an optional elevator ride up to the observation deck of the Peace Tower — a nearly 100-metres-high perch that gives visitors a whole new perspective on Ottawa . Speaking of the view , two of the city ’ s most dynamic , thriving neighbourhoods — Centretown ( p . 37 ) and the ByWard Market ( p . 34 ) — are within a short walk . Visitors will see the Hill truly shine in the summer months for Northern Lights : Sound and Light Show , a free nightly show accompanied by a musical score and bilingual narration . Learn about Canada ’ s story as its history and people are projected onto the walls of Centre Block . In the winter , Christmas Lights Across Canada decorates the Hill with winter lights and a multimedia projection show .
Kitty-corner to Parliament Hill is Confederation Square , which is dominated by the National War Memorial , a granite and bronze depiction of a procession of soldiers frozen in their march through an arch from war to peacetime . Recently , the memorial was extensively refurbished , along with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , home to the remains of a Canadian killed at Vimy Ridge in France during the First World War .
Nearby on Wellington Street , the Supreme Court of Canada offers guided tours May to August ( by reservation September to April ),
top left : Tomb of the Unknown Soldier above , left to right : Supreme Court of Canada ; Rideau Hall
and visitors are also welcome to sit in on open hearings . Also within a stone ’ s throw , you can bet the bank on the quality of another new attraction . The Bank of Canada Museum ’ s stunning new gallery will feature artifacts and interactive elements .
Sussex Drive is home to two other gems of democracy . Visit Rideau Hall , home to the Queen ’ s representative to Canada ; since 1867 , every Governor General has resided in the buiding — along with a magnificent art collection . Guided tours take you inside the grounds ( reservations are required January to April ). Unique parts of the royal home include the Tent Room , which resembles a candy cane or a popcorn box , and was created to host indoor parties and also served as a tennis court ; while the Ballroom bedazzles guests with its one-tonne chandelier ( 12,000 crystals ) given to Canada by England for its aid in the Second World War . Meanwhile , The Royal Canadian Mint on Sussex Drive shows Canada the money , creating collector coinage , medallions and medals . Visit the boutique , or take a tour of the oldest gold refinery in the western hemisphere , and experience your own gold rush . p h o t o : r i d e a u h a l l ( k a e l r e b i c k )
22 www . ottawatourism . ca