Ottawa Area Museums, Ottawa

Favorite thing: Will Longstaff is my favorite war artist and his painting called "Ghosts of Vimy Ridge" is my favorite painting in Canada. In 1931 Longstaff painted Ghosts of Vimy Ridge in which he portrayed the spirits of servicemen of the Canadian Corps. The Memorial stands on Vimy Ridge on the summit beneath which the shimmering spirits of Canadian soldiers gather in the silvery moonlight. The painting now sits on display in the Canadian War Museum.

Longstaff has done similar painting for the Australians with "Menin Gate at Midnight", the English with "Immortal Shrine (Eternal Silence)", and New Zealand with "Carillon".

Favorite thing: The headstone of Canada's unknown soldier, entombed near the National War Monument, is located in the Memorial Hall of the War Museum. On November 11 at 11 o'clock, when Canada holds a moment of silence for its war dead, the sun shines through the window and illuminates the headstone.

Favorite thing: Visit the museums. The best, IMO, is the Museum of Civilization, in Hull. This picture is taken just oustide the building. The National Gallery ranks up there too. If you're in Ottawa, you really should learn about Canada, and the museums do a gerat job. Grab a tourist guidebook, they sometimes tell you which day of the week the museum admits people for free. Luckily they mostly have different free/discount days!

Fondest memory: Skating along the Rideau Canal, eating Beaver Tails (they're pastries, not the real thing! ^.^)

Fondest memory: Across the river from the Parliament Buildings, it is one of Canada's top museums. Especially noteworthy are its exhibits on Aboriginal Peoples, its reconstructions of Canadian life throughout history, and its IMAX/OmniMax cinema. The museum was designed by Alberta architect Douglas Cardinal, whose buildings are noted for their flowing curves and few straight lines. I had a wonderful afternoon here.

Favorite thing: I am impressed with the Canadian Museum just across river. It gives me an insight into the history and culture of Canada. The exhibition hosted is also of very high quality and the IMAX Theather there is also worth a visit.

Favorite thing: The museum is located at 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa.

Telephone: 613-991-3044

Fondest memory: The photo is from the Earthwatch area of the museum.

Favorite thing: The Victoria Memorial Museum Building is located at 240 McLeod Street (at Metcalf) in Ottawa.

Phone: 613-566-4700
or 800-263-4433

Favorite thing: Not only is the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa a beautiful building; it also provides a great view of Parliament and it's got lots of interesting stuff in it!