but don't forget to give some due to the Portage Bridge. Off of Gatineau's Laurier Street and Alexandre-Taché Boulevard and Ottawa's Wellington Street, it's a great way to cross from Gatineau, Quebec to Ottawa, Ontario (or vice versa). While it doesn't have all the plaques and benches park-like area, it has one thing Alexandria doesn't ... the rapids. Named the historic "Portage Trail" which ended near the bridge, it has the great benefit of being right next to Chaudière Falls. While the wideness near Alexandria Bridge leads relatively calm waters, the river is angrier up here at Portage. That makes for great pictures and an entertaining wish-wash of sound. Walking the bridge, not only will you move from one Provence to another, you'll cross Victoria Island along the way. Keep in mind there's also pedestrian walkway under the bridge. But what's the fun of that with rapids like this? Yes, walk Alexandria Bridge ... but ALSO walk Portage! MY BAD FRENCH TRANSLATION: Le long de la rivière des Outaouais entre Ottawa (Ontario) et Gatineau (Québec), le pont Alexandria reçoit tout l'amour... mais n'oubliez pas d'en donner quelques-uns en raison du pont Portage. En sortant de la rue Laurier et du boulevard Alexandre-Taché, à Gatineau, et de la rue Wellington, à Ottawa, c'est un excellent moyen de traverser Gatineau, Québec, jusqu'à Ottawa, Ontario (ou vice versa). Bien qu'il n'ait pas toutes les plaques et les bancs comme un parc, il n'ya qu'une chose à Alexandrie: les rapides. Nommé le "sentier du portage" historique qui se termine près du pont, il présente le grand avantage d'être situé juste à côté de la chute des Chaudières. Tandis que la largeur près du pont Alexandria mène à des eaux relativement calmes, la rivière est plus en colère ici, à Portage. Cela donne de superbes images et un son-lavage de souhait divertissant. En marchant sur le pont, non seulement vous vous déplacerez d'une Provence à une autre, vous traverserez également l'île Victoria. Gardez à l'esprit qu'il y a aussi une passerelle piétonne sous le pont. Mais quel est le plaisir de cela avec des rapides comme celui-ci? Oui, marchez sur le pont d'Alexandrie ... mais AUSSI sur Portage!

The Portage Bridge is one of 5 bridges that connects Ottawa, ON to Gatineau, QC, so it's an…read moreinter-provincial bridge. The other 4 from west to east are the Champlain Bridge, the Chaudiere Bridge, the Alexandra Bridge (which for some reason, many people mistakenly call the Alexandria Bridge) and the MacDonald-Cartier Bridge. The Portage Bridge and the Chaudiere Bridge are very close to each other. The Portage Bridge is a beam bridge. It's less than a kilometre long (700m) and was originally built in 1973. It is not exclusive to vehicular traffic; you can walk or cycle across its well. I was a bit surprised to see that the Portage Bridge has a Yelp page, as architecturally, I find it rather unremarkable. However, here we are in the twelfth month of the Covid-19 Pandemic; in and out of lockdown. Prior to the Pandemic I would almost exclusively review restaurants, stores and services, because that was the life that I was living, eating out, buying stuff, and getting stuff maintained/repaired. The Pandemic has changed that, I am now spending more time discovering and enjoying other things, so you will see more reviews of parks, monuments, and historic landmarks from me, and I guess now bridges too, lol. I have been irreparably changed by this Pandemic, some for the ill, but some for the better. I have a new appreciation for many things I took for granted. How many times have I crossed a bridge and never thought twice about the actual bridge? What is the history of the bridge? Who were the people involved in the creation of the bridge? How has the bridge evolved over time? The Pandemic has caused me to be even more introspective than I was before. So here I am giving some love to the Portage Bridge, something I never would have thought of reviewing prior to the Pandemic.

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".

Since I live right pretty well on the border of Rockcliffe Park, I often go walking there. It is…read morereally nice to walk by all the different residences of ambassadors. Not only are the houses huge, but they seem to have lots of character of the countries that they represent. People in the neighbourhood are always friendly and greet eachother when passing. There are always plenty of people out walking their dogs, cycling and jogging. The neighbourhood is really safe and I have gone walking at night on several occasions without any problems.

I am writing this review in regards to the cycling available along the rockcliffe parkway, which…read moreruns through the park. This is a wonderful route to follow, especially if you can find a time when it is not busy with cars. I went out on March 7th around 1pm, and it was lovely. The air was crisp, and there were no cars. The view along the river is breathtaking, and offers several opportunities to venture off the road and shore. The whole parkway is about 22km one-way, and there seemed to be a gentle slope. The actual parkway road is decent, however the surround streets you use to access it are ridden with potholes. I would suggest bringing your bike to one of the parking lots in the park and setting out from there. I am sure it can only get lovelier as the weather gets warmer, and the festivals and tourists dots the landscape. From my understanding the parkway is heavily used by cyclists in the summer, this is comforting. Also, I found drivers passing me on the road gave me a lot of room. I will definitely keep riding this route, and return once the snow clears to explore the park! The only downside to cycling, is the actual parkway is not very long. You could do the stretch multiple times but your passing the same scenery which is boring. Once the parkway ends the roads get considerably more busy.