Ottawa: Connection & Classic Canadian Sights
When a childhood friend of mine won the provincial competition to represent Newfoundland in the Great Canadian Kitchen Party Nationals in Ottawa, where my best friend lives, I took it as a sign. Apparently, that sign was to go on a weekend trip the week before an international trip **cue stupidly busy month.
My husband and I decided to take a quick trip out to our country’s capital, seeking rare time with my best friend, the opportunity to support my childhood friend and then hitting up some of the classic Canadian tourist highlights.
This trip was really special from a relational perspective. Attending at least a portion of the culinary competition to show support for this childhood friend and college roommate filled me with so much pride and love. She’s one of those people who you pick up where you left off with and are filled with the warmth of love when you get to be with her. Seeing her excel in her element in this competition was incredible. And then, even though it was quick, having time with my best friend, just to be together and catch up in person, is always soul-filling.
The other theme of the weekend was being a typical Canadian tourist.
On our first day, we got a behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament, compliments of my friend’s employment there. The “Room of Remembrance ” was particularly special, a quiet space that holds eight books containing the names of fallen Canadians from various wars. These small moments of reflection are always welcome. Of note, with renovations ongoing, Parliament has been moved into a temporary location, which has historically been a courtyard. This creates an interesting environment with the outer brick walls surrounding the area. My husband and I then visited the Museum of Canadian History, taking in some beautiful and informative exhibits. We rounded out our day with dinner at a local brewery, Spark Brewing, for some tasty beers and pizza.
The next day was the Black Box Competition for the Canadian Culinary Championship. We had a fabulous time enjoying the food prepared by the culinary students and cheering on my friend. The level of skill and creativity was astounding. Sticking to our theme of Canadian sightseeing, we attended an Ottawa Senators game in the evening. Being big hockey fans, my husband and I love to attend games when we travel, but it was fun to take my friend to her first NHL game and share that experience with her.
On our last day, my friend returned the favour of sharing favourite experiences and took us skating on the Rideau Canal. I haven’t skated since my teenage years, but luckily, I picked up enough skill to get through the two hours we spent on the ice. The highlight, given that I am not a winter outdoor sports person, was the beer we had from Dominion City. Located a couple of kilometres down from our starting point, they have a little beer shack where they will dip a hot poker into your pint of their Oatmeal Stout. This German tradition caramelizes the sugar, frothing and warming the head and creating a delicious flavour profile.
This brought our whirlwind weekend in Canada’s capital to an end. We hopped on an evening flight back home. I was left with so much gratitude for the love and the reconnection I experienced over those few days. The combination of deeply loving friendship and exploring my own country as a tourist was incredibly fulfilling.