Ottawa: Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal in winter.

Rideau Canal was named the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Rideau Canal, a 202km of waterways stretching from Rideau and Cataraqui rivers in Ottawa to Kingston Harbour on Lake Ontario. It was built mainly for military purpose when the Great Britain and United States was fighting for control over the region. It was the first canals designed to accomodate steam-powered ships. With most of the structures remaining intact from the days of its construction in early 19th century, it is one of the best preserved canals in North America and is still operational today.

Dining in Toronto

Surprisingly good pork with rice in Chinatown, Toronto but at a cost of CAN$5.95.

Many restaurants offering Greek food in the distinct Greektown near Pape Station.

The squid used was fresh.


Some really good Greek food outside of Greece itself. Cost is around CAN$10 per person, very reasonably priced for quality food.

Maple Farm in Ontario

Maple, the symbol of Canada. Horton Farm, located at the north of Toronto. (31st March)

Canada produces most of the world's maple products. With that, Quebec manufactures most of it, while Ontario produces a more modest amount.

The forest in the early spring.

The sugar maple, one of the few trees that secrete their sap out. It is only in early spring that the sap start to flow out from the trunk. It requires freezing temperatures at night, and above freezing temperatures during the day to produce a pressure within the trunk, that allows the flow of the tree sap. Why most trees, but the maple donate their precious sap, is still an unknown mystery.

The natives shared the secret of the sugar maple with the early European settlers. They were an important form of energy, especially during the winter months, in this part of the world, during that period of time.

The sap that flows out is a clear, slightly sweet liquid.

It requires heating for hours, to vaporise the water.

It requires a lot of effort, energy to produce the maple sugar. Thus explaining the high cost of the maple syrup. The maple sugar, where water is completely removed, is 10 times more expensive than sugar from cane. However, people are willing to pay much for maple sugar due to its distinctive smoky flavour as well as it is the healthier form of sugar, with its health benefits, almost akin to honey.

The beautiful forest, beside the maple farm.

The great view from the Inuit Art Museum, almost like a first rated home with a forest view.

Foreign Journey: Ottawa 2

The bridge linking Ontario and into Quebec, the French Province.Ottawa, Quebec, in sight.

Once reaching Quebec, all signs change from English into French.

In the Museum of Civilization, where they showcase the history and transformation of Canada through the centuries, including the Canadian identity. Probably hockey and skating defines some part of the Canadian identity.

A church in Ottawa.

The Ottawa River.

The same Ottawa River, on the very next day, exact spot, yet within a day, the view changes quite drastically.

The streets of the beautiful city of Ottawa.

It means, 'I will remember', the phrase inscribed on all cars in Quebec, probably for Quebecquois, is to remember their history, but for travelers, it also means remembering how beautiful this land is.

Foreign Journey: Ottawa

On 17th March, with a 5 hour bus ride on Greyhound costing CAD85, a visit to the capital of Canada becomes possible.

The entertainment district, with restaurants and shops, of Ottawa, one of the most beautiful capital cities of the world.

It is the city where important decisions for the whole of Canada are being made in the Parliament House.

Canada, one of the most liberal country, one of the most democratic country. All politicians and workers in the Parliament House have to bilingual. In fact, most people in Ottawa speak French, and there are many signs with French, bringing back memories of beloved Quebec.

Portrait of one of the ex-Canadian Prime Minister.

Taking a free guided tour around the Parliament House, a brief Canadian history and government system is being introduced. The grandeur of the Parliament House reflects a large degree of solemness as it was built while Canada was engaging with the World War II.
Not just a simple place to house politicians, it is a place filled with art, to inspire, to reflect.
The library, with several storeys, with hundred of rows of books, is not a normal library, but a grand library for the research of a handful of privileged. A brighter part of the building, as it is built after the war period.

A poem, reflection of the war.

From the top of the Parliament House, the view of the Ottawa can be seen.

The beautiful French province of Quebec can be seen across the river.
Bridge linking Ontario to Quebec. It may be of a different province, but that area is still under the same city, Ottawa.

Parliament House hill in winter Ottawa, from afar.

Winter: Algonquin Park 2

After a night's hike, a chance for trying the sauna and polar dip and a night's rest, Algonquin Park awakes itself.

A true Canadian landscape, of vastness and wilderness, Algonquin Provincial Park inspires some, and transcend others.

To walk on foot through the several feet depth of snow, a waterproof boots with good pair of socks is essential. With a pair of snow shoes, it would probably make trekking through the snow easier, but it adds extra burden to the legs.

It may seem a primary equipment, but these snow shoes, in a modern country, cost CAD$120.

Through the walk in the forest, it can easily understood how painters, poets could derived their inspirations from.

Most of forest, other than the trees, is deprived of any wildlife in sight. The bears, beavers and moose are still in hibernation. A walk through the deep forest, during the winter, is thus a safer encounter.

Animals might not be sight, but the view is amazing, almost a fantasy.

With an additional wilderness experience, a campfire was being set up on top of snow, using dried branches to get some relieve from the cold during lunch.

After the much needed lunch, the long walk through the winter forest continues. And finally the lake.

Every sight a painting, every turn a natural wonder.

It is only in winter that travellers are able to access to this part of the forest. Due to presence of bugs, undergrowth and marsh during the warmer months, it is almost impossible to walk through to this lake. In winter, it is only the snow and cold that stops the footsteps of travellers from reaching this great view of the park.

And it is only in winter, that crossing the lake on foot is at all possible. It is late winter, going into early spring, which means an increased risk of falling into the lake. However, travelers should be alert by walking near the shore of the lake. And the ice do not just break instantly when weight is exerted on it, but an initial cracking sound will be heard, and travelers should fall towards the shore for an increase chance in survival.

True beauty does not need photoshopped, or any creation from the tourism board. It just takes the five senses, the heart, to discover it.


After about a 12km walk, it is time to return to civilization. Icicles like roses are beautiful but are prickly.

Before leaving, snow shoveling can be tried, or

being part of the Canadian culture, engage in ice hockey.

Or a ride on the snow mobile.