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.

I had to come here to get some paperwork done and was expecting very slow service…read more I was pleasantly surprised however, there was no line up and the receptionist was very attentive. He explained everything I needed to me. The downside however, was that I did not have everything I needed with me and since the Embassy is only opened to the public from 9am to 1pm on business days, that meant I would have to return. I had also tried to call before going, but no one answered. The website is not very explanatory, it could be improved to avoid having to make multiple trips. Emails could also be answered more thoroughly, but my in person visit was pleasant.

I provide information about repatriation in Ottawa. The…read morecorrespondence was at the beginning, analyzed emails for 3-5 days clearly, very carefully, with understanding. The process went straight away: thoughtful details were provided promptly and with respect. The embassy staff react under pressure, but work competently and quickly. I would like to note especially - Natasha, for her professional and humane approach to compatriots. I feel part of the great country! Huge thanks to all of you!

"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.

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".

The Chief William Commanda Bridge (named after William Commanda who was Chief of the Kitigàn-zìbì…read moreAnishinàbeg First Nation from 1951-1970) used to be called the Prince of Wales Bridge and originally was an interprovincial rail bridge spanning the Ottawa River between Ottawa and Gatineau. It was originally built in 1880 and closed in 2005. It has been revitalized as a pedestrian/cycling bridge and re-opened August 4, 2023. It connects the Trillium Pathway in Ottawa to the Voyageurs Pathway in Gatineau. It's a nice bridge and since it's for pedestrians and cyclists only, you don't have to worry about cars. There's one section that connects the Ottawa side to Lemieux Island. Then you walk a bit on Lemieux Island and the second section connects Lemieux Island to the Gatineau side. Note that while on Lemieux Island you can't leave the path and wander the island, as it's fenced off, at least as of the end of August 2023. Lemieux Island is mainly the site of a Water Purification Plant. There's also a dog park there, but it was closed due to bridge construction. I believe it has not yet re-opened at this time. It's nice to have another bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau, but while there's some shops and restaurants not too far from the Ottawa entrance, there's not much nearby at the Gatineau entrance. So we just walked across and turned around and walked back, lol.

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!