🇨🇦 My Personal Road Trip Guide: Toronto → Ottawa

1️⃣ Route: Highway 7 Left Friday at 4 PM 🚗. Hwy 7 was shorter and smoother than 401 — less traffic, no jams! But no streetlights at night 🌙. Thankfully, a few cars were ahead so I could follow from a distance (less stress!). ⚠️ Note: Some sections have exits and merges — stay alert, read signs, and keep to the middle lane or merge carefully. 2️⃣ Parking near Parliament Hill 🅿️ My aunt in Ottawa said street parking is FREE on weekends! Found a spot near Thai-Viet Restaurant Checked the meter — confirmed free Sat-Sun ✅. Walked to Parliament Hill from there. 3️⃣ Parliament Hill Visit The complex has 4 sections — book separately online via “Parliament of Canada”. Choose between English or French tours. 🗣️ DO NOT BE LATE! We arrived 10 mins late for East Block — security turned us away 😭. All English tours were full, so we joined a French one (didn’t understand much, but still cool!). 🧥 Tip: It’s WINDY near the river! Bring a hat and coat 🧣💨. 4️⃣ Notre-Dame Cathedral + National Gallery Both within walking distance (no parking stress 🚶‍♀️). ⛪ Cathedral: Free entry. Downstairs has papal exhibits + a cute café. 🖼️ Gallery: Buy tickets online in advance. Look for the giant spider 🕷️ out front! 5️⃣ Other Attractions (Royal Mint, etc.) Lots to see near Parliament — but everything needs booking! Next time I’ll plan ahead 📅💪. 6️⃣ ByWard Market Feels like a mini St. Lawrence Market (Toronto vibes 🧡). Listened to street musicians 🎶 Saw cool modified cars 🚗✨ Tried BeaverTails — crispy pastry with lots of sauce! 🍯 Remember napkins! 7️⃣ Dalhousie Street Great for an evening stroll — full of restaurants and cafes. Perfect for dinner 🍽️. 8️⃣ Night Parking 🅿️ Hotel charged $35 😱… so I used the public lot on Dalhousie St Only $5 from 6 PM – 6 AM (+ $2.5/hour after). Much cheaper! #Ottawa #CanadianLife #RoadTrip #TravelTips #ExploreCanada