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Day 10. After another early morning run around La Fontaine Park, I settled my bill at La Conciergerie and then started the walk back to Central Station. Stopping on the way to check out the beautiful coloured windows at Palais des congrès de Montréal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qW/0/O/258.jpg Outside Central Station. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gZ/0/O/259.jpg And inside, ready to catch the 8:40am train to the Capital city of Ottawa. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...jP/0/O/260.jpg Down on the undergound platform for boarding. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Gx/0/O/261.jpg And departing on time for the journey west to Ottawa. The train carriage was much more modern than the one I took to Montreal, but with much less leg room. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kk/0/O/262.jpg Some Pringles and a Clif bar from the food cart for breakfast. A guy sitting across from me, wearing a fedora, leather jacket and a beard ordered a coffee, but then said he had no money when he realised he had to pay for it. The server handled it graciously though, wished him a happy Thanksgiving and let him keep it! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...TK/0/O/263.jpg We arrived in Ottawa on time at 10:45am, 2 hours after leaving Montreal. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...N9/0/O/264.jpg Unlike Quèbec city and Montreal, Ottawa train station was not in the city centre. I contemplated walking or taking a taxi for the ~4.5 kilometres into the city, but after a bit investigation, managed to catch the right bus for $CA3.60. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4X/0/O/265.jpg After checking in and dropping off my bags at the hostel, I went for a walk into the city. Ottawa was quite a bit cooler than Montreal, with a maximum predicted temperature of 12°C today. English mother, French father. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...92/0/O/266.jpg Rideau Canal, opened in 1832 and was built to provide a secure supply route between Montreal and Kingston in case of invasion by the United States. In winter the canal in Ottawa freezes over and becomes the world's second largest skating rink. On the left is also the East block of the Canadian Parliament. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gD/0/O/267.jpg Centennial Flame just in front of Parliament. Built in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s 100th anniversary as a Confederation. The natural gas bubbling through the water didn't seem to fully ignite, as there was a heavy foul smell of gas odourant in the air. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kf/0/O/268.jpg The Canadian Parliament, containing the House of Commons and Senate chambers. The original building was built in 1866, but was rebuilt again in 1923 after it was completely destroyed by fire. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...sQ/0/O/269.jpg Maple Leaf. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kS/0/O/270.jpg Getting another fix of Tim's just after 12. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zm/0/O/271.jpg I then walked to the Canadian War Museum. The building, completed in 2005, with textured concrete walls and grass covered roof resembled a fortified and camouflaged bunker. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...KX/0/O/272.jpg The displays were set out chronologically, starting with the history of war on Canadian soil, including the indigenous people who allied with the French to fight the English during the French and Indian War. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Cg/0/O/273.jpg Next was the South African and First World Wars, when Canada supported the British in South Africa and Europe. A haunting gas mask from World War I. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Dk/0/O/274.jpg The LeBreton Gallery, with a CF-101 Voodoo jet up above some the tanks on display. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...58/0/O/275.jpg In the Cold War section, with a nuclear rocket on the far left, and the nose cone of a Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow bottom middle. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bs/0/O/276.jpg The fourteen flags of Canada and its province and territories flying outside the museum. I had spent almost three hours in the museum and it was a great and very interesting place to learn about Canada's wars and history and definitely exceeded my expectations. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...89/0/O/277.jpg After the visit to the museum I walked back into the city. It was just before 4pm so I stopped at a hotdog stall to fill the gap until dinner. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...7b/0/O/278.jpg I grew up with hotdogs which were deep fried, covered in batter and not a bun in sight, so it was great to enjoy the much tastier North-American version with ketchup, mustard and everything else! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SJ/0/O/279.jpg And outside my hostel for my one night stay in Ottawa, the old gaol! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...dK/0/O/280.jpg Climbing up the original stairs. The Nicholas Street Gaol was the main jail of Ottawa for over one hundred years. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...M6/0/O/281.jpg And my 1 x 3 meter cell/room on level 6. After closing in 1972, the jail was soon converted to a hostel. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...M9/0/O/282.jpg I chilled out for a bit in my cell and it was surprisingly quite peaceful despite the very small space. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...X2/0/O/283.jpg And the hostel common room in the basement which was not so claustrophobic. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Jx/0/O/284.jpg For dinner I headed out to a local Mexican place, Burrito Borracho. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...cs/0/O/285.jpg And had three very tasty soft corn tortilla taco's with grilled chicken, steak and pulled pork. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...GC/0/O/286.jpg I had a early start tomorrow to catch my flight back to Toronto, so after I packed my bags I set my alarm for 4am and settled in for the night in my 1 x 3 metre jail cell! |
