The Queen accepted dozens of bouquets from children and adults in a crowd waiting to see her Wednesday in Ottawa.The Queen accepted dozens of bouquets from children and adults in a crowd waiting to see her Wednesday in Ottawa. (Sharon Musgrave/CBC)

The Queen thrilled children and adults alike in Ottawa Wednesday by accepting dozens of bouquets offered by a crowd of thousands lining the route of her tour through the capital.

The plane carrying the Queen and Prince Philip arrived at Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport at noon ET after a morning in Halifax. As they stepped off the plane, they were greeted by several local politicians.

Also waiting on the tarmac was 12-year-old Madison Trudeau, who handed the Queen a bouquet of coral-coloured roses and received a royal handshake of thanks.

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From there, the royal couple headed to the Canadian Museum of Nature, which was closed to the public for the Queen's visit.

Inside the museum, the Queen toured the exhibits, heard a children's choir perform and unveiled a plaque dedicating The Queen's Lantern, a large glass addition to the museum replacing its original tower.

At the National Arts Centre, the Queen unveiled a sculpture of celebrated jazz pianist Oscar Peterson.At the National Arts Centre, the Queen unveiled a sculpture of celebrated jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. (CBC)

Outside, the Queen accepted other bouquets from crowds of people lined up on either side of the museum's entrance and cheering as they leaned over the barriers. Many had heavy cameras hung around their necks. Some waved Canadian or Union Jack flags and sang God Save the Queen.

The royal couple then headed to the National Arts Centre to unveil a life-sized statue of the late jazz great Oscar Peterson created by Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernathy. Thousands of people were lined up outside the arts centre and along Elgin Street, waiting for her, and one side of the street had to be closed altogether.

Street disruptions during Queen's visit

  • Mackenzie King Bridge (westbound) closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • No parking on Metcalfe Street between McLeod Street and Slater Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Later in the afternoon, the Queen will plant a tree at Rideau Hall and meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. She will also attend a garden party that is by invitation only.

This is the Queen's 22nd visit to Canada. The royal couple will also visit Winnipeg, Waterloo, Ont., and Toronto before the tour ends July 6.

In Halifax Tuesday, the Queen reviewed an international fleet as part of the festivities marking the Canadian navy's centennial.

The royal couple planted a tree in the garden outside Government House in Halifax Wednesday morning before boarding the flight for Ottawa.