An Ottawa Awakening | DAY 2: (Pt 2) Biking about Parliament + Kichesippi Brewery Tour

Dated: August 31, 2019

Read Part 1 HERE !

​Desperately wanting to walk off the meal, we proceeded to venture about the market - this time acquainting ourselves with the district's historic and political elements.

​Sussex Drive was the west limit of Byward, along which many a government institution could be observed beyond secured gates.

Notable buildings were the Embassy of the United States of America, Connaught Building, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a non-government building for religious activity. 

Across from the basilica was the Maman Statue, a tourist-friendly spider sculpture that resided just beyond the doors of the National Gallery of Canada. We spent quite the duration attempting to capture the statue from varying - and sometimes humorous - altitudes.

Protected bike lanes were a swell addition to the tourist area. While many Ontario municipalities have expressed intent to incorporate cycling infrastructure as part of new development, existing roads are often challenging to modify, particularly in the instalment of barriers and delineation measures. ​Priority often shifts to pedestrian-heavy areas such as BIA districts, fostering foot traffic while maintaining safe levels of adventurism.

​The above is a statement declared as a biker of beginner skill, as well as an outcome of infrastructure planning discussions. One of the grand tasks of the day included renting bikes for the purpose of exploration.

​​These rentals did not come cheap, though. Several sources were perused before I had finally settled on a hidden establishment underneath the Plaza Bridge of the Rideau Canal.

​Possibly the greatest mission was descending down the steep flight of stairs to the rental shop, retrieving the bike, and hauling it past the scatterbrained masses. There was an alternative pathway that featured an inclined bike track alongside steps; it led towards an area undergoing sparse bits of construction, where scaffolding hindered riding and seemingly caused confusion for oncoming traffic.

​Eventually, we found our way to Major's Hill Park, where we caught glimpses of Canada's definitive federal superstructure.

​And then finally, we made it.

​Parliament Hill was positively brimming with people - unsurprisingly so, given that long weekends have the power to prompt road trips and sightseeing excursions.

​Cycling about these grounds proved challenging due to the high volume of pedestrians and utter lack of a bell. At the very least, there were minimal concerns about vehicular traffic.

​It wasn't before long until my insides began churning uncomfortably for no viable explanation. This prompted a detour from the Supreme Court to the closest Starbucks, where 

​It wasn't before long until my insides began churning uncomfortably for no viable explanation. This prompted a detour from the Supreme Court to the closest Starbucks, where we agreed to make our slow return journey in preparation for the next set of events.

​Just west of Ottawa, between the border of Kanata and Nepean, was Kichesippi Beer. 

Craft breweries are commonplace these days, with new names surfacing left and right. However, I had been on the lookout for an established facility - one bearing the heart and history of the city, and would further be willing to provide a tour.

​Similar to concerts, each is a unique experience in its own respect. Beyond the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages are tales of creation - a purpose behind the product.

​I had accidentally zipped by the entrance the first time around and was required to loop around on the busy road before we got our taste of 1855 American Amber. Converted from a former Volvo garage, the K Beer team had left many of the existing elements intact to form the brewery. The storefront had been modified to include a taproom, ice cream counter, and washroom facilities.

​Our tour had been arranged in advance: $5 per person with samples to start. The facility, while narrower and more compact than Cameron's, comprised of materials and machinery that were more or less identical, perhaps varying only by the inventory on hand.

As opposed to ingredient quality and sourcing, Kichesippi placed emphasis on brewing techniques and maximizing seasonal availabilities. It was noted that "anyone can make their own brew nowadays", with some even taking to 10% ABV IPAs, a feat with minimal meaning in the words of our guide. Their aspirations were to craft a "solid amber ale" instead, since it was a variety commonly overlooked and undersold at consumer consumption settings.

View the full album HERE !

​We meandered through the various sections of the facility. By the bright tanks, samples of unfiltered beer were handed to us. They were small, shot-sized specimens with visible particles present. Majority of beers were sold filtered, though leaving a portion of the particles had the potential to boost depth, or so we were informed. 

​The tour adjourned at the taproom, where I suggested a concise meal to bridge the late afternoon-early evening gap.

< Pictured above and below: Plant Based Burrito, Classic Montreal Reuben, Flight >

​Quite frankly, neither of us had been expecting much in terms of taste. Yet, the two portions not only delivered a package of sublime flavours, but crunchy satisfaction as well. Pickles, coleslaw, adorable wooden utensils, and monogrammed frisbees as plates were other quirky little touches that did not go unnoticed.

​I had mistakenly selected Stony Monday twice as part of the flight, and though it wasn't my favourite, the non-alcoholic Ginger Beer and Root Beer definitely made waves.

Read Part 3 HERE !