Parliment Buildings

This area, like most, was initially a rendezvous site for fur traders, explorers and lumbermen. Because of its position at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, Samuel de Champlain established a base camp in 1631 for future expeditions for Lake Huron and points west. For 2 centuries the Ottawa River was the only means of travel.
Toured the Parliament Buildings today and was very impressed. I hadn't realized there are 3 blocks and we toured the Center block, starting at the 302' Peace tower in front, dedicated to Canadians killed in the First World War. You also see the House of Commons, done in green, and the guide explains where everyone sits and how things work. The rotundas with pillars and marble are very detailed and ornate. Then is the Senate, done in red, Hall of Honor and the Library with a statue of Queen Victoria who choose Ottawa as the capital of Canada.The buildings are in a classic Gothic style with green copper roofs, built in 1859-66 and quite impressive. I am sitting in front of the Eternal Flame in front of the East Block, which has all the crests of the provinces in the water.