Evening spring ride in Ottawa

I just completed my most aesthetically pleasing bike ride for a long time. Residents of Ottawa should consider doing the following:

1. Begin in the park near 111 Sussex, right around sunset.
2. Ideally, start on the far side of the series of two white metal bridges spanning the water near there.
3. About ten minutes after sunset, on a spring evening, begin following the route below.
4. Ride to 111 Sussex and follow the path that hugs the water beside it. The path in question follows the water’s edge in this picture.
5. Cross Sussex drive.
6. Ride along it, past DFAIT headquarters.
7. Continue past the Saudi embassy.
8. Follow the curve of the road past the Kuwaiti Embassy and the National Gallery.
9. Ride into Major’s Hill Park.
10. Ride to the terrace beside the Chateau Laurier. Follow it to the stairs parallel to the Rideau Canal locks.
11. Carry your bike up the stairs.
12. Walk across the bridge towards Parliament.
13. Carry your bike down the stairs to the path beside the Rideau Canal locks.
14. Follow the riverside path west as far as you care to go.

The whole route looks gorgeous in the fading evening light, when the sky still offers a bit of competition for the artificial lights.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here. View all posts by Milan