Hello From Ottawa: The Historic Auberge Mcgee Inn (part I)

Hello From Ottawa: The Historic Auberge Mcgee Inn (part I)

During my assignment here in Ottawa to cover the Tulip Festival I am staying in one of my favourite types of accommodation: a bed and breakfast. Not only will you ever see two B&B properties that are the same, the story of every bed and breakfast owner is unique as well. The historic McGee’s Inn is located just steps away from the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, the Congress Centre, the University of Ottawa and Parliament Hill. For me it’s a great location since I am able to walk to a whole range of major tourist attractions, sights and museums.

The mansion itself was built in 1886 for an Ottawa politician by the name of John McGee. His outspoken, famous brother Thomas dArcy McGee was actually murdered in 1868. The mansion was built in Victorian style and beautiful wood carvings adorn the fireplace mantels and artisans from as far away as Toronto contributed to the architectural detailing. After John McGees family left the property just before the First World War, it became a boarding house and remained run down until the early 1980s. About 25 years ago it was finally turned into a bed...