October 31st 2024.
Autumn is a magical time of year, especially in Ottawa. The leaves turn a beautiful shade of red, pumpkin spice lattes are back at the coffee shops, and there's a sense of coziness in the air. As someone who has always loved Halloween, I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to visit Ottawa and the neighboring Quebec region in Canada during October. I could already imagine the stunning red foliage and abundance of pumpkins.
But as I delved deeper into the history of Halloween in Canada, I was surprised to learn that it wasn't always a popular tradition. It was actually brought over by Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. The first recorded instance of dressing up for Halloween was in Vancouver on the west coast. However, in the 21st century, Halloween has become a beloved holiday in Canada, with pumpkins adorning almost every street corner.
During my stay in Ottawa, I was lucky enough to be greeted by a beautiful sunrise. The city was bathed in a warm glow, and it was the perfect way to start my day. But as my itinerary for the trip mentioned a private tour of our hotel, the stunning Château Laurier, by a company called The Haunted Walk, my excitement quickly turned to fear. Being a lifelong phasmophobe, the thought of encountering ghosts was enough to make my heart race and my spine tingle. Instead of ignoring my fears and trying to get some rest after a long day of traveling, I ended up going down an internet rabbit hole, trying to find out more about the hotel's alleged hauntings.
Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night. I kept my earplugs in and my eye mask on, hoping to avoid any ghostly encounters. The next morning, I put on a brave face and joined the private tour, trying to convince myself that I wasn't terrified of ghosts. Along the way, we learned about the tragic story of the hotel's founder, Charles Melville Hays, who died on the Titanic while crossing the Atlantic to see the hotel he had created. His ghost is said to still haunt the hotel, admiring the halls he never got the chance to enjoy in life.
But despite the potential for spooky encounters, Ottawa was a charming city. Even though we were there a bit too early to see the peak of the autumn foliage, the parks were already filled with shades of orange, yellow, and red. And the unseasonably warm weather made it even more enjoyable to explore the city.
As the political capital of Canada, Ottawa has a rich history, and the Houses of Parliament are a must-see attraction. While the parliament was closed for renovations during my visit, I was able to experience a virtual tour of the Senate, which was both informative and free.
But Ottawa isn't just known for its politics. It also has a deep culinary history that I was lucky enough to learn about on a food tour with C'est Bon Ottawa. The ByWard Market area is a food lover's paradise, with delicious options ranging from poutine and vegetarian wings at Pure Kitchen to the famous Bloody Caesar and Hawaiian pizza at The Grand. And of course, no visit to the market is complete without trying the famous maple butter, which Canada produces the majority of in the world.
We also indulged in a beavertail, a pastry served with various toppings throughout the year. We were treated to the Killaloe Sunrise, a scrumptious combination of cinnamon, sugar, and lemon, typically enjoyed during the winter after a skate on the Rideau Canal. And we couldn't leave without trying the Nanaimo bar at Planet Coffee, a decadent treat consisting of three layers: coconut crumb, custard, and chocolate ganache. It was so delicious that I made sure to find a recipe for it when I returned home.
But my favorite part of the trip was visiting Mādahòkì Farm and learning about the spirit horses. Their story was both fascinating and heartwarming, and it was the perfect way to end my trip to Ottawa. From the beautiful autumn scenery to the delicious food and rich history, Ottawa truly has something for everyone.
Ottawa truly comes alive in the autumn, with its stunning red forest hues and cozy atmosphere. As someone who has always loved Halloween, I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit Ottawa and the surrounding region in October. I envisioned pumpkin spice lattes, decorative pumpkins, and a general sense of warmth and comfort.
It turns out that Halloween hasn't always been a major tradition in Canada. It was brought over by Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s, and its popularity has grown over the years. Now, it's impossible to walk down a Canadian street without seeing pumpkins and other festive decorations.
During my trip, I stayed at the Château Laurier, a beautiful hotel in downtown Ottawa. But when I found out that our itinerary included a private tour of the hotel with a company called The Haunted Walk, I couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive. As someone who is afraid of ghosts, I spent the night before our tour researching the hotel's history and its reported hauntings.
Thankfully, I made it through the night without any ghostly encounters. The next morning, I put on a brave face and joined the tour, learning about the hotel's founder, Charles Melville Hays, and his tragic death on the Titanic. His ghost is said to still haunt the hotel, admiring the grand halls he never had the chance to see in life.
But beyond the spooky tales, Ottawa has so much charm. Despite being a little late for the peak of autumn, the city was still adorned with beautiful fall colors. The weather was unseasonably warm, allowing us to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
As the political capital of Canada, Ottawa is full of history. The Houses of Parliament are a must-visit, and even though they were closed for renovations, we were able to experience a virtual tour in the Senate. And when it comes to history, Ottawa also has a rich culinary heritage. I had the opportunity to join a food tour, where I learned about the city's famous maple syrup and sampled delicious treats like poutine and Nanaimo bars.
The ByWard Market area is a food lover's paradise, with a variety of local restaurants and market stalls offering delicious delights. I got to try a beavertail, a pastry topped with a variety of flavors, and a Killaloe Sunrise, a traditional Canadian treat. And of course, no trip to Ottawa is complete without a visit to the iconic Ottawa sign and a taste of the famous Bloody Caesar cocktail.
But beyond the food and history, Ottawa also has a deep sense of community and culture. We visited Mādahòkì Farm, where we learned about the spirit horses that roam the land and the Indigenous culture of the region. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
As my trip came to an end, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to visit such a beautiful and vibrant city in the autumn. Ottawa truly captures the essence of the season, with its crisp air, colorful foliage, and warm atmosphere. It's a place I will always hold dear to my heart and I can't wait to go back and explore more of what this charming city has to offer.
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