A Memorial

 Confederation Square is the very heart of the city, and at its heart is the National War Memorial. It is surrounded by landmarks like the Chambers and Parliament Hill to the west, and the National Arts Centre, Government Conference Centre, and Chateau Laurier to the east. On a hot day in May, I approached from the south, where this traffic island was occupied with tulips.

 There are tulips on the grounds of the Memorial, which was first built to honour the dead of the Great War, and then dedicated months before the outbreak of the Second World War. It has been rededicated to honour those who have died in wars and in military service for the country.

Heading off the grounds and to the west, I came across more tulips in planters.

A Finale For Ottawa Christmas Lights

 The National War Memorial occupies the heart of Confederation Square, and is surrounded by landmarks like Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, the Government Conference Centre, the National Arts Centre, and the Chambers. Christmas lights are strung up in the trees around it. I started walking around the perimeter, taking shots as I went.

On the northeast side of the perimeter, a series of statues and busts are gathered around a staircase that comes up from the Rideau Canal. They are collectively called The Valiants, consisting of figures from across Canadian military history. General Arthur Currie commanded Canadian forces during the last part of World War One, and by all accounts did very well with them.

I carried on.

My last stop was Parliament Hill, where the Peace Tower was illuminated in blue and purple, with snowflakes falling down the length of the tower.

Landmarks Of Confederation Square

 Back into my series on the Tulip Festival. After leaving Major's Hill Park, I passed by the Chateau Laurier, where tulips and lilacs were showing off.

This portion of the building frames a view of the Parliament Buildings.

I went into Confederation Square, the very heart of the city, and in many ways the country. Its central point is the National War Memorial, dedicated in memory of those who fought and died in Canadian wars and in other military duties. The Memorial is surrounded by landmarks like the Chateau Laurier, Parliament Hill, The Chambers, the National Arts Centre, and the Government Conference Center. In May, tulips are to be found surrounding it.

After the winter, military sentries are positioned in front of it in daytime, overlooking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I crossed the street. My next destination was Parliament Hill itself.

Bright Colours Of Ice Sculptures

 More today from these banners at the National War Memorial on Canadian servicemen and women.

I took more shots of this ice sculpture.

Returning to Sparks Street, it was dark enough that the ice sculptures were now fully lit.

I took notice of this detail near the bottom- a frog.

This one was well lit.