Downtown Ottawa In Winter

Cold weather - and slippery sidewalks - often keep me from exploring Ottawa in winter.














(It's easier to stay indoors!)

But sunny skies and milder weather encouraged us to head downtown for a walk. Snow-covered Ottawa is beautiful, too. The Rideau Canal is still frozen. This part, where locks lead down to the Ottawa River, has not been cleared of snow. (The hills in the distance are in the province of Quebec.)

Across the street, the canal is cleared and maintained as a skating rink.

After walking over to view the skating on the canal, we headed over to Parliament Hill.

The "eternal flame" was still burning!

Later on, over to the Byward Market where it's still possible to have a horse and buggy ride in the winter snow. And, of course, to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a latte in a nearby cafe.