Parliament Hill - Ottawa - Capital of Canada

Following on Dave's visit last winter, here is some information about the summer in Ottawa

Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada’s government, home to both the House of Commons and the Senate. Free tours are offered every day, but are occasionally rescheduled due to the business of the House. You must pass through security similar to an airport. www.parl.gc.ca

In the summer, there is a free Changing the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill each day at 10:00 a.m. Modelled on the version performed in London, the ceremony runs from late June to late August 25 annually. Pure pomp and ceremony.

There’s also a free Sound and Light Show, entitled Canada: The Spirit of a Country, on Parliament Hill every night after dark between early July and early September. Images are projected onto the Parliament Buildings.

Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill are spectacular—the only place to be on July 1 if you’re Canadian, or even if you’re not. Free concerts, short speeches by politicians, the Snowbirds, the Musical Ride, maple leaf “tattoos,” face painting, fabulous fireworks, and everyone in a patriotic mood.