Perhaps Canada's greatest artifact of the Cold War, this 30 square kilometer (100,000 square foot) bunker is located less than an hour west of Ottawa in Carp. Diefenbunker was constructed at the height of nuclear tensions between 1959 and 1961, and named after then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Built on springs to absorb explosive shockwaves, the bunker can accommodate more than 500 people for 30 days. Presently a museum, this National Historic Site offers its visitors a peek inside the government rooms and living quarters.
This museum was established in May 2005, to commemorate the men and women of Canada's armed forces. The museum's mandate is to advance the study of Canada's military history, including the effects of war and conflict on the nation and its citizens. Within its walls are a number of artifacts and exhibits portraying Canada's military history from its earliest days along with Vimy House, the Museum's collections and research facility.
Built between 1839 and 1885, this neo-Gothic cathedral situated on Sussex Drive on the edge of the Byward Market is one of the oldest surviving churches in Ottawa. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica's twin spires and gilded Madonna are easily identifiable from nearby Parliament Hill and the surrounding area. The interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is brightly painted and decorated with carved features, exquisite stained glass windows and hundreds of statues of various religious figures. The church is open daily for guided tours and prayer.
Originally named Colonel's Hill in honor of Colonel John By, the architect of the Canal Rideau, this park was renamed after By was replaced by a Major. The park offers a panoramic view of several major attractions, including Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River, the Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery and Notre-Dame Basilica. It's also the location of Colonel By's original home, or at least its foundation, as well as a statue of the city's founding father. The park is located along MacKenzie Avenue, directly behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Visitors can enjoy picnicking at the park's well maintained picnic areas. Taking a walk amidst the lush greenery is not a bad idea either! Escape the hustle bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquil moments at this beautiful park.
Fresh flowers often grace the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an unnamed Canadian victim of the First World War. Towering above are 22 figures frozen in bronze as they rush forward into battle. Nurses, pilots, soldiers and sailors all represent tales of self-sacrifice and courage. Though prominently located in the busy downtown core, National War Memorial becomes the center of attention every November 11 at 11a, when the country marks Remembrance Day in honor of the men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
Located on the grounds of Central Experimental Farm is the Dominion Arboretum. It houses a wide array of shrubs and plants as old as 1889. The arboretum is home to over 1,700 varieties of trees and bushes. It spans over 64.24 acres (26 hectares) and is home to the Ornamental Gardens where there is an annual showcase of plants, flowers and hedges.
In operation since 2005, Domaine Perrault is a local winery that has been consistently whipping up delicious wines, bottle after bottle. Enjoying a loyal fan base, the family-run winery is spread over 6 acres (2.42 hectares) and offers visitors the chance to explore the expansive vineyards, learn the delicate process of winemaking and sample their amazing products before purchasing a bottle. From the numerous choices, Marilys, Malbec and Shiraz are particularly delightful. The caretakers and owners are humble, polite and brilliant in explaining the process in eloquent detail. Come here on the weekend to share a bottle of wine, a little love and some charcuterie.
Offering about 20 delicious craft wines, Jabulani Vineyard & Winery is a local winery that has something to suit every wine lover's palate. Book a tour and get ready to walk through vineyards, participate in an intense wine appreciation class and sample various signature flavors of the winery. The wines are accompanied by a tasteful selection of breads, fruits and cheeses. After the immersive wine experience, head to the retail store on-site and purchase a bottle of your favorite drink. However, don’t relish the sumptuous wine by yourself, buy a bottle for loved ones too. You could also enjoy the bottle of wine in the tasting patio. You get the chance to delight your taste buds while enjoying stunning views of the vineyards. If you love wines, then the offerings at Jabulani Vineyard & Winery are hard to resist.
Showcasing the history of the oldest military settlement and early life in Goulbourn, the Goulbourn Museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the local history and culture of the city. The museum houses three permanent exhibitions as well as as a temporary exhibition space that features a rotating collection of historical artifacts. 100th Regiment of Foot is dedicated to the soldiers who lived in the township. Goulbourn Township Pioneers is devoted to early living in the village, its pioneers and the community. The third permanent exhibit is The Village Store. Designed exclusively for children, the store allows them dress-up in period clothing and shop the traditional way by employing the barter system. The museum also has a number of interactive displays, hands-on exhibits and regularly hosts Family Craft Days where children dress according to a pre-set theme, and participate in numerous games and activities. If you want to take your kids for a fun day out or simply learn about the local history and culture, head to Goulbourn Museum and immerse yourself in the stories it has to tell. Note that although entry to the museum is free, donations are encouraged.
Perhaps Canada's greatest artifact of the Cold War, this 30 square kilometer (100,000 square foot) bunker is located less than an hour west of Ottawa in Carp. Diefenbunker was constructed at the height of nuclear tensions between 1959 and 1961, and named after then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. Built on springs to absorb explosive shockwaves, the bunker can accommodate more than 500 people for 30 days. Presently a museum, this National Historic Site offers its visitors a peek inside the government rooms and living quarters.
Christ Church Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Ottawa since 1832. The church strives to teach the community the values of concern for others and how to nurture faith and grow spiritually. Volunteers can become a part of the various active groups like the Altar Guild, Church School and Cathedral Youth and serve the Cathedral's visionary purposes. Their musical ministry propagates sacred music and the newly purchased organ, the Rodgers Trillium 958 is perfect for the choir.
Comprising four art spaces namely Gloucester Pottery School, Ottawa School of Art Orleans Campus Gallery, Promenade Arteast and the Trinity Art Gallery, Shenkman Arts Centre offers spacious exhibition spaces in Orleans, where numerous exhibitions take place throughout the year. Apart from the temporary exhibitions, this center also features two permanent art installations called Resonance by Maskull Lasserre and Stand by Adrian Gollner. If you are an art lover, this is an ideal place to meet artists and art collectors.