Canada – Perfect dejavue

We left UK and headed for Canada where cousin Pamela and Robin picked us up from Montreal and took us to Perth (Ontario). We had a relaxing couple of days to catch up before embarking on a three day boat trip through Ottawa. We took the boat for a quick spin before loading it onto the trailer and heading for a basin near Ottawa. We slipped the boat into the water where it then decided not to start. After a couple of hours of power boosting it continued to reject our starting attempts. A bit of dejavue given this happened the last time we visited Perth (see 2009 blog!). Robin was not impressed and vowed that this boat will shortly be traded in for a more reliable one.

We decided to continue with the trip by road and on foot. We stopped off at the Hilton Casino where the reception is decorated with huge Chihuly chandeliers. Impressive, but fortunately too large for our home.

The Hilton is built on the edge of an old quarry which now forms a lake and is part of the waterway system. The views were great. The second boat below was being towed so starting failures are not uncommon (well it gave Robin some heart). In the left background is part of a large pontoon where a firework display occurs every few days during August.

We decided to go on a 6 kms walk into town largely along the waterfront. It was a perfect day in the mid 20s.

We passed through perfect gardens.

And walked across the Alexander bridge with a view to the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

And in the other direction the locks leading up into the Rideau canal system which were overlooked by the Parliament buildings and old library.

After a great lunch by the canal we took a taxi back to the hotel, picked up the car and moved to our next stop at the Chateau. This is the largest log cabin in Canada. Set on the banks of the river Ottawa it is perfect.

Drinks on the bank at sunset were also perfect.

The reception is in the hub of the building which has a number of spokes leading off. These house the bedrooms. The centre piece of the hub is a huge chimney 3 floors high. It must be pretty warm in winter and the lighting gave it a very warm feel in summer.

We had a French waiter at our evening meal who asked the usual questions

How was your day? “Good” and received the response “Perfect”.
How was the wine? “Excellent” “Perfect”.
The food? “Very flavourful” “Perfect”.

We thought this was rather a quaint French mannerism. However, breakfast with new waiters was the same, checking out was the same. How was your stay “Very enjoyable” “Perfect”.

We decided on the way home to spend a few hours in the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The entry hall is huge and accommodates a number of totem poles.

The domed ceiling overlooking the atrium to the end staircase is particularly colourful.

We opted for the hall that takes you through a history of Canada. It comprises a series of scenes which you weave in and out of with every corner opening up to some new bit of history.

Of course the school room attracted particular attention – can you imagine teaching these two? Meanwhile Robin is flagrantly cheating.

The façade of the museum has a Guggenheim feel about it (see Bilbao blog 2010)

Outside there is a great view from the fountain across the river to the Parliament Houses.

On the way back to Perth we called into a Scottish restaurant. Again we were hailed with “perfect” so clearly this is the Canadian word of the year.

Pam and Robin ensured our stay in Canada was truly relaxing (just perfect) and prepared us for the long haul home. We plan to return as soon as the new boat has arrived!