Now that I’m in my 60’s and occasionally feeling my own mortality, it feels like it’s time to rebrand my bucket list with a name that is less synonymous with death and more focused on living your best life.  After wading through a plethora of names that didn’t really work for me (i.e. Things to do Until you Die, The Itch List, Life Intentions) I’ve settled on “Dream It, then do It!”

Scrolling back through my photos, I’ve had a pretty busy year so far. This made it a bit harder to choose just one place to spotlight. I finally settled on a post about my May trip to Ottawa.

I’ve visited the capital city of Canada on several occasions, but always in the winter. This long weekend was my first experience with Canada’s warmer temperatures and colorful landscapes, instead of frigid winds and snow blanketing everything!

Pre-Covid, I’d always dreamed of attending the Ottawa Tulip Festival.  So, when our friends Chris and Cathy recently relocated to Canada, it seemed like the perfect chance to see their new home and make a dream come true. Additionally, supporting our northern neighbor’s economy with my tourism dollars had an undeniable appeal. We grabbed our passports, loaded the car, and headed for the border.

The festival was even better than what I’d expected. The many varieties of colorful tulips blooming at Dow Lake/Commissioners Park were stunning and provided many Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, as well as some ambitious ideas for future gardens back home! There was also a historical element—the interpretive signage describing the tulips as a gift celebrating the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands that began in WWII and has endured ever since.

You can also browse the craft and refreshment booths or just sit on a bench and people-watch to your hearts content. Best of all, the event is free!

Our next stop was the Fairmont Chateau Laurier on Rideau Street where we sat in the lobby to rest and admire the larger-than-life Tea and Tulips sculpture. Inspired by the hotel’s signature afternoon tea and featuring botanicals and florals created by LEGO Canada, it was spectacular. And free too!

Last, but definitely not least, was our visit to the Canadian Museum of History where we made two mistakes. First of all, we arrived only two hours before closing (not nearly enough time). We compounded that error by starting at the first, rather than the third floor, which focused more on modern history. This was our favorite set of exhibits—with the exception of the Canadian History Hall which highlighted the people, various cultures, and stories that make up our northern neighbor’s identity.

Some of the highlights included the playthings Canadian children favored,

 the exhibits relating to Canada’s indigenous people,

and our old comedic pals, the McKenzie Brothers (If you came of age in the late 70’s/early 80’s you know exactly who I’m talking about!).

The last thing we did that I want to mention is the free tours of the Parliament buildings. Offered in French and English they are quite interesting, and popular, so reservations are required and, since there is some construction going on, it’s a good idea to call ahead if there’s something specific you want to see.

It was a wonderful Victoria Day weekend and we can’t wait to go back to Ontario again