Day 11. After a surprisingly good nights sleep, I walked the short distance to the nearby Novotel and caught a taxi to the airport. At Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport for my 6:30am flight to Toronto. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4F/0/O/287.jpg I had plenty of time until my flight so grabbed a Bagel B.E.L.T (bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato) at Tim Hortons. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zp/0/O/288.jpg Looking out over the wing to another Air Canada Airbus after boarding the A319-100 for the short hop to YYZ. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...FR/0/O/289.jpg Complimentary coffee and biscuit soon after take-off. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qw/0/O/290.jpg Looking east to the sun rising over downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qX/0/O/291.jpg After collecting my suitcase after landing, I headed through to collect my car for the day, an all-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SF/0/O/292.jpg The plan for today was to head south-east from Toronto on Queen Elizabeth Way and then take a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. Then head west to the city of Woodstock to catch up with friends, Gerald and Esther, before returning to Toronto Airport to catch my flight back to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...sN/0/O/293.jpg After taking a few wrong turns, my GPS put me back on the right road and I was off to Niagara Falls. Although it was a Monday, it was Thanksgiving morning so the roads were relatively empty leaving Toronto. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...PP/0/O/294.jpg Stopping at a gas station half-way to Niagara. The Hyundai had a 3.8 litre V8 outputting 232 kW and was a nice pleasant ride on Queen Elizabeth Way. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...m9/0/O/295.jpg I arrived at Niagara Helicopters just after 10am. I didn't have a booking but they were fine with walk-ups. After paying the $CA130 I lined up outside to take the helicopter ride over the Falls. An Airbus EC130 coming in to land and another just to the left refuelling. The company had four helicopters shuttling passengers for the short ride/tour over the falls. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rD/0/O/296.jpg It was soon time to board. I was the last on and managed to get a right-side window seat. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...S3/0/O/297.jpg Shortly after lift-off. The weather was almost perfect with great views out the window. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...N5/0/O/298.jpg Heading south along the Canadian side of the Niagara River with the watery mist from the falls in the distance. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tz/0/O/299.jpg The Niagara River delineates the border between the USA (left) and Canada (right). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Vt/0/O/300.jpg Looking down at the Sheraton and Hilton on the Canadian side of the river. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...nV/0/O/301.jpg And across to the famous Horseshoe / Canadian Falls where ~90% of the water from the Niagara river flows over. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...BM/0/O/302.jpg The intake point of the Niagara Tunnel Project, a 12.7 metre diameter, 10.2 kilometre long tunnel completed in 2013 to supply additional water to the Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric generation complex. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...zG/0/O/303.jpg Beginning our journey back. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kx/0/O/304.jpg Goat Island (and USA soil) to the right and the Canadian city of Niagara Falls on the left. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...R5/0/O/305.jpg A colourful rainbow in the mist just above Horseshoe / Canadian Falls. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tG/0/O/306.jpg The bridge to the top left connecting Canada (left) and the USA (right), and with a direct line of sight of the Falls, it is appropriately called Rainbow Bridge. Just below it is the smaller American and Bridal Veil Falls. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...bJ/0/O/307.jpg Looking down at the very beautiful Horseshoe / Canadian Falls. I had briefly considered getting a boat ride up the river to the Falls, but was glad I opted for the helicopter ride instead. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...XC/0/O/308.jpg And one last look before heading back to base. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...p6/0/O/309.jpg An awesome experience and definitely recommended! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...NX/0/O/310.jpg After landing I hit the road again just after 11am for the 151 kilometres to Woodstock. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Bx/0/O/311.jpg Stopping about 50 kilometres out for a quick break. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...qz/0/O/312.jpg Cruising down the 403. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...tz/0/O/313.jpg I got to Woodstock just before 1pm and made it to Gerald and Esther's place. They had just arrived home late the previously night after a three week trip to Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Gerald soon fired up the BBQ and cooked up some tasty half-pound burgers for lunch. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...n3/0/O/314.jpg It was great catching up, talking about recent travels and their exciting adventure in South America. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Fm/0/O/315.jpg Gerald then took me for a drive around Woodstock and the surrounding countryside. Quite a beautiful and idyllic town, although I struggled to imagine it being covered in snow when it reaches 10°C below in the winter, and when Gerald bikes the 5 kilometres to work! At about 5:30pm I then said farewell to Esther and Gerald and hit the road for the 121 kilometre drive back to Toronto Pearson International Airport. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SD/0/O/316.jpg And back at Enterprise to drop off the Hyundai. Despite my best endeavours I couldn't find a gas station to fill back up close to the airport and hence the car only had half a tank left when I returned it. The Enterprise lady said it would be fine though, and said she wouldn't charge extra for the fuel (maybe because I had paid extra for insurance and had only had the car for half a day?). http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...q6/0/O/317.jpg After sorting out the car, I headed to Terminal 1 to check-in for my flight back to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...pp/0/O/318.jpg In the tiny and packed American Express lounge air-side. The lounge attendant apologised for the sorry state of the lounge though and offered food vouchers to eat elsewhere in the airport. I wasn't too hungry though so just opted for the medicore lounge food. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...km/0/O/319.jpg Our Airbus A380 at the gate being prepped for the return to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...gn/0/O/320.jpg There were some 27 people in wheelchairs lined up for boarding at the gate, and with a full flight with all 76 business class seats taken, it took a while to board. Boarding started on time though and we were soon walking down the jetway. It would unfortunately be a while until I get to fly upstairs on the A380 again though! