Ottawa advice
 

We are going to Ottawa in mid July with 11 year old. We are staying at the Courtyard Marriott near the Byward Market. We only have 3 days are are having trouble narrowing down attractions. I have some tourist info on the following places: The Mint, Canada Science and Technology Museum, National Archives, Canada's Cold War Museum, The Supreme Court, Canadian War Museum, Currency Museum, Aviation Museum, Museum of Cicilization, Museum of Nature, Rideau Hall, Paul's Boat Lines and Capital Double Decker Trolley Tours. Obviously we can't do it all. Which would be fun and appropriate for an 11 year old? Are there any other must sees? Anything that's free of charge? What about Parliament Buildings at night?
Thanks!

I just read laverendrye's post regarding Ottawa accomodations. I found the ottawa website most useful thanks.

Did you read about the sound and light show on the outside walls of the Parliament Buildings? And the stray cat sanctuary behind the Parliament Buildings? Have you thought of taking bicycles to roam the sights? it is a very "bicycle" city.

Thanks Sobolik. I was interested in finding out about the sound and light show. Is it on every night? Is it crowded? Can you just "show up"? Also what is the stray cat sanctuary? Unfortunately we won't have bikes.

11 year old hmmm...
Go to http://parliamenthill.gc.ca/text/exp...nctuary_e.html for the cat sanctuary
Go to http://parliamenthill.gc.ca/text/exp...nctuary_e.html for open top bus tour Experience Ottawa’s original and most comprehensive Hop-on-Hop-off City Tour aboard one of our London Style open top Double Deckers or turn of the century Trolleys. Tour officially starts on the corner of Sparks and Metcalf Streets, however one can hop on at any of over 15 stops located throughout the National Capital Region. Your ticket is valid for two days, which allows you to tour our Nation’s Capital at your own pace, or join us for a two hour fully narrated tour. The City Tour runs in a continuous circle daily, from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Let our award-winning guides introduce you to the history and excitement that is Ottawa!
Go to http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/vi.../content-e.htm for

Sound and light show
July 5 to August 2, shows are at 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm.
August 3 to September 11, shows are at 9 pm and 10 pm.
ENGLISH presentations FIRST on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
FRENCH presentations FIRST on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Schedule subject to change without notice.
This dynamic show illuminates Parliament Hill. With the winds as hosts and storytellers, the spirit of Canada is revealed through captivating music, shimmering lights and stunning giant projections on the Parliament Buildings. This fantastic performance will be offered free of charge this summer and is a must-see for all visitors to the Nation's Capital!

Changing of the guard
June 25 to August 27, 2005
Daily (weather permitting): 10 am to 10:30 am
It's Canadian tradition at its most colourful! The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Forces bring stirring military drill and music to Parliament Hill. Come early (9:45 am) to learn more about the ceremony.
August 19 and 20, 2005 - 7 pm
Beating a Retreat Ceremony
Come early (6:45pm) and hear the pipe players.
June, July and August
Meet a Mountie - a scarlet-clad RCMP officer - on Parliament Hill!
Formed as the North West Mounted Police in 1873 to oversee the settlement of the West, this famous police force is part of Canadian history and a source of national pride.

Lolly: If you do want to try the bike paths, you can easily rent bikes. The best location is right at the canal just off Confederation Square from where the canal tour boats depart. Here's the website:

http://www.cyberus.ca/~rentabike/

I was in Ottawa 2 years ago and found that the Mint was a waste of time. This is not the mint that makes the coins for every day use in Canada - that mint is in Winnipeg. The mint in Ottawa makes the special occasion coins to commemorate certain events (ie: coins for special collectors, gifts, etc). You basically get a bird's eye view of the mint through a hallway above the machinery, but, unless you have a desire to see how coins are made from afar, I felt that the mint was basically a gift shop and tourist trap. I would not go there with limited time - only go if you're bored with everything else.

Regardless, I really enjoyed the War Museum, the Science & Technology Museum, the Museum of Civilization and the National Gallery. In fact, I found the National Gallery and the Museum of Civilization at the top of my list. Your 11 year old might not enjoy the gallery, but I'm sure they'd love the others.

Definitely rent bikes and take them along Rideau Canal. The canal was a lot larger than I had anticipated - it's a prominent feature in downtown Ottawa.

Thanks all! I will check out those websites and I think we will definitely do Parliament Hill at night. Thanks for the info about the mint. I was under the impression it would be like a foundry where they make coins as well as print $$$. I know the kind of behind glass tour you mean, and we're not interested. Biking along the Rideau Canal sounds right up our alley. I think we'll rent some bikes.