Cycling in the capital

There are a few cities I have visited and thought to myself I could happily live there and Ottawa was definitely one of them. With the Rideau Canal winding through it, fantastic museums and markets with delicious food, it is a city I didn’t want to leave. I was blessed with spring sunshine on all but one day and also visited during the annual tulip festival, which was such an explosion of colour in the parks around the city.  I was also lucky enough to be treated to home cooking as I stayed with my gorgeous friend Delnaz, who I last saw in 2012 and who I first met in 2004 when we were room mates whilst studying at the State University of New York.

Borrowing Del’s bike I cycled into the city most days - Ottawa is certainly a city set up for cycling. The pathways are just brilliant, although I kept making photo stops as the scenery was too good! I mentioned my one cloudy day and on my journey home I smiled and cycled in the rain watching the lightening and listening to the thunder. That’s part of the joy of travel for me I think, the things that might usually annoy you at home just become part of your day.  I think it’s also to do with being completely in the ‘present’ and not having to think/worry about what’s happening tomorrow. 

I will write a separate post about the museums as they really were great, but if anyone is planning a trip to Canada, definitely make Ottawa part of your trip! Next time I visit, I would like to come in winter - I’ll swap the bike for ice skates!