The thing that occurred to me walking around the Parliament buildings is how defensible they are. At least by 19th century standards. All three blocks were open to the street but the back end is basically a sheer cliff down to the water. It would take significant ship-based cannon fire to do any real damage to them. And to do that you'd have to dodge the cannon placements that would undoubtedly be on the riversides. So it's either that or take the whole city first.
This is what I think about when I walk around a place with history.
Ottawa turns out to be a lot nicer as a pedestrian than a driver. I checked out Parliament (though I was too late to grab an inside tour), went to the new Bank of Canada Museum (did you know you're the raindrops in the great wave that is the Canadian economy? Because you are), The National Gallery (which I went into because I happened upon it and ended up spending a ton of time in), and the Canadian Museum of Nature (which was fine but I'd pass on it if you don't have kids).
The city was bustling. I have no frame of reference but the holiday Monday after Canada's 150th birthday seemed like it was a good occasion for people to get out and see the capital. Restaurants were full, the tourist areas saw healthy business, and people were out walking the streets. Then again, it might've just been because it was sunny.
Tomorrow I head for Montreal. Looking at my schedule things might be a little tight on delivering Fusion Dave to Halifax for the 10th. I mean I'll make it for sure, but I will have to cut some things depending on how badly I want to do the Cabot Trail. So I may end up having to bypass Quebec City and/or Charlottetown.
Decisions, decisions.
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