Wilkinson
Many uOttawa students often find themselves with extra time to spare in between classes. With not enough time to go back home, and no desire to stick around and study, downtown Ottawa and the University campus offers some close proximity places for students to relax, unwind, and enjoy Canada's capital!
Located just across the street from Desmarais building (DMS) is this contemporary museum. A perfect place to go during your breaks between classes to view some interesting and wacky pieces. Best of all? The museum is free admission. Meaning, you can go whenever you want and choose to not pay a single dime (unless of course, you want to visit the cafe or gift shop).
Located on the University of Ottawa campus and a common place for students to go for attending classes, the Faculty of Social Sciences building is certainly one of the more interesting buildings to visit. For starters, the building wins championship among all other schools in Ottawa by having the largest living green wall when you enter the first floor. Otherwise, the building offers a less popular place to go which is the top floor. If you proceed to the highest available floor to the public, the elevator will bring you up to a beautiful lookout of the city-scape. A soothing place to visit when exams are a little too stressful, anyone can collect their thoughts and rejuvenate up there.
Any uOttawa student will recognize this warm, friendly face when they are walking to their next class on campus. Rudy, better known as the "hot dog guy," is known for his service offered year-round no matter the rain or snow experienced in Ottawa. Rudy sells what students refer to as the best hot-dogs in the city and say its a "must try" before graduating. Students have a special place in their hearts for the hot dog guy, and have even started a gofundme page for him.
To learn more about Rudy and his story, visit: https://www.theloop.ca/students-at-u-of-o-started-a-crowdfunding-campaign-to-buy-a-gift-for-the-campus-hot-dog-guy/
Rideau McDonald's, located on 99 Rideau street is a true cultural experience. Anyone who has been to this restaurant will tell you it is quite the wild ride. Due to it being a popular fast food joint located in the heart of Ottawa, it is an extremely busy place which attracts all sorts of weird customers. This place has formed so many stories and rumors that it would be a sin to not check it out for yourself. Most people know of the restaurant because of the "baby raccoon fight," where someone caught a video of customers getting into a chaotic fist fight, and in the midst of it all a man is shown taking a raccoon out of his jacket and holding it up in the air. This story, among many others, is reason for customers to see the more rowdy side of the city while enjoying the fan-favorite food.
In the heart of downtown Ottawa, on Main street is the Ottawa Public Library. A 3-story building offering a variety of selection in both French and English, this library has it all. Just a short 10 minute walk from uOttawa, students can go here to get their library books, study, relax, or just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
Easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ottawa, the Rideau Canal is a go-to for people during the winter season due to it being the "longest outdoor skate-way," stretching 7.8km long through the city. However, many regular city goers will tell you the canal is not just for winter purposes and is perfect for year-round. Students enjoy walking along the waterside between classes to catch a breath of fresh air.
Located across from Desmarais building, up the walkway from the John Ruddy Cube, is the Rideau mall. A 4-story building with over 20 million visitors each year. Whats special about this specific mall is it holds some of the most exclusive stores in the city. Gift- shoppers often go here especially when searching for designer high-end items for loved ones. The Rideau mall is constantly updating itself with the newest trends and stores to keep the consumers coming back.
In the center of the University campus, is the University Center (UCU). This building is popular for having the bookstore located inside where students can pickup textbooks, school supplies, and merchandise. UCU also offers the school Cafeteria with unlimited all you can eat meals, and UCU itself has its own stage for plays and consistent activities occurring on the first floor. A perfect hangout spot for students to go.
A new attraction in downtown Ottawa is the O train. An electric powered train service running from Tunney's Pasture to Blair station passing through University of Ottawa. At each station, there is various lookout points and cool architecture to enjoy in order to pass the time.
Another tourist-centric area is the By-ward market. Offering multiple restaurants, intriguing stores, and fresh produce farmer's markets year round, this location is always busy. Located a 15 minute walk from uOttawa, students come here to shop and enjoy the buzzing city-goers. Don't forget to stop in for a Beaver tail where former US President Barack Obama went!
Be sure to checkout this beautiful city on and around campus next time you find yourself with extra time to spare!
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