Con_brio,

Glad you're enjoying Ottawa; even though I live in close-by Montreal, I actually haven't been in over 10 years! I enjoyed your comments, particularly regarding the pageantry, the spectacular Parliament, the beauty of Ottawa and the differences in perceptions of what "fall" means. Believe me, if you were here in winter, you too would call the present weather fall-like.

For me also, the tours of Parliament I've been on have been informative, entertaining and the guides personable.

Anyhow, seems like you're having fun and reminds me I'm due for a return visit! Best wishes--DANIEL

Thanks, Daniel. Our son went to McGill so I am familiar with and love Montreal ( though never visited him in the winter-- late November was cold enough, thank you! We continue to enjoy your beautiful Capital city. We had lunch at e Byward Market and then walked across the bridge to the Civilization Museum. They claim the Canada Hall can be seen in 60 minutes. We had to rush to finish in 2 hours. We are going back there and to the War Museum today before we leave town.

The restauamt that I couldn't remember was Domas, but my favorite meal here was dinner at my friend's house last night.

It looks like a sunny day outside so we need to get started.
Ellen

Did you enjoy the War Museum?

We finally got to the War Museum after hours more back at Civilization (including the IMAX film about the Hubble which was terrific--I have dreamed of what I thought was heaven and it was truly the photos from Hubble on my acupuncturist's calendar). What was most interesting was the perspective thing. I am not used to the other side being referred to as "Loyalists" instead of Redcoats or Tories. Very interesting. The volunteers were so kind. One pointed out that the cannonballs I was looking at were the "bombs bursting in air" that Fancis Scott Key referred to in our national anthem.

And another led me out to the exit to the washroom (see, I speak Canadian) and waited for me outside so that he could lead me back to my DH.

Have I mentioned how much I like Canadians?

I got weary of war by the end of WWI so we rushed through WWII and skipped the Cold War Eras (and post)--we lived through those.

Unfortunately the Fireman were doing a toys for tots parade thing at 5 starting at the museum. At first it seemed like a magic moment-- children in costume, full moon, clowns, firemen. We called for a taxi about 4:00--not knowing that the roads would be closed. We ended up walking (at 4:45)to a Travel Lodge just to call a cab again. 30 minutes later we ended up flagging one down. It took FOREVER to get to the novotel (where we'd stored our luggage)because most of the cross streets downtown were closed because of the parade. The cab driver was great. He waited for us at our hotel where we quickly picked up pur luggage. Then he took back streets and drove like a bat out of h*ll to get us to the airport in time for our plane.

We made it with 5-10 minutes to spare. Whew.

So, the answer is yes, I enjoyed the War Museum, though not as much as Civilization. Civ was spectacular. I have a friend who was a curator here who asked about it. I told her it would have been a great museum even if it was empty. It was an incredible building on a spectacular site. But it is not empty, it has a truly spectacular collection. I'm just sorry that we didn't have even more time.

So, I guess that ends our adventures in Ottawa. I had a wonderful time--if only it weren't so COLD!!!!

Hi con_brio,

Enjoyed your report to the end. It's rare that questions get asked about our fair capital city on Fodor's Forums, let alone a trip report, so yours is a valuable addition to the Fodor's dialogue.

I think a Montreal (or Ottawa) winter truly does have its pleasures (snowshoeing, ice skating outdoors, cross-country skiing... and with some beautiful urban backdrops while doing so), so don't write off the winter altogether. That said, my Washington DC relatives (including parents) tell me they'll only visit May-September, so you've visited later than they have!

Glad you had a wonderful time! DANIEL