With its rare beauty and outstanding architecture, the Maplelawn is a beautiful estate. Given the status of a National Historic Site, this mansion boasts of a walled garden that is well-maintained. For complete details, check website.
One of the oldest English speaking Roman Catholic churches in Ottawa, the St. Patrick's Basilica was established in 1855. The current church building was built in 1869 and was designed by architect Augustus Laver. The Gothic Revival structure is an architectural wonder with a beautifully carved ceiling, an elevated marble pulpit, stained glass windows, World War memorials, a vintage pipe organ and a seating capacity of 1000.
East Block is an elegant federal building located on the Parliament Hill of Ottawa. It is one of the classic examples of Victorian High Gothic style architecture and a popular landmark of the area. It currently houses parliament offices and confederation spaces. Tours of the building are available in July and August.
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.
Since 1950 more than 112,000 Canadians have served as peacekeepers in countries such as Cyprus, Haiti, Egypt, Cambodia, Bosnia and Rwanda. The Peacekeeping Monument, entitled Reconciliation, was commissioned by the Canadian government in 1988 when the United Nations was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 40 years of international peacekeeping. This monument, illustrating three peacekeeping figures, honors the men and women who have worn and continue to wear the blue beret, emblematic of peacekeeping service.