Ontario And Quebec 2017: Day 4 - Topiaries, Museum Of History And Night Lights

[Melbatb]

The day was full of meeting with the spider who turned up all over the place

I was awake early as usual. O turned up at about 7.30 and J and F even later! Breakfast was had - toast, coffee!

The plan for today was to visit Jacques Cartier Parc where there was a display of topiaries - again to celebrate 150 years of being Canada. Then onto the Museum of History for the culture fix, a rest and then actually buying something at American Girl! The day would finish with the Northern Lights spectacle on the Parliament building.

First stop - the topiaries. This was a free exhibition to showcase Canada's history with a bit of Chinese design thrown in (a team of Shanghai gardeners had helped with the concept). The park was across in Quebec- about a 20 minute walk!

This was Mother Nature.

The attention to detail was amazing!

This was one of my favourites - a howling wolf!

And one of the Chinese related ones - very impressive.

It really was an excellent display. It was very popular as you can imagine!

Then onto the Museum of History. This was only a 5 minute walk.

The museum was built by a famous Canadian architect in the style of Gaudi. It is said to represent a turtle.

Again, lots of attention to detail. You can see the bridge we walked across to get to Quebec!

I loved the display of Totem poles - so very Canadian.

The colours snd shapes are so very distinct.

We went through three galleries detailing the history of Canada from the very beginning. It was exceptionally well done and informative - even the kids liked it.

This was one of the ceilings - love all the colours!

We walked back yo the market for a late lunch - three burritos and a felafel pitta. The kids also had ice cream!

On the way back F and I stopped to get her two best friends a wired name bracelet - one was in stock, the other had to be made! We got caught up by the spider who was chasing the dragon! It is very busy in Ottawa due to "La Machine" as it is the first time they gave been in North America!

When we got back it was some down time to rest the weary limbs!

At about 5pm we went back to Chapters for F to make some purchases! She was also thrilled to be given a present from the manager who left it for her - she was made up with the lovely gesture

Dinner was in the food court - teriyaki salmon and rice for the kids and veggie noodles for me! Ok but nothing to write home about!

Back to the apartment again - with the decision that only O and I would go to the light show - F and J being too tired!

After doing a load of washing, O and I left at about 9.20pm to walk to Parliament.

We found a good spot (not difficult as (a) the Parliament is raised and (b) most people were sitting on the grass! We stood at the back - there were a lot of people but I don't know if that is normal!

The show started promptly at 10 pm and told the history of Canada - it was really interesting - not only the last 150 years but before that.

It also included a touching tribute to all the Canadians who lost their lives in battle - with a focus on WW1. It didn't overhype their involvement and for that I found it remarkedly moving.

It finished with a rendition of "O Canada" - everyone stood up.

It lasted about 30 minutes and both O and I were happy we had made the effort. It was informative and interesting without being over sentimental!

We walked back - our kegs and feet exhausted. Only 27,037 steps today - about 18.5km! So much for a less energetic day!

[app]

New Photo Added by Melbatb - 29 Jul 17 4:33 AM.

[mick]

Another long busy but great day

Joan

[disney owl]

Topiaries & light show, both look amazing

[Melbatb]

Originally Posted by disney owl

Topiaries & light show, both look amazing

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I still marvel at the pictures of the topiaries - must have taken hours and hours to achieve each one!

[Sandra & co]

I am now going to read all your trip reports, I want to see the topiaries a that’s a must do x

[Jake71]

The topiaries are amazing and the museum looks and sounds really good too. How nice of the manager to leave a gift. A lovely end to the day too with the light show. I do love O Canada 🇨🇦

[Melbatb]

Originally Posted by mick

Another long busy but great day

Joan

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Today should be "easier" as we are moving onto the next aventure!

Originally Posted by Jake71

The topiaries are amazing and the museum looks and sounds really good too. How nice of the manager to leave a gift. A lovely end to the day too with the light show. I do love O Canada 🇨🇦

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It was a great day - lots seen and learnt! F was so thrilled at being left a gift - such a nice touch!

[OB1LukeLucas]

Some fab photos it looks like you had a great day. How nice the manager left a little present. The light show looked good.

[Bianca]

"Skeleton Spider"?

Another full day (and lots of walking!) - the topiaries look excellent and the Museum of History is a fantastic building (also seems good on the inside!). The light show looked well worth the effort. (Not too sentimental = not too Disney-fied?! ) Hope you slept well after it all, though.

What a lovely manager to leave a gift for F at American Girl! She must have been thrilled. Hope she's pleased with her purchases, too.