Thursday, July 26, 2012

touristy fun without leaving our city!

At the beginning of the summer, Julien and I made a summer fun bucket list (a list of things we wanted to do this summer)

One of the items on the list was to walk around downtown and see some of the touristy things Ottawa has to offer.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so my mom and I decided to take the boys out and wander around. Here are a few pics from our day. We started walking up towards Parliament Hill, saw a man with some parrots offering pictures so we stopped and posed - then we continued up to the Hill and watched the ending of the changing of the guard. Kyle was FASCINATED by it - but Julien not so much. When it ended, Kyle wanted to get a closer look at the guards so we went and had a picture taken. We then walked up to the front of Parliament, but decided against a free tour as it lasts approx. 45 minutes.  We took a stroll over to Majors Hill Park, the boys had lunch and then we wandered over to the market for a beavertail!


27 comments:

  1. Our city is pretty awesome, right? I can't wait for the kids to be one more year older so we can do the same thing. I'm not sure they would fully appreciate it this year so we held off. Instead, we're going to Mont Cascades and the Biodome this week! Can't wait!

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    1. have fun - I think they will be better next year down there, when Kyle can walk most of it - but it was still a blast!

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  2. I'd love to see myself what Ottawa has to offer. Canada's capitol is only 4 hours away and I've never been!! Shame on me.

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    1. oh, you so need to check it out. There is so much history here, and a lot of fun too! (if you like to skate, then come in the winter - but you may find it a little too chilly)

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  3. Oh I would love to be City Mom in Ottawa! I really love that city! I think your summer bucket list sounds like a great idea!! Discovering one's own backyard is always a pleasure!

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    1. It's all stuff I have done, but it's been a LONG time

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  4. Ottawa is beautiful! I remember the AWE I had on my first visit! Sometimes it's important to walk in your own backyard!

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    1. visiting other destinations is nice, but as you say, your own backyard is important too

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  5. There's so much fun stuff to do in Ottawa it seems! My SIL's family is there, so they go for visits all the time and have a blast. I've only been once briefly. Our city is smaller, but I should probably try some new things around here too :)

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    1. thanks for visiting! yes, get out and explore your own city!

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  6. I agree sometimes we miss what is in our own backyard! Beautiful pictures!

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  7. lol fun! bet ya didn't think you were going to have a parrot on you shoulder when you woke up that day!

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    1. nope - never imagined to have a parrot on me. I am not a fan of birds (I like them, but not close) - my hubby didn't believe me until I showed him the picture

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  8. Yah, now I can enjoy my Capital City (and the one I happen to live in) from the confines of my own home (smile). Seriously though, it really is a pretty city with lots to see. I LOVE the market with fish, cheese, breads and of course fresh vegetables!

    Besos, Sarah
    Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo

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    1. big fan of the market too. I love shopping the stands and getting FRESH and LOCAL produce!

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  9. You have reminded me that Ottawa is a great place to tour with the kids. I will have to take them downtown to do all the touristy things I take for granted.

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  10. I really like the idea of people getting to know their own cities by foot! Amazing what you come across :)

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  11. Love playing tourist in your own city. As a young adult, I always opted for traveling the world. I had been to 11 countries, 13 states and 4 provinces. It saddened me to realize I had seen more of the world than my own country. Time to travel in our own 'backyard' and see what where we live has to offer!

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    1. I want to discover more of Canada. I have been out to Nova Scotia twice (but didn't see a ton of it) I have always wanted to drive across the country - but I don't think that will be happening anytime soon....maybe when the boys are older

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  12. we love Ottawa when we go to visit my husband's parents :)

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  13. I've done the same thing this summer in Montreal. It's so much fun to discover the fun things there are to do and see. With the kids, we get to see it all new through their eyes. :)

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  14. Sometimes it's important to take in the beauty of your own town,city

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  15. Love a good staycation!

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