Gatineau: MosaiCanada 150, Driftwood Horses

Gatineau: MosaiCanada 150

Gatineau: MosaiCanada 150

Gatineau: MosaiCanada 150, Northwest Territories

Gatineau: MosaiCanada 150, Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories

Gatineau: China at MosaiCanada 150

Gatineau: Lobsterer at MosaiCanada 150

Nova Scotia at MosaiCanada 150

Gatineau: Anne of Green Gables, MosaiCanada 150

Anne of Green Gables representing New Brunswick, an installation of MosaiCanada 150 in Gatineau. This is the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

Ottawa River: View Downriver from Rue-Jacques-Cartier

Quebec: Moorside Cottage at Domaine Mackenzie-King

Quebec: Domaine Mackenzie-King

Gatineau Park: Pink Lake

Gatineau Park, just east of Ottawa in Quebec, contains this absolute gem of a lake. It is unique in the park and highly protected, as it is meromictic, like Green and Round Lakes near us in central NY.

The National Capitol Commission describes this phenomenon:

The lake is meromictic, meaning that, unlike a normal lake, its upper and lower water levels never mix. Normally a lake’s water mixes completely each year during the spring and fall and because of water density, water and air temperature, and the wind. The mixing of lake waters distributes nutrients and oxygen evenly throughout the lake.

Pink Lake’s waters do not mix because it has a small surface and bowl-like shape and is surrounded by steep cliffs that protect it from the wind. This is why it is called “meromictic.” There is no oxygen in the deepest seven metres of the lake.

The NCC website page on Pink Lake is here.
Here is an short article on meromictic lakes.
For technicians, a long detailed discussion.
Google will yield much more on the subject.

There is beautiful trail around the lake.

Chelsea QC: Needlework at Oree des Bois

At the lovely restaurant Oree des Bois in Chelsea Quebec, right next to Gatineau Park across the river from Ottawa, is a collection of fine needlework. 

The restaurant serves delicious meals perfectly prepared with regional food.

Does anyone know what these are? Ornaments to be worn on women's wrists?

Quebec: Stone Church of St. Stephen in Old Chelsea

Writing about St. Stephen's includes this article from the Gatineau Valley Historical Society, and this from the St-Stephen's Parish website.

Gatineau from Ottawa

Ottawa River Valley from Etienne Brule Lookout in the Gatineau Hills

Domaine Mackenzer-King in the Gatineau Hills

A folly at Domaine MacKenzie-King outside of Ottawa in the Gatineau Hills. 

Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Civilization, Douglas Cardinal, Architect

Directly across the Ottawa River in Gatineau (renamed from Hull) in Quebec, this complex is architecturally handsome both inside and out. The history of Canada and changing exhibits makes every visit interesting no matter how often one visits. Highly recommended in any season. Amazing how little we were taught about Canada, our closest neighbor to the north.

Halibut at Restaurant Les Fougeres at Chelsea PQ near Ottawa

Oh, my.

Canadian Museum of Civilization, Douglas Cardinal, Architect

The Grand Hall contains recreations of six northwest coastal tribal villages. It took my breath away the first time I saw it. Once you enter the museum, you step to a balcony two tall stories above the floor of the Grand Hall and witness this space that feels sacred.