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 a poignant monument down by City Hall to commemorate the local firefighters who died in the…read moreline of duty. It was erected in 2009. It is different from the Canadian Firefighters Memorial, which is located in LeBreton Flats. The Canadian Memorial includes firefighters across the country, while this Ottawa Memorial is specially dedicated to Ottawan firefighters. It is a beautiful statue of two firefighters. On the walls are engraved the names of those who died. I think it's a very lovely tribute to the firefighting profession.

Hello, Friday, October 4th 2019 I was at Ottawa City Hall…read moreand passed by the beautiful memorial monument of the fallen Ottawa Firefighters. As I was reading the plaque at the foot of the monument I noticed the French translation had errors. I was very saddened and wondered why the plaque had not been changed. This should not happen, the plaque should have been proofread before placing it on this beautiful memorial. Not very respectful for the firefighters. Hope this will reach the persons responsible and that the plaque will be changed in respect of these firefighters.

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

Laurier House is a National Historic Site, as two former Canadian prime ministers lived there - Sir…read moreWilfred Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. It's located in Sandy Hill, on the corner of Laurier East and Chapel, right across from the little church. If you're not sure it's the right building, look for the big Canadian flag pole. It's now owned by Parks Canada, and I must say, they've restored it and kept it in pretty fantastic shape since, both inside and out. It serves as a small public museum, and it's quite a popular historical attraction, especially with an admission of only a few bucks. There's a ton of furniture, Victorian design and decor, and personal items that reflect the lives and times of the prime ministers. They even have afternoon tea, theatre performances, and candelit tours by guides in costumes for more educational information and to soak up the history. The mansion is pretty large, especially for its time, but, unfortunately, it's not entirely accessible.

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.

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.

The Short Version: Pretty park in downtown Ottawa. Has many…read moretrees, open greenspace, flags, plaques, a fountain and a monument. The Long Version: Large federally-owned park in downtown Ottawa. Lots of trees and open greenspace. It was created in 1962 and was originally called the Garden of the Provinces but renamed in 2005 to Garden of the Provinces and Territories. It has flags of the provinces and territories of Canada, as well as floral emblems and plaques of each province/territory. It also has a metal fountain that resembles a tree. It has several park benches and a few tables with built-in chess/checkers boards. It is also the site of the Memorial to the Victims of Communism - Canada, a Land of Refuge, a monument that pays tribute to people who have suffered under communist regimes and highlights Canada's role as a place of refuge for people fleeing persecution by communist regimes. It's an honourable concept but unfortunately the project has been embroiled in controversy, details of which are beyond the scope of this review. Visually, it's a beautiful park. It is a good place to have lunch, read a book, play some chess, or just to contemplate on life. Interested in reviews of more parks in and around Ottawa? Check out my Park Series here on Yelp: https://www.yelp.ca/collection/fhwH7F0hdh8_PpmaXsHSmw?utm_content=Collections&utm_source=ashare Review #185 (2025)

This a nice wooden bridge over the Ottawa river. Has lots of signs around explaining the history…read moreand build process. There's a walkway along the water where many people chill or have picnic. The parking lot is across the street, a minute walk from the spot. But there are no signs for the guests to know.

The original Wakefield Bridge was built over a century ago, in 1915 and was one of the first…read morebridges to link the two shores of the Gatineau River. The bridge was completely destroyed by fire 70 years later. Ten years later, the new covered bridge was built and a few original pieces were kept from the original bridge-like the pillars that support it. We made a mistake and drove all the way down to the bridge. Luckily we stayed only short time, so we didn't bother anyone, but you should probably park on Chemin Du Vieux-Pont and walk downhill towards the bridge. The bridge is around 90 metres long and its main structure is made of Douglas fir logs, while the exterior and the floor are covered with pine planks. It is closed to traffic, only pedestrians and bicycles can cross it. It was breathtaking.