Capital Walks: Walking Tours of Ottawa

Trevor S. Raymond is a teacher and librarian with the Peel Board of Education and editor of Canadian Holmes.

This book is a delight. An introduction surveys Ottawa’s history, with
emphasis on building and architecture. The book then provides more
detailed histories of eight regions of the capital, and offers a
detailed walking tour of each. Fine and fascinating illustrations, both
historic and contemporary, are plentiful; the writing is clear; and the
history seems thoroughly researched. To help readers with architectural
terms, a glossary is provided, and there is a list of further readings.
A small cavil: the index is incomplete.

The value of such a book cannot be appraised at a distance. I headed
for the capital and, book in hand, ventured into what the author
describes as a “cozy community” that is somewhat off the usual
tourist path. The book gave me a thoroughly fascinating afternoon. The
length of each walk is given at the outset; a few helpful suggestions
are offered; and clear, well-illustrated directions guide the visitor.

Katharine Fletcher spent three years researching and writing this
valuable work. She is the author of a local bestseller on the Gatineau
Park, and her articles have appeared in a variety of publications.
Capital Walks is highly recommended. Read the introductory sections
before you go to Ottawa, and be sure to take a copy when you visit.