With a history that dates back to the 19th Century, Westboro is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Ottawa. Also known as Westboro Village, the fairly large neighborhood sits by the Ottawa River, and is centered around the arterial Richmond Road. Visitors to Westboro will find an abundance of historic structures including the Old Town Hall building. A vibrant quarter of the city, the neighborhood thrives with excellent shopping and dining options, and is particularly known for its sports shops, offering high quality outdoor gear.
Rideau Hall, which was built in 1838, has been the official residence of the Queen's representative to Canada since 1867. The grounds cover more than 32 hectares (79 acres) and feature a magnificent greenhouse and ornamental gardens. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or book one of the many guided tours. There are a number of events hosted by the Governor General throughout the year.
Royal Canadian Mint has been producing Canadian coinage since 1908. Although coins in circulation are now struck at the mint in Winnipeg, Manitoba, special commemorative coins, tokens and medallions are still created here. Take the popular and extremely interesting guided tour, offered alternately in French and English. Though the boutique is open from 9a to 6p, guided tours are only available from 10a to 5p.
Whether you're searching for your family history or doing a serious research project, you'll find yourself fascinated by Canadian archival heritage. Founded in 1872 to preserve Canadian history, these archives house millions of government records, text, photographs, films, maps and much more. Helpful research services will help in finding the information that you are after, including instructions for tracing your family history. Some archives need to be ordered a few days ahead of time and you have to register with the admissions desk on your first visit.
The Cartier Square Drill Hall was built in 1879 as a military training facility and it remains the same today. Housing the Governor General's Foot Guards and the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, military drills still take place as they are kept as reserves for the Canadian Nation. Even till date they keep displays of drums and pipes. It definitely is a must see when in Ottawa because of its historical nature.
Langevin Block is a federal building built in 1889, and houses the Prime Minister's Office and Privy Council Office of Canada. This landmark building has been awarded the status of National Historic Site of Canada. The building was constructed in 1884 and features a distinctive Second Empire style. It was completed five years later in 1889 when it became the first government building to be constructed outside of the city's Parliament Hill. This unique building was made from sandstone brought to Ottawa from New Brunswick.