On Thursday morning we departed MONTEBELLO at 10 in the morning. The weather was a brisk 58 degrees, with clouds and some light rain ( Our weather window wasn't perfect but it looked safe to proceed.) We continued in the rain along the Ottawa River, admiring the scenery for the next 5 and half hours, arriving in Ottawa about 3:30 pm. We docked on the Blue Line at the bottom of the historic eight lock lift below the Rideau Canal. These eight locks are very beautiful, with the Parliment Buildings on one side and the Fairmount Chateau Laurier on other.
It takes about 2 hours to clear the eight locks...so, we got lucky when we were notified of a 4 pm opening for Thistle. We cleared the locks in the pouring rain and secured Thistle on the OTTAWA mooring wall about 7 pm. A very long day...but, we got our "second wind" after seeing the gorgeous night lights of OTTAWA along the Rideau Canal. That night we walked to the Parliament Building to watch the spectacular 30 minute light show.
OTTAWA is the Capital of Canada. The city stands on the bank of the Ottawa River and was originally incorporated in 1855. The name OTTAWA is derived from an Algonquin word meaning "to trade". The city was originally founded when preliminary work started on the Rideau Canal in 1826.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday we took advantage of seeing all OTTAWA has to offer...we love it here...The City is beautiful and the people are extremely friendly! Some of the highlights of the past three days: Bike rides on the numerous trails, visiting with new friends along the canal, docktales, an end of summer fireworks extravaganza, a dinner invitation with fellow boaters, the farmers market, provisioning at an Italian Market, museums, the Craft Beer Festival and sitting on our flybridge admiring OTTAWA.
Looper Tip: Free wifi on the Canal mooring wall if you dock near Le Cafe and a little extravagant, but provision at La Bottega best Italian Market we have ever visited:)
We planned to depart OTTAWA on Monday morning but the sun is finally shining so we decided to stay another day and provision, enjoy the city, lower our mast and most importantly finish this blog entry :)
From MONTEBELLO to OTTAWA about 45 nautical miles.
Along the Ottawa River in the rain...first time Captain Greg piloted Thistle from the wheel inside.
Arriving at the eight locks of the Rideau Canal.
Thistle on the Blue Line with Reenie & Greg Lock ready!
The view while clearing the first eight locks of the Rideau Canal.
Thistle on the mooring wall in OTTAWA.
Light show on the Parliament Building.
Art around OTTAWA.
Wonderful bike riding in OTTAWA.
Unique items at the Farmers Market.
La Bottega :)
We made the local paper!
OTTAWA changing of the guard...we woke up each morning to bagpipe music.
Our home in OTTAWA.
Fireworks.
Thanks OTTAWA ... We enjoyed our stay here (promise not "to trade")!
The trees are starting to change color so it's time for us to move on XO.
Great blog and lovely photos of Ottawa and other stops on your voyage! Thanks for recognising us today and for your kind invitation - perhaps next time! The stone house is called Stonesthrow and was built in 1842 from stone on the property, perhaps by stone masons working on the Rideau and Tay Canals. Enjoy the rest of your journey! Best wishes, Susan Cartwright and Nick Daniel (www.pikecottage.com)
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