“I’m actually seeing a concert in Ottawa”
“Tonight?”
“Yes, but they don’t go on until 8:50ish — I realize I’m cutting it a bit close.”
The young woman working the Canadian border crossing was certainly skeptical of my ability to make it to the Canadian Tire Center, home of the Ottawa Senators, in time for the Sum 41 Farewell Tour show that evening. But the truth was, I had 2 hours and 25 minutes before the opening acts were done and Sum 41 took the stage. As long as this interrogation didn’t go on for too long, I had a solid 45 minutes to spare.
And about 90 minutes later, I did make it, with just enough time to do a lap around the arena and stock up on snacks before the band took the stage. The show was awesome and the friendly Canadians around me made the atmosphere great.
The ByWard Market neighborhood was my hotel location for the evening and there was still a lot going on late into the evening Friday Night. The Lafayette House, a.k.a. “The Laff”, advertised out front as Ottawa’s oldest bar (since 1849) with live music 7 nights a week, no cover and no “resos” was the most pefect advertisement I could have asked for. I could spend many nights in this place!
Heart & Crown, an Irish Pub is another place that drew me in. This place seems unassuming at first, but a labryth lead to a energetic back room with a live band, which was a tremendous and welcome surprise.
For the following morning, I was completely intrigued by Rideau Canal — and, most especially, the fact you can ice skate on this approximately 7km waterway in the winter. Advertised as the world’s largest ice skating rink, this experience did not disappoint. It provided a sublime experience and, best of all, it’s free to access the canal and the snack stands, restrooms, firepits and heated rest areas on the canal (Skate rentals available for a fee).
The center piece of the ByWard Market neighbood is the indoor marketplace selling a variety of foods, drinks and homemade goods.
This entire neighborhood was really neat to wander around, soak in the cool storefronts, and to, of course, get a famous Beaver Tail pastry. The one I got was the triple trip with nutella, reese’s pieces, which was warm, melty and truly indulgent and delectable.
Before leaving, I discovered I had some unfinished business. Many years ago, a friend gifted me a pint glass from Mill St. Brewing. While I had no experience with their products, I appreciated the gift nonetheless. As it turns out, a Mill St. Brewing location is located Ottawa just a few minutes away and it was an unexpectedly perfect opportunity to settle the score. The brewpub itself is located in a historic mill and grist and is an bsolutely atmopshere with great water views. The Brewmaster’s Burger with fries and a side of gravy for good Canadian measure truly hit the spot!
Ottawa, as the capital of Canada, houses many government buildings and the architecture is absolutely amazing. On the way out, I had a good chance to get some views and it was really impressive. I’d love a chance to explore this more in the future.
Overall, I enjoyed my time in Ottawa and much more time could be spent soaking it all in. I hope to get the opportunity to visit at a more casual pace next time. I would especially like to visit the Gatineau area in the future, which looks like an awesome opportunity at experiencing nature.
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