Canada Is Full of Surprises

Summary

The web content describes a visit to Ottawa, Canada, focusing on the vibrancy of ByWard Market, the Rideau Canal's recreational offerings, and the impressive National Museum of Fine Arts.

Abstract

The article titled "Canada is Full of Surprises — Part 2" delves into the cultural and historical richness of Ottawa, highlighting the ByWard Market as a hub of Irish heritage, with a variety of pubs and artisan shops. It also emphasizes the outdoor activities available along the Rideau Canal, such as bicycling on the trails and dining at canal-side restaurants like The Ritz. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the author's experience at the National Museum of Fine Arts, praising its architecture and diverse art collection. The museum, marked by a giant spider sculpture out front, is noted for its impressive displays that rival those of famous art museums in the United States. The narrative concludes with an anticipatory note about the continuation of the road trip to Niagara and beyond in the next part of the story.

Opinions

The author expresses a personal preference for Irish fare, such as Guinness stout and fish and chips, found in the ByWard Market.
The relaxed atmosphere of the pedestrian streets, complete with seating for enjoying beverages, is positively received.
Beaver tails, a Canadian pastry, are highlighted as a must-try delicacy.
The Ritz restaurant along the Rideau Canal is recommended as a pleasant stop for lunch.
The National Museum of Fine Arts is highly praised for its stunning architecture and extensive collection of both well-known and lesser-known artists' works.
The author is particularly impressed by the museum, considering it a standout feature of Ottawa that rivals prominent art museums in major U.S. cities.
The giant spider sculpture outside the museum is noted as a distinctive landmark that sets the museum apart from other attractions in Ottawa.
There is an evident excitement for the upcoming leg of the journey to Niagara and beyond, indicating a positive overall experience in Ottawa.

ByWard Market is a vibrant and historical part of Ottawa.

ByWard Market pedestrian mall/photo by author

This part of town was originally settled by Irish immigrants who worked on building the Rideau Canal. It has retained its Irish flavor with pubs offering Guinness stout (my personal favorite), fish and chips, bacon and ham soup and other typically Irish fare.

We had supper at the Olde Dubliner/photo by author

The streets in the area are mostly pedestrian. Many have chairs in the middle of the street for people to relax and have a beer or a coffee before continuing to shop at the variety of artisan stores in the market. You can find goods from Africa, South America, Asia, and of course, Canada (like beaver tails, a pastry shaped like a beaver tail and topped with all kinds of good stuff like chocolate, nuts etc.)

the spot for beaver tails/photo by author

Our tour of the Rideau Canal the previous day passed by a canal-side restaurant called The Ritz. Our second day we decided to rent bicycles and enjoy some of the many trails along the canal, stopping for lunch at The Ritz.

stopping to admire the flowers/photo by Marie Barnes

lunch at the Ritz by the canal/photo by author

My last surprise in Ottawa was the stunning National Museum of Fine Arts. The architecture of this building is a work of art in itself.

all photos of the art museum are by author

I have been to art museums in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and many parts that claim to have the best art, but I was truly impressed by the museum in Ottawa. Not only did it have art by famous artists but some excellent works by lesser known artists that would rival any museum anywhere.

I think my favorite part of our visit to Ottawa would have to be the National Museum of Fine Art. In order not to confuse it with other museums in Ottawa, it’s the one with the giant spider in front. You can’t miss it.

photo by author

Tomorrow we continue our road trip to Niagara and beyond in Part 3 of this story.