Greetings from Toronto, where it’s Canada Day. Informally speaking, you can say that it’s Canada’s birthday. Technically, July 1st is the anniversary of the country’s creation back on July 1, 1867.
Two days ago, Shawn and I explored Ottawa on foot. In preparation for Canada’s birthday celebrations, the capital city was getting dressed in an abundance of red and white—and maple leaves.
On stage in front of the Parliament Building, performers danced to lively tunes as they rehearsed for the big day’s performances.
On the other side of Wellington Street, a more somber remembrance took place as an honor guard paid homage to an unknown soldier.
Now back in Toronto (after a whirlwind road trip through Ontario and Québec) we’ll be on the lookout for some sparkling fireworks tonight.
To my Canadian family and friends, I wish you a special day!
The Peace Tower (Tour de la Paix) punctuates the sky.
Tricia A. Mitchell is a freelance writer and photographer. Born in Europe but raised in the United States, she has lived in Valletta, Malta; Heidelberg, Germany; and Split, Croatia. An avid globetrotter who has visited more than 65 countries, she has a penchant for off-season travel. Tricia has learned that travel’s greatest gift is not sightseeing, rather it is the interactions with people. Some of her most memorable experiences have been sharing a bottle of champagne with distant French cousins in Lorraine, learning how to milk goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village, and ringing in the Vietnamese New Year with a Hanoi family. She welcomes any opportunity to practice French and German, and she loves delving into a place’s history and artisanal food scene.
A former education administrator and training specialist, Tricia has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in international relations. She and her husband, Shawn, married in the ruins of a snowy German castle. They’ve been known to escape winter by basing themselves in coastal Croatia or Southeast Asia.
Her writing has appeared in Fodor’s Travel, Frommer’s, and International Living.
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13 thoughts on “Canada Day Greetings from Ottawa”
Wonderful, wonderful Canada Day photos Tricia. We are very proud of our capitol city. Virginia
Perhaps he can participate in some long distance celebration with some poutine or a Beaver Tail. :) Is he a fan of the traditional poutine? There were so many other tempting culinary treats to try – we just didn’t give it a whirl while in Québec.
Don’t those sugar cookies look scrumptious, Madhu? At the bakery, they called them ‘Obama cookies’ since they were enjoyed by the President during his first state visit to Canada a few years ago.
Travels With Tricia 
Wonderful, wonderful Canada Day photos Tricia. We are very proud of our capitol city. Virginia
Happy Canada Day, Virginia! Are you participating in any festivities or creating your own – perhaps a culinary delight that’s Canada Day inspired?
Glad you enjoyed the pictures; I can see why there’s so much patriotism here.
It’s bbq time at my adored Brother’s. We always spend this day together. He cooks and I drink wine. Virginia
Sounds like a splendid arrangement, Virginia – enjoy! :)
Super post for Canada Day! I will share it with Pete. I am sure it’s one day a year when he misses Canada.
Perhaps he can participate in some long distance celebration with some poutine or a Beaver Tail. :) Is he a fan of the traditional poutine? There were so many other tempting culinary treats to try – we just didn’t give it a whirl while in Québec.
He enjoys beaver tail and tourtière, less so putine. He makes the first two occasionally here.
Beautiful shots Tricia. Love the look of those cookies.
Don’t those sugar cookies look scrumptious, Madhu? At the bakery, they called them ‘Obama cookies’ since they were enjoyed by the President during his first state visit to Canada a few years ago.
Lovely bog. How fortunate you are to have been able to travel to (and photograph) so many wonderful places!
I’m happy we’ve connected! Yes, I’m very lucky to have explored much of the world, while meeting some extraordinary people along the way.
I’m very inspired by your macro images and nature shots and look forward to seeing more, artizenimages.
Another great set, I could be home in London looking at these.
I also found some of Ottawa’s architecture to be reminiscent of London, and the well-mannered, witty people reminded me of the English. :)