Ottawa: Better the Second Time Around

Ottawa has been called many things. The Canadian capital of dull. The city that fun forgot.

I grew up in Ottawa. I couldn’t wait to hightail it out of here. But now, I’m back. And, you know what? Ottawa is way better the second time around. It is diverse, culturally exciting, and (dare I say it) FUN!

Not only is Ottawa a blast, Hull (on the Quebec side) is too. I remember Hull from my teenage years. Back then, I only went there at night to disco (remember those days). But as I discover, it has a lot more to offer.

Here is my recent story for VIA Rail about the “other” side of Ottawa.

Exploring Old Hull

After decades of Toronto living, my husband and I moved back to our hometown of Ottawa this month. We love the nation’s capital and our traditional lifestyle here. But our mistress city lies on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River—Old Hull (now part of Gatineau).

Our quiet walks in the gentrified shadows of an old industrial town, wonderful meals on terraces, and visits to spectacular indoor and outdoor cultural exhibits feel clandestine. Many tourists to (and locals) have yet to discover the surprises that await them here. It’s only a matter of time.

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