Canada Day Greetings from Ottawa

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.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Honor Guard Marching in Ottawa.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Honor Guard in Ottawa

Where in the World?

About the author

Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.

13 responses to “Canada Day Greetings from Ottawa”

belocchio

July 1, 2012

Wonderful, wonderful Canada Day photos Tricia. We are very proud of our capitol city. Virginia

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  July 1, 2012
  
  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.
  
  1. belocchio
    
    July 1, 2012
    
    It’s bbq time at my adored Brother’s. We always spend this day together. He cooks and I drink wine. Virginia
  2. Tricia A. Mitchell
    
    July 1, 2012
    
    Sounds like a splendid arrangement, Virginia – enjoy! :)
Rachael

July 1, 2012

Super post for Canada Day! I will share it with Pete. I am sure it’s one day a year when he misses Canada.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  July 2, 2012
  
  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.
  
  1. Rachael
    
    July 3, 2012
    
    He enjoys beaver tail and tourtière, less so putine. He makes the first two occasionally here.
Madhu

July 1, 2012

Beautiful shots Tricia. Love the look of those cookies.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  July 2, 2012
  
  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.
  
artizenimages

July 2, 2012

Lovely bog. How fortunate you are to have been able to travel to (and photograph) so many wonderful places!

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  July 2, 2012
  
  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.
  
rigmover

July 8, 2012

Another great set, I could be home in London looking at these.

1. Tricia A. Mitchell
  
  July 8, 2012
  
  I also found some of Ottawa’s architecture to be reminiscent of London, and the well-mannered, witty people reminded me of the English. :)

Travels with Tricia