So we got up bright and early on a Sunday morning to visit the Notre Dame Basilica. We parked two streets to the left of the Basilica and upon emerging from our car, we heard the church bells chiming. We walked to the entrance and a sign said mass had begun and will last 2 hours. Meaning, we couldn't get in till 2 hours later.
In the meantime, we decided to visit the National Gallery of Art, just across the street from the Basilica. There were 10 of us and the cons of travelling in such a big group is that we have many opinions. In this case, some weren't keen to go to the museum because it was expensive. Thankfully, through a friend I got to know that it happened to be Ottawa Museums Day and a number of National Galleries were absolutely free of charge!
YAY! :) Perhaps our day was already planned out by God :) Haha.
 |
| Candid :) Spot the Parliament Hill in the background! |
 |
| This work of art deserves a shot on its own |
 |
| The National Art Gallery |
 |
| Half Mast |
We weren't sure why the flag was at Half mast but this was 2 months after crude oil explosion with a 1km radius blast after a train derailed near a small town in Quebec. :(
In the National Gallery Museum. This museum is huge. However, I didn't find it very interesting except for the Indigenous art collection. I don't know many Canadian artists or their art pieces so it was difficult for me to relate to them. Many were paintings but there were some sculptures as well. I'm not sure if its worth paying to enter. But if you take an interest in Canadian art, you would really appreciate this place because even on a free admission day, it wasn't exceptionally crowded and noisy, so you'd be able to admire the artwork in peace.
 |
| The attack of the Giant Spider! |
 |
| Notre Dame Basilica |
The intricate decor of the Basilica took my breath away. Having been to a couple of famous cathedrals in Europe I wasn't sure if this would impress me but it did! Its prettier than the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, and there's also not admission fee.
 |
| Friends and family gather to congratulate a pair of newly weds |
 |
| 3 Tiered Pipe Organ |
 |
| Beautiful Stain Glass of the Saints |
This basilica didn't fail to impressed and I think its one of the most beautiful church in Canada. Definitely not to be missed!
