7 Popular Landmarks of Ottawa for Students
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, the second-largest country in the world, where you can see the crowd of a large number of people from different parts of the world every day. People visit Ottawa for different purposes such as building a career, getting a higher education, visiting travel destinations, etc. In the present scenario, Canada is getting popular among international students for its superior university education. Ottawa, being the capital of the country, is one of the popular cities of Canada, where a large number of international students can be witnessed. Ottawa has a number of universities and colleges where both local and international students take admission every year. The popular ones include the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College. So, we can find a huge number of students in the places for student accommodation Ottawa. Ottawa is a global city so everyone has a craze to visit the landmarks of this place, then how can the students be devoid of it? Here, you will read some of the popular landmarks that you can visit during your years of stay in the city.
**Popular Landmarks in Ottawa, Canada
#1 National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is an ultra-modern gallery and was designed by Moshe Safdie. It is an architectural masterpiece having prism-like glass towers. The glass of the gallery contrasts with the mock medieval Château Laurier. Inside the gallery, one can see aboriginal art with Canadian art from religious works to the Group of Seven. European impressionism can be explored inside. Temporary exhibitions can be explored inside the gallery.
#2 Canadian Museum of Nature
In the Canadian Museum of Nature, you go through the world of dinosaurs all the way and reach the exhibits on today’s animal population. Poignant temporary exhibits are also featured here. The historical building, which was once the Victoria Memorial Museum, is the birthplace of the national museums of Canada. This is a castle-like building that was completed in the year 1910.
#3 Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre-Dame Cathedral is located opposite to National Gallery. It is a beautiful Catholic basilica that was consecrated in 1846. The interior mahogany carvings by Philippe Parizeau are one of the particularly notable things in this cathedral. The other specific things to be noted are figures of the four evangelists, prophets, and apostles by Louis-Philippe Hébert. Here, you can find the series of seventeen windows with scenes of the life of Christ and Virgin Mary. This series was completed between 1956 and 1061 and is the work of Montreal artist Guido Nincheri.
#4 Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum is located beside the Ottawa River. It is the modern Canadian war museum that explores the military past of Canada. In the exhibits, you can find everything from the battle between the French and Iroquois people in the sixteenth century via the Canadian contribution to the First and Second World Wars. Displays related to the role of modern peacemakers can also be witnessed here. There are also collections of military displays such as 50 tanks, motorcycles, jeeps, armored trucks, and Hitler’s limousine.
#5 Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is a must-see destination for the individuals living in [student apartments]. Parliament Hall is 50-meter high and it looks out over the Ottawa River. The imposing sights here are the Parliament Buildings that are in all their splendor of Victorian Gothic sandstone. The students can also find the Parliament Library on the back side of the building opposite the entrance. It is a fantastically furnished octagon, which remained untouched in the 1916 fire. The sprawling historic Centre Block can also be explored in the guided tour. A question period can also be attended by the public when the government is in session.
#6 Peace Tower
Peace Tower, also known as the Tower of Victory and Peace, is a focal bell and clock tower, which is sitting on the central axis of the Central Block of the Canadian parliament buildings. It was the 55-meter Victoria Tower that was burnt down in 1916. It has been replaced by the present incarnation. There is a memorial room here that is dedicated to Canadians who died in World War I.
#7 Rideau Canal
Rideau Canal is a year-round destination for nature lovers. It is a perfect place for outdoor entertainment. In the winter, you can have fun with a skate along with an unending rink, which sits on the top of the canal water. The students can also take a voyageur canoe and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise.
Final Thoughts
The above-mentioned ones are some of the popular destinations where the students can make their years of stay memorable in Ottawa. There are a lot more places where the students can visit and enjoy their time. Ottawa also has a good transport system. So, the students can also visit the other cities in Canada when they get the time.