🇨🇦 So Instagrammable! Ottawa 2-Day “Special Forces” Trip — Day 1

🚌 Transportation: After arriving at Ottawa Airport, we took Bus 97 to Hurdman Station 🚏, then transferred to the O-Train Line 1 🚄 and got off at Rideau Station in downtown! Besides airport and train transfers, we walked everywhere! Attractions are super concentrated — perfect for city walking 🚶‍♀️✨. 📅 Booked Parliament tour in advance (free, just need reservation!). 1️⃣ Parliament: The Immersive Experience The Centre Block is under renovation until 2032 🏗️, but this exhibition uses interactive displays to tell its history — so cool! 🎥 2️⃣ House of Commons A guided tour through the temporary House in West Block 🏛️. Before the tour, check out the souvenir shop and learn about the architecture and history — fun and educational! 3️⃣ Senate Moved to the old Ottawa train station 🚉. Also a guided tour — saw the famous Red Chamber! You can still see original train benches and the grand hall. Note: No photos if a session is in progress! 📵 4️⃣ Peace Tower Iconic Gothic-style tower at Parliament Hill ⛪ — and yes, the building across is where PM Trudeau works! 5️⃣ Centennial Flame Has been burning since 1967 🔥! The base is engraved with coats of arms of all Canadian provinces. 6️⃣ ByWard Market Historic market area with restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, and bars 🥐🍷. We ate almost everything here — food review in another post! 7️⃣ Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica Right next to the art gallery 🕍. Free entry, stunning architecture — breathtaking stained glass and dome. So photogenic! ✨📸 8️⃣ The National Gallery of Canada Free every Thursday after 5 PM (book ahead!) 🎨. The giant spider sculpture out front is a must-shot 🕷️. Not too big — two floors — but features Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, and Renoir! Some artworks are no-photo zones though. 9️⃣ Ottawa Sign Came here after the gallery to snap the lit-up sign at night 🌃🤳. #MakeEveryWeekendCount #Ottawa #LifeInOttawa #OttawaTravel #OttawaCheckpoint #OttawaEats #OttawaFun #CaptureTheMoment 📍✨