July 3 Monday sunny and hot. Thankfully we were advised to take a bus into town as in Vancouver there are many 1 way streets and parking is very expensive and hard to find. A park and ride is only 5 min away and for $3 each we arrive downtown . We took #69 and get off at Metcalfe. We walk 1 block up to the parliament buildings to find the changing of the guards. Very impressive and colourful. This happens every day at 10am. We walk all around the grounds. The 3 buildings are in Victorian Gothic sandstone with green copper roofing. The center building is crowned with a peace tower, with a 53 bell carilton. We take in some good views of the city. I particular liked the cat sanctuary-home for stray cats. They are fed on a daily basis. We go to take a tour of the inside but can’t get in until 3:30 so we get the tickets (free). We decide to take the Rideau river boat tour only 2 short blocks away. $ 13.00ea. well worth it. 1-1/2hr tour. This is a man made canal that goes all the way to Kingston. Walking and cycling paths are on both sides. (in the winter they skate on the canal) longest skating rink in the world .Beautiful homes and condos line both sides. Next we have lunch and go to the Byway market like our Grandville market. Too early to buy the beautiful vegetables as I would have to carry them the rest of the day-too bad. Then it’s time for the center block of the parliament tour. We see the senate and the house of commons. Hand carved sandstone (done by a women) and limestone characterize the government chambers. The most impressive both inside and out is the library. Wood and wrought iron decotations adorn ceilings and walls. Stunning. Exhausted we catch the bus back just as we arrive at our stop it pours rain. We dash into the shelter but it stops in 5 min. We drive to the grocery store( Loblaws) . I buy a bbq chicken as I am too tired to cook. Home by 5:30 then more rain and thunder. It plays havic with the satalite dish. Sunshine again by 6:45