I checked things out last week and, believe me, OTTAWA, Canada’s capital, has never looked better.<PHOTO – Changing of the Guard, 10 am each morning on Parliament Hill.>

<PHOTO ABOVE – Chapel of the former Rideau Street Convent, 1880’s, National Gallery of Canada.>

<PHOTO – Security bollards behind the American embassy provide a nifty protected bike path.>

<PHOTO – the splendid Library of Parliament, oldest building on The Hill>

<House of Commons>

<The Senate>

<PHOTO – The Supreme Court of Canada>  Driving from TORONTO to OTTAWA take the eastbound 401 to either picturesque Highway 115 north at KINGSTON; or the much faster 416 north to the 417 into downtown OTTAWA. Exit at Metcalfe Street, and be prepared for bike paths, one-way streets and no parking zones. Advice – check into your hotel, leave the car and walk or take public transit.