Ridley Overtakes Ottawa

For our Thanksgiving break, I had the opportunity to attend one of the trips that Ridley offers, which was to Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

It not only was a super fun experience, but we also learned so much about the history, art, and government of Canada.

Our journey started with a 7-hour bus ride. The view from St. Catharines to Ottawa was breathtaking, especially with the walls of colourful leaves floating all around us.

Laws of Canada: How are they passed and who passed them?

We learned that Canada’s Parliament is the legislative body responsible for making and passing laws. It operates within a bicameral system, meaning it has two chambers: the House of Commons and the Senate. Together, these two chambers play distinct but complementary roles in the governance of Canada. We learned about the composition of Canada’s government, how Senators are chosen, how laws are passed, and much more. Unfortunately, the centre block was under construction and will be until 2032, so we were only able to visit the west block.

Museums of Ottawa

The Canada War Museum was one of our highlights. In a specific room, you’ll find a tombstone known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” The entire building was crafted with this specific stone in mind, and on Remembrance Day at a certain time, the sun will shine through the window and illuminate the gravestone. This is a significant memorial dedicated to the memory of all Canadian soldiers who have lost their lives in military service. It specifically honours those whose remains were never identified, symbolizing the countless sacrifices made during conflicts.

Our final destination was the National Gallery of Canada. Established in 1880, it houses an extensive collection of Canadian, indigenous, and international art. The gallery is situated near the iconic Parliament Hill and features a striking architectural design that blends modern and traditional elements. The contemporary art in the museum challenged my understanding of art in general and gave me a new perspective on how things can be portrayed. It was really interesting to see how certain ideas can be conveyed so differently.

The first night, we went to the Ottawa 67's hockey games. Watching it live was a memorable experience! The atmosphere in the arena was lively, with fans cheering with joy as they watched the players. As someone who isn’t well versed in ice hockey, seeing it live and seeing the physical fights as they played was so interesting to watch.

The trip to Ottawa was a really insightful experience, and I would definitely recommend it, especially if you want to go into law in the future. It gives you first-hand experience in how the parliamentary system in Canada works as well as time to relax and enjoy the long weekend. Overall, the Ottawa trip was a unique and memorable experience that I surely will not forget.