Sunshine Manor a bed and breakfast Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario

All about Ottawa!

In 1841, Lower Canada (now Quebec) and Upper Canada (now Ontario) joined to form the Province of Canada. Its seat of government alternated for many years, and in 1857 Queen Victoria was asked to select a permanent capital. Surprisingly, the Queen chose the rough-and-tumble lumber town of Ottawa over the established cities of Toronto, Kingston, Montreal and Quebec. Not only was Ottawa a political compromise but it also lay a more secure distance from the American border.

The Centre, East and West blocks of the Parliament Buildings were built between 1859 and 1866 (excluding the Peace Tower and Library). One year after their completion, Confederation was ushered in and the buildings were immediately chosen as the seat of government for the new Dominion of Canada. The picture shows the view from across the Ottawa river.

Nightview of the Parliament Building from the front

The uneasy relations between the United States and Britain following American independence and the War of 1812 in particular forced the British Government to look for a protected line of communication between Montreal and the Fortress of Kingston at the head of Lake Ontario. Lt.-Col. John By of the Corps of Royal Engineers was given the task of constructing the Rideau Canal System.

The six year undertaking began in 1826 and the result was a 200km long canal with 47 locks and 24 dams. The eight locks which lift boats the first 25 meters above the Ottawa River form the 'Entrance Bay'. The limestone blocks which were used for the construction were quarried from the cliffs on either side.

In the winter the canal becomes the worlds longest skating rink.

Lt.-Col. By laid out a new settlement close to these locks which became known as Bytown. This settlement of 1000 people grew to become the City of Ottawa.
The Byward Market building and the four streets on each side (Byward, to the right; William, to the left; George, behind; and York, in front) make up the farmer's market, open every day. Built in 1927, this building is the fifth one to stand in the same area.

The Basilica is the site for the first Roman Catholic church in Bytown. The simple wood frame structure, built in 1832, soon proved inadequate for the growing French speaking population. Plans for a bigger church were prepared by Father Cannon, and construction began in 1839. So that daily religious services would not be interrupted, the small church was left intact while the side and end walls of the new structure were being built, In 1842, the time came to close in the front wall, and the small church was lifted and moved across the street where it re-opened for services.
When the Oblate Fathers took over the parish in 1844, Father Telmon was sent from France to continue the construction work. He changed the style of the building from the Romanesque to the Gothic Revival style. The 'architectural detective' will notice the difference between the round headed opening on the lower level - a Romanesque feature - and the gothic pointed windows above.

Although Notre-Dame was constructed in 1853, it was not completed until the 1880's. It is the oldest surviving church in Ottawa. The interior is lavishly decorated with stained glass windows and carved woodwork by Philippe Pariseau and Flavien Rochon, and sculpture by Philippe Hébert.

Built in French Chateau style in 1912 by Ross and MacFarlane Architects, the Chateau Laurier served the Grand Trunk Line. It was home for Prime Minister R.B. Bennett from 1930 to 1935.

Built to last forever, this is the Supreme Court of Canada.

The National Galerie is an architectural masterpiece.

Every season is beautiful. In fall the coulors are incredible.

Home

Pictures

Cost & Details

How to get there?

			sunshinemanor@sunshinemanor.net
			Tourist Information Links
			Naturist Information Links