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At the National War Memorial paying our respects at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Many Canadians will leave their poppies here before departing the city. We saw a special dedication to Nathan Cirillo by his fellow soldiers

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The visit to the National War Museum is always dramatic and somber. The students got to witness highlights like the model for the National War Monument, one of Hitler’s limousines, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and the Tombstone of the unknown soldier. The actual tomb is in the city centre which we will visit shortly before departure today

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Briefly stopping at the Holocaust memorial before the War Museum. It was constructed in 2017

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Stopping at Zak’s Diner for a bite to eat after two back-to-back museums is a must! Especially to refuel before Laser Tag!

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Visiting the National Art Gallery and learning about the journey of Canadian Art starting with early renaissance Europe to indigenous art and ultimately the Group of Seven. Our tour ended with a sound exhibition by Jan Cardiff which was a very welcome change of pace.

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Visiting “Maman” by Louise Bourgoise who has a series of this sculpture around the world. The series was an homage to her mother who was a tapestry weaver: a creature that spins, weaves, and protects its young with strong and spindly legs.

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Visiting the Museum of History paying homage to the Indigenous journey and the last 100 years of Canadian history

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Making a quick stop for an iconic photo

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The students were well rested and ready to take on the day. Our day starts with the Rembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Monument in Ottawa. Today, both the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon were present. It was a dramatic ceremony honouring Canadian soldiers both past and present represented through multiple regiments today. The students also got to bear witness to the 21 gun salute and CF18 fly over

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Ending our day with the Ottawa ghost tour, learning about famous, or infamous murders in the city’s history from politicians to rebels to common merchants. It was especially dramatic under the gaze of the Chateau Laurier and inside the Byward Museum. Now on our way to the hotel for a well deserved rest

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Dinner at Tucker’s Marketplace! Best buffet in Ottawa hands down!

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In front of Parliament and the Centennial Flame. Parliament is under renovations for at least 10 more years, so no visits inside. The centennial flame was built to celebrate 100 years of confederation and is now powered by eco-gas. Each bronze shield is the coat of arms of each province. Poppy light projections on parliament and senate buildings.

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On our way to downtown Ottawa, we drove along Sussex Drive to see many famous Canadian homes. This is where the Prime Minister’s residence is, Governor General’s home, and multiple Embassies. We stopped momentarily to see Rideau Falls for fresh air and pictures!

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The Diefenbunker was originally constructed in 1959 under the Prime Minister ship of John Diefenbaker. Its purpose was to house members of government if the event of a nuclear fallout. The strength of the shelter could withstand bombs that were 10 times stronger than the atom bombs dropped on Japan in WWII. Since spouses were not permitted to stay in the fallout, Prime Minister Diefenbaker refused to enter here without his wife, Anne. It officially became a museum in 1989. Yes, many of the parents and staff will recognize some of the technology, but it was something new and interesting to the students

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We made a quick stop in Odessa en route to our first stop: The Deifenbunker! The students fueled up and lo and behold - we were in the presence of royalty without know it! The three kings were kind enough to grace us with a photo!