Today's blog is another 2 for 1. Before we left North Bay we went for a hike on some local trails. This one went along a river and into some reedy areas as well as the woods. It was pretty easy loop along with some side trails. A wonderful way to start the day since this was going to be a mostly driving day.

We arrived at Graham and Megan's around 5:30 pm and spent the night hanging out with them and the kids. They are adorable. 

The next day being Monday and a holiday here in Canada, Graham and Megan went to the beach with some friends and we headed into the city.

We parked near a street festival close to Parliament. Everything we did seemed to revolve around those 2 things. We couldn't tour Parliament as the English tours were already sold out by the time we got there. It was just as well though. We walked all around it. The outside is gorgeous. Some of the buildings are being renovated right now. Behind Parliament is the river and stairs going down to it. Bob climbed down and back but I only went part way. When I heard that there were 287 steps I pretty much stopped in my tracks turned around and came back.

Back to the street festival after that for a snack and then on to a river boat tour of Ottawa. We had a great tour guide who pretty much talked the entire way out and part of the way back describing everything on both banks of the river and some of the local history.

After the tour we went back to the festival for dinner at the Bier Market and then on to By Ward Market to look around.

Back to the festival once again as our car was parked right next to it and then back to Graham and Megan's. It was a long day with a lot of walking and a lot of fun.

We have very much enjoyed staying with Graham and Megan and are sad to leave them but have to get on with the last few stops on our journey to Cornhill.