Day 54 Ottawa, ON to Carillon, Quebec

 100.3 miles, 1,490 ft ascent.

 

Note regarding our Rest Day yesterday.  Special visitor!  TDC 2021 alumnus Jay Lymer came to our campground and drove three of us into Ottawa.  We salute him with a hearty "Thank You Jay!"  In addition, he rode with us into the center of Ottawa today.  We were happy to have his company!

Ottawa was the most bicycle friendly city I have ever experienced!  If you visit, consider renting a good bike at a bicycle shop and exploring the city.  We rode 2 miles on a street from camp to a bike path.  We continued on the paved bike path through the heart of town by the river, and from there on past the Parliament building, riding a mile or so of city streets.   Finally we exited the east side of town on another bike path.  A good part of the way, primarily on the west side of town, we were near the Ottawa River.  Street cuts onto the bike path were good, and the path was clean and mainly level.  I never had to shift to a low gear. The beauty of cycling here is that one can go from national monument to national museum very efficiently and pleasantly. Here is a section of the trail as described.

If you would like to experience Canada, Ottawa is a must see city.  It contains many interesting and beautiful sights, and they are easily accessible.

This is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa.  Mr. Fairmont was on the Titanic coming to the opening of this hotel, but unfortunately, never arrived.  He also owned a noted Fairmont Hotel in Banff.

 

 

Notre Dame Cathedral in  Ottawa.

 

The National Gallery of Canada.

Queen Elizabeth II equestrian statue, behind which is the residence of the Canadian Prime Minister.

Galley Crew 1 on the ferry across the Ottawa River to Quebec Province.  I am blessed to be teamed with our two British cycling guides, Simon (Ace) on the left, and Julie, between us. I had ridden 20 to 30 miles sections with them in the past, but today we rode the entire route together and came in first to the campground, in order to prepare dinner together.  There was a crosswind today, and we rode in a paceline.  I feel extremely safe and confident in drafting with them, as they do a superb job marking obstacles in the roadway.  I am considering getting information about the cycling activities that they guide in Europe.  I am hopeful that I can convince friends to take part in a European tour with them.

 

The Ottawa River from the ferry.

Chateau Montebello, frequently described as the largest log cabin in the world.  Built in  the 1930s, it contains 10,000 logs and 500,000 cedar shakes.  Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau hosted a G7 Summit at Montebello.  One can stay here for a price.  I did not ask what price.

 

 

It is obvious that we are in the French speaking province by the signs.  I am glad they use international sign shapes.

 

Here is the Good Choice grocery store.

 

 

Men's washroom.

 

Ottawa River en Francais.

 

It is a wide river, and actually a reservoir behind the dam adjacent to our campground.

Bottom of the hydro dam.

 

The top of the dam at sunset.

 

And after a long, but pleasant day, a welcome sight.... the entrance to our campground.

 

Visit tomorrow to see what awaited us on our journey from Carillon to St. Mathieu de Beloeil, Quebec.