Glow-in-the-dark stars have to be one of the coolest decorations ever created. When I was a kid, my walls were covered with those plastic stars that look mildly ugly during the day, but at night they would shine with brilliance. Ottawa is a lot like those stars: normally, the city is hastily deemed by newcomers as a political town without any redeeming qualities. Only when they visit the right places with an open mindset does the light of prejudice flick off in their minds and allow them to see this city shine.
- Admit it, you’ve always wanted to paint on the walls. Well, now you can. For the creative artist in all of us, there’s the House of Paint, conveniently located close to the Carleton campus under Dunbar Bridge. It is a display of local artistic talent unrestrained by canvas. This area was designated Ottawa’s first legal graffiti wall in 2003 and is the site of concerts. For more information, check out: http://www.houseofpaint.ca/index.php
2. In university you will be reading quite a bit. But every now and then you’ll feel the urge to pick up something that isn’t Psychology 101. When that mood strikes, don’t head out to Chapters, but try out one of the following local book shops instead: Perfect Books on Somerset and Elgin (258 Elgin St., near Somerset St. W.), Dragan Tail Bookshop in the Glebe, which offers tea while you browse (107 Fourth Ave., off Bank St.) or Octopus Books on Bank Street (116 Third Ave., off Bank St.), an enlightened bookshop that carries a wide range of genres and employs friendly staff.
3. If history is your passion visit the Diefenbunker, a Cold War era bunker. It was constructed while Dief the Chief was Prime Minister in case of a nuclear missile attack. Gather up some friends and drive out to Carp (parking is always free), to explore the decommissioned military base. Along with the regular or self-guided tours, the bunker is launching a lecture series this Fall on espionage. So, grab your night vision goggles, a black SUV, and head out to explore Canada’s history.
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4. Lights, Action, Art! The Ottawa Arts Court is a venue for creative arts including art shows, theatrical productions and film screenings. The building itself is a historic landmark and is located next to the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Formerly, the hostel was the Carleton County Gaol but has since become a place for backpackers and locals to spend the night. The hostel itself is said to be haunted by the souls of the inmates who spent time on death row. So, take in the art gallery then spend the night next door – if you dare.
5. Continuing along the vein of history, discover Beechwood Cemetery, Canada’s National Cemetery. Established 140 years ago, Beechwood is the final resting place of Prime Ministers, RCMP officers, veterans and poets alike. Carleton’s own Professor Elliott actually teaches a fourth-year course on gravesites that works in conjunction with Beechwood. A beautiful and serene place, the cemetery is not a morbid stop on a tour of Ottawa, but rather is a fitting tribute to those who have helped shape our country into what it is today.
These are only several of the interesting sites this city has to offer. I challenge you to discover these stars and then track down some of your own!
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Picture sources:
http://blog.pshares.org/files/2013/01/Octopus-books.jpg
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/teacher-resources/field-trip/diefenbunker-canada’s-cold-war-museum
http://www.diariofemenino.com/viajes/fotos/ottawa-jail-hostel-ottawa/
http://www.sandfordfleming.ca/en/photo.php?f2050_51_tombes_famille
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/glamorous-gladstone-theatre-opens-in-ottawa