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2h/0/O/321.jpg I had originally booked seat 15G, an inner aisle seat and the same I had had on the DXB-YYZ leg. Luckily 16K, a window seat, had opened up when I went to check-in online 48 hours prior though. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...SS/0/O/322.jpg The window seat definitely felt more private and secluded, and also had access to storage bins under the window. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...wB/0/O/323.jpg And a glass of yellow label Veuve Clicquot champagne for my choice of pre-departure beverage. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...k9/0/O/324.jpg After getting the men's amenity kit on the DXB-YYZ leg, I asked for a ladies one this time to give to Rianda. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4F/0/O/325.jpg The menu for the flight from Toronto to Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...mB/0/O/326.jpg Watching the film, Star Trek Beyond as we taxied for take-off. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...v9/0/O/327.jpg The lights of Toronto below as we banked right. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Dm/0/O/328.jpg Dinner was started soon after, with pre-dinner drink of tomato juice and some nuts to start. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Ph/0/O/329.jpg Next was the appetiser, where I had the tuna niçoise which consisted of succulent grilled tuna loin with green beans, fingerling potatoes, capers and olives. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...8F/0/O/330.jpg For the main I enjoyed the tasty Kori gashi. Spicy Mangalorean chicken curry with coconut, served with ghee rice and curried lentils with vegetables. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Kn/0/O/331.jpg And for dessert I had the delicious raspberry tart with pistachios and whipped cream. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Wm/0/O/332.jpg I then reclined the seat fully to get some much needed sleep. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...4j/0/O/333.jpg Day 12. After a surprisingly good 5 hour sleep, I woke up refreshed somewhere over Poland. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...ZL/0/O/334.jpg Getting a drink and a snack from the bar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...TM/0/O/335.jpg Actor Wes Bentley in zero-gravity in the film, Interstellar. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...kp/0/O/336.jpg As we got closer to Dubai breakfast was served. I chose the Continental cold plate with sliced smoked turkey, air-dried beef, goat's cheese, feta and Monterey Jack. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...KB/0/O/337.jpg After breakfast was cleared, we prepared for the descent into Dubai. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...2w/0/O/338.jpg Looking out over to the sun setting as we flew over the Gulf. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...t7/0/O/339.jpg Fast track cards handed out for priority at DXB immigration. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...rx/0/O/340.jpg And pulling into the gate with an EK A330 just across from us. 4 weeks later the last A330 and A340 planes were retired from the Emirates fleet. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...5s/0/O/341.jpg Waiting for my suitcase to come off the belt in the arrivals area amongst the multitude of white pillars in Terminal 3. http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Hm/0/O/342.jpg And about to catch an EK limo home after a great trip to Canada! http://www.dsw-photo.com/Photos/CNDA...Pw/0/O/343.jpg |
DanielW - what a fantastic Trip Report. Your detail and photos really made one feel they were along on your journey! Food looked tremendous (except for the rabbit:(). Emirates business was impressive - my experiences on other airlines were far less grand!
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Canadian War Museum charges quite a steep admission. These national-level museums should be free like in other countries!
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DanielW, thank you for another fabulous report, great pics and narrative.
It was nice to see a visitor's perspective of my old home town of Montréal. |
What a wonderful report. Your photographs are outstanding... I very much appreciated seeing my home through new eyes. Thank you!
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This was great - I really enjoy reading other people's trip reports of areas that I frequent day to day. Sorry to hear about the gas / petrol situation near the airport for the rental car. They are nearby but it's not at all intuitive how to get to them since it's pretty much direct highway right into the terminals.
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As a big fan of your TRs and a transplanted Canadian from Ottawa who's spent ample time in all four cities, I absolutely LOVED this one. Despite the short trip duration, I think you captured the essence of this region beautifully. If you ever plan to spend a bit more time in Ottawa and would like some restaurant recommendations, hit me up!
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DanielW - congratulations on your first trip to Canada. Despite a short trip, you certainly got in the most of what eastern Canada has to offer. I ate at Le Lapin Saute on my last visit to Quebec City in 2001 and I'm happy to see that it's still running.
I also have to commend you for getting these trip reports up in one shot - it takes me weeks to get my act together!! Thanks for sharing. If you ever make it to Western Canada (Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Mountain Range) you'll find it quite a bit different than Eastern Canada. |
Your travel reports are always amazing!
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Wow!!!
The Canadian Tourist Office should pay you for this great report. I was in Montreal / Toronto 30 years ago and now want to go back all because of your great pictures. Quebec City is close to where I live but the air fares are steep.May need to use a one way Award. By the way Rio stock is beginning to do well. Impressed by your presentation. At least with all the graphs and numbers. |
Originally Posted by DanielW
(Post 27563596)
There were some 27 people in wheelchairs lined up for boarding at the gate, Thanks for the report! |
I am never disappointed reading your reports Daniel. The new camera is definitely producing stunning images. Where next ? Can't be many places left - have you been to Scotland ?
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Another fantastic trip report. And the photos! Excellent as always. Thanks for taking the time to post.
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Daniel,
Thank you for sharing another fantastic report with amazing photos as usual. Looks like you had a great trip to Canada! Emirates J also looks quite nice too. All best, 757 |
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