How Ottawa became my home
and why this site...

I remember the first day I arrived in Ottawa as if it were yesterday.

As I turned right on Wellington Street, I got my first sight of the West Block of the Parliament Buildings.

A few seconds later, the Centre Block and the Peace Tower came into view. It stood majestically in the distance with the Maple Leaf blowing gently in the breeze.

I was awestruck. And from that moment, I've been a BIG fan of Canada's Parliament Buildings and Ottawa's tourist attractions.

This site has been in me ever since I came to Ottawa many years ago.

Because I was not an Ottawa native, everything here was new and exciting. I had a great sense of discovery and went about trying to see it all.

And my best pastime was to go around taking pictures on my Konica camera.

Almost everything was a subject - The Parliament Buildings, the Chateau Laurier, the Basilica, the War Memorial, the Rideau Canal, to name a few.

Today I still do it, although it's with my new digital camera. And the pleasure is still there. Plus, there are many more Ottawa tourism attractions which have been added over the years.

Living in Ottawa has been like being a tourist everyday. And I've always wanted to share my experiences as a 'resident Ottawa tourist'.

That's why this web site was created.

Each time I visit an Ottawa attraction, Ottawa museum or Ottawa event, the old thrill comes back. I always discover something new and refreshing.

Through my words and pictures, I hope to encourage you to visit. As a tourist destination, Ottawa is beautiful and unique.

I hope that this site helps to make your visit a very enjoyable one.

Thanks for visiting,
Rick Gabriel

PS: I'm always adding new articles and photos to this site. So check back often. You'll get useful updates about the Ottawa tourism scene.

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