July 3 Monday sunny Thankfully we were advised to take a bus into town as like Vancouver the city has lots of one way streets and parking is very expensive. A Park and ride is only 5 min away and for $3 each we get into downtown. We take #69 and get off at Metcalf only 2 short blocks to parliament hill. The changing of the guards is taking place.Very impressive and colourful. This happens every morning at 10am We walk all around the grounds and get some good views of the city. The 3 buildings are in beautiful Victorian Gothic sandstone. Their copper roofing glows green. The center building is crowned by a peace tower with a 53 bell carillon. I particular liked the wild cat sanctuary. Home for stray cats. (fed on a daily basis) on the Hill. We go to take a tour inside and find the earliest we can go is 3:30. We get our tickets (free ) We decide we have time to do the Rideau Canal boat tour.($13) each 1-1/2 hours. This a man made canal that goes all the way to Kingston. Walking and cycling paths line both sides of the canal. Beautiful homes and condo’s too. In the winter they drain some of the water and they have the worlds longest skating rink. Next we go for lunch and go to the Byward market like our Grandville Island market. Too early to buy vegetables as I would have to carry them all day. Then it’s time for the center block tour of the parliament. Inside is beautiful carved sandstone and limestone characterizing government chambers. The library is most impressive both inside and outside, with wood and wrought iron in decorations. We catch the bus back and it pours rain just as we get off the bus. We dash under the shelter for 5 min and it stops. and then go grocery shopping. I buy a barbeque chicken as I am just too tired to cook. Home by 5:30 then more rain and thunder. It plays havic with our satalite dish. Sunshine again by 6:45.