Tulips As Far As The Eye Can See!

A sure sign that spring has sprung in Ottawa, Ontario - Canada’s capital - is the opening of its famous Tulip Festival. From the 4th -21st May over 3-million colourful tulips grace all historic parkways and scenic drives of this picturesque city. The 'Tulip Route' presents an awesome kaleidoscope of colour that attracts visitors from around the world.

Numerous pictures can be be found here

Originally, 100,000 tulip bulbs were a gift from Queen Juliana of the Netherlands as a thank you for providing members of Holland’s exiled royal family a safe haven during 1945.

Canadian troops helped liberate the Netherlands plus the royal family was hosted at Government House in Ottawa while Princess Margriet was born at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Her room was declared as “Dutch Soil” and the flag of the Netherlands flew on the Parliament’s Peace Tower.

Although this legacy is an important part of Canadian history – it is the unending pictorial beauty of this one-of-a-kind spectacle that draws so many to return year after year. Read more

The wonders of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada's Capital

OTTAWA CANADA’S CAPITAL

We recently enjoyed our first personal visit with a long time Internet friend Sandra Merrikan and hubby Gordon (a professional photographer). This adventuresome couple have thoroughly enjoyed their three-years of Fulltime travels – they’re still counting.

During our chance meeting we were discussing places to go as a result of an email I just received from RVers in British Columbia. Sandra and Gordon call Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Capital, home. Although it was also my childhood home, I joined the Canadian Military at age 18, so my first hand knowledge is minimal.

The RV Parks they use in Ottawa is the ‘Ottawa Municipal’ on Corkstown Road - http://www.ottawacampground.ca/Home.html Another gem is ‘Rideau Heights Campground’ (no website) on Rideau Heights Drive at Hunt Club and Prince of Wales DriveAnd ‘Tranquil Acres’, Appleton Side Road near Carleton Place - http://www.tranquilacrescamping.ca/

Sandra asked me to share the wonders of Ottawa in my answer to the email request..

Visitors to Ottawa during late May should not miss the vast picturesque Tulip Festival. These flowers are simply gorgeous! The Ottawa Municipal Campground opens on May 1st – just off Hwy 417. (Note: John and I have spent many a visit in this unique park – it’s also easy accessible to downtown).

A few additional ‘don’t-miss’ venues – John and I love to spending Canada Day (July 1st) on ‘Parliament Hill’ is simply an awesome experience. A picturesque, pleasant Canal Cruise is so peaceful – what a wonderful way to spend a summer day. Dow's Lake is another hot spot with great restaurants and a memorable area as is Preston Street - the Italian area with numerous Italian eateries. Make time to drive the Ottawa River Parkway - a pretty drive that simplifies travel from the west end of the city to downtown. Upper Canada Village is an excellent place to visit as well if you're into history.

A Fall drive is so colourful on the nearby Gatineau Parkway (across the Ottawa River in Quebec) - but a hike around Pink Lake is also pleasant – it is also beautiful during spring/summer. Chelsea is another pretty little town for lunch and Wakefield has some quaint little breakfast and lunch places as well - both in Ottawa and in Quebec, across a short bridge over the Ottawa river. For shopping, Bayshore and Carlingwood Shopping Centres in the west end offer a variety of shops. Bayshore is very close to the campground.

Read Sandra’s Blog at http://srmerrikinblog.blogspot.com/

Feel free to ask any questions or leave a comment below. I will address them soonest. Don’t miss choosing Ottawa, Canada’s Capital as a destination stop – you will be happy you did. Travel safe. P&J

Peggi McDonald is webhost of RVLiving.net, the author of RV Travel to Canada E-Book and - see RV Bookstore for details..