Historic Sites in Gatineau

"The official residence of the Governor General of Canada, this grand estate evolved from stonemason Thomas McKay’s private villa, later reconfigured with new wings and, in 1913, a pedimented entrance engraved with a Royal Coat of Arms. Following the English landscape style, the building is surrounded by lush — and in this case, public — gardens. “I think of it as a picturesque park as much as a building,” Gagnon says."

"Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor-general of Canada is open to the public and can be explored by taking free guided tours. You must explore the phenomenal and royal heritage gardens. The guided tours take you through the opulent Staterooms, tastefully done ballroom – the Tent Room and even know more about the Governor-General."

"An Ottawa landmark that features Regency, Norman Revival and Florentine Renaissance Revival architecture, Rideau Hall is out to impress. Along with the marvellous art and noteworthy cabinetry that fills the interior plus the gorgeous grounds; Rideau Hall is unquestionably Instagram-worthy. View this post on Instagram"

"The Watson's Mill is the only working museum in Ottawa and is a historic flour mill that still sells stone-ground, whole wheat flour. The place is also believed to be haunted by locals and open to general Public during summer- the highlight being the summer events held here every year. On other days, the history of the place invites visitors to see the old machinery and to have a meal at the Ma...Read more"

"Watson's Mill is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th century mill architecture and the only operating industrial heritage site within the City of Ottawa. It is designated as part of historic Dickinson Square, at the heart of the Village of Manotick. Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A2 tel.: 613-692-MILL (6455) www.watsonsmill.com"

"The historic flour mill located in the village of Manotick is a picturesque building — great for photos in the fall and summer months. Watson’s Mill offers building tours where you can even purchase the flour they produce.Photo: Sofia Donato"

"Perched on a rise next to the fairytale Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, the neo-gothic Parliament of Canada overlooks the River Ottawa and neighbouring Québec and is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. Sit in on question time at the Legislature, enjoy the sound and light show on the illuminated Parliament Hill or take a guided tour of Centre Block. Address: Parliament Hill, Parliament of Canada, Ottawa, K1A 0A9Telephone: +1 613 992 4793Opening times:"

"No visit to Ottawa would complete without at least one Instagram post of the iconic Parliament buildings!. Throughout the year there plenty of photo opportunities from fireworks at Canada Day, flowers at Tulip Festival, the Sounds and Light Show in the summer, or over the winter when the Parliament of Canada is lit up at Christmas."

"The Canadian Parliament was originally built between 1859 and 1878 in the Neogothic Style, similar to the Chateau Style. Inspired by French, English and Flemish architectural elements, its construction employed mostly wood. In 1916, a great fire ravaged the central building."

"This is another family favorite trail with historical ruins to discover!. The Carbide Willson Trail is an out and back style, 4.3km hike that takes you along Meech Lake and up to the remains of an old laboratory built by Thomas “Carbide” Willson, the inventor of Calcium Carbide. Kids can explore the ruins and marvel at the adjacent waterfalls, which together are a stunning sight!"

"You can tell that it was made fresh because the ingredients inside such as the sweet potato and the shrimp were still warm!"

"Combine great food with a modern, warm ambiance and you get Kiko Sushi Bar. Located in Preston Square, this spot is your go-to place for every type of sushi and maki imaginable. We recommend the Spider Roll and the Spicy Scallop Roll, but everything on the menu is top notch."

"What is it: The restaurant attached to the famous French cooking school’s only Canadian campus—and the first outside of Europe. Why go: This is the place for upscale French cuisine in Ottawa. The cooking school and the restaurant are located in a beautiful old mansion that is worth a visit on its own."

"Matnik Spa Therapy specializes in facial treatments, as they have an extensive menu dedicated to skincare. This oasis of tranquility has various other services for both men and women. They offer Massage, Electrolysis, Sugaring, Reflexology, and Pedicure."

"Located in the heart of Byward Market, this spa in Ottawa is quite a popular one. They offer a full range of basic services like hair, nail, facial, massage, etc. But their uniqueness lies in tech-savvy services like infrared sauna and laser hair removal."

"Dine on Mom’s classic 3-course menu brunch favourites and more from the comfort of home. Enjoy Southern Style Maple Peach & Apple Pudding with a choice of salad, Flakey Croissant & Pain Aux Chocolate, Eggs Frittata, Sweet Bell Peppers, Aged Cheddar, Belgian Waffles, Bacon, , Vegetarian Lasagna, Oven Roasted Chicken, Citrus and Herb Marinated Rice & Ancient Grain Pilaf, and Pork Loin Roast."

"The Kanata neighborhood of Ottawa also provides a number of good accommodation options, especially for those wanting to be outside the downtown area of the city. The 4-star Brookstreet Hotel is a particularly good choice. Consisting of 276 rooms and suites, it's a large hotel, but one that offers plenty of privacy in your well-appointed accommodation."