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.
Parliament Hill is the political heart of Canada. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, it is actually a collection of three turn-of-the-century Gothic structures known as the East Block, Centre Block and West Block. The West Block and East Block contain the offices of Members of Parliament. The House of Commons and the Senate are located in the Centre Block, with its soaring Peace Tower.
Built between 1827 and 1832 without the aid of powered machinery, the Rideau Canal is one of Ottawa's oldest landmarks. The canal runs from the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill to Hog's Back Falls on the south end of the city. During the summer months, a wide range of vessels, including tour boats, glide along the waterway. Come winter, the canal is transformed into the "World's Longest Skating Rink" and is a hub of activity during Ottawa's Winterlude festival.
The Peace Tower dominates Parliament Hill, soaring over 90 meters (300 feet) high above Ottawa, while the Canadian flag unfurls gently over its topmost turret. A fine monument symbolic of the country's storied past, as well as a concrete tribute to lives lost in World War I, this Gothic Revival structure is iconic. It is within the tower's confines that the Memorial Chamber is housed, and at its cynosure is an impressive stone altar that holds the Book of Remembrance. The book features the names of the nearly 118,000 who succumbed to the war in an effort to serve the country. At the heart of the Peace Tower is a 53-bell carillon. The largest bell weighs over 10,000 kilograms (ten tons), while the smallest is only four kilograms (8.8 pounds)heavy. Etched onto the facade of the tower on all four sides, the fabled Peace Tower clock is yet another historic highlight, a friendly token gifted by the United Kingdom to Canada on the 60th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.
The Centretown United Church is known for preaching the teachings of Jesus Christ. They pride themselves as being a very chilled out congregation where anyone is welcome. They have events held there sometimes, where they spread the love of Jesus Christ and gather everyone together as a whole.
The Church of St John the Evangelist strives to promote unity and brotherhood in society. This Anglican church holds regular prayer services and also provides rental space for diverse range of events. Tourist often stop by to admire the unique wooden interiors of the church.
St. Peter's Lutheran Church was formed in 1910, with most members of the congregation being immigrants from Europe. The church shifted to the current building in 1954, after enough funds were made available. The new Gothic style structure was designed by Cecil Burgess and features sandstone exteriors, gable roofs and a central tower. Inside, the church boasts a vintage Casavant Frères pipe organ and stained glass windows designed by Russell Goodman, the Canadian artist.
East and West Memorial Buildings are a twin government buildings located on the Wellington Street in Ottawa. The construction of the building began just after the World War II in memory of those who lost their lives. There is an arch called the Memory Arch which connects the two buildings over the Lyons Street. There is an inscription on the arch and a stone structure called the "The Canadian Phalanx" under it dedicated to the fighters who sacrificed their lives for their country in both the wars.
Located in Ottawa's Vanier neighborhood, Notre Dame Cemetery is an important Catholic cemetery in the city. This cemetery was established in 1872, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. Notre Dame Cemetery houses the graves of more than 100,000 Canadians. Some of the notable people buried here include the seventh Prime Minister of Canada, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Benjamin Chee Chee, an Ojibwa artist and Yousuf Karsh, popular portrait photographer, amongst others.
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.