Discovery Series Ornament – Ottawa
My trip to Canada’s capital was a success! I was able to grab a brand-new Discovery Series Ornament – Ottawa and also a big mug that has many more landmarks of the city.
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1826 as Bytown, a settlement built around the construction of the Rideau Canal. It was later renamed Ottawa in 1855 and chosen as the capital of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1857 due to its strategic location between English and French-speaking regions. Over the years, Ottawa has grown into a center of government, culture, and innovation, with landmarks like Parliament Hill symbolizing its political heritage. The city’s history is also shaped by its role in key national events, including the construction of the Parliament Buildings and their reconstruction after the 1916 fire
From the design of the Discovery Series Ottawa Ornament:
– Ottawa is known for being one of Canada’s most bike-friendly cities, with an extensive network of cycling paths that stretch along the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, and throughout the city. The Capital Pathway system offers over 200 kilometers of scenic routes, making biking a popular way for both locals and tourists to explore key landmarks. Every year, events like Sunday Bikedays allow cyclists to enjoy major roads closed to cars, promoting Ottawa’s active and outdoor-friendly culture.
– Ottawa has a deep connection to Ultimate Frisbee, as it hosted the first Canadian National Ultimate Championships in 1987, helping to establish the sport’s competitive scene in the country. The city’s passion for the game continued to grow, leading to the formation of Ultimate Canada, the sport’s national governing body, in 1993. Today, Ottawa remains a hub for Ultimate, with thriving leagues, tournaments, and recreational play in its many parks and sports fields.
– Ottawa’s waterways have played a significant role in its history and continue to be a key part of the city’s charm. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers boat tours that function like a water tram, allowing visitors to experience the city from a unique perspective. These boats provide a relaxing way to see iconic sites such as Parliament Hill, the Château Laurier, and Dow’s Lake, especially during the summer months.
– Every spring, Ottawa bursts into color with the Canadian Tulip Festival, a tradition that dates back to 1945 when the Dutch royal family gifted tulips to Canada in gratitude for sheltering Princess Juliana during World War II. The city’s parks, particularly Commissioners Park by Dow’s Lake, display thousands of vibrant tulips, attracting visitors from around the world. These flowers have since become a symbol of Ottawa’s friendship with the Netherlands and its celebration of spring.
– Ottawa’s many waterways and green spaces are home to diverse wildlife, including the iconic ducks often seen along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River. The city’s parks, such as Andrew Haydon Park and Britannia Park, provide natural habitats where ducks and other waterfowl thrive.
