Even though the kids are small, we wanted to take them to Parliament Hill for a walk. We showed our son pictures of the Peace Tower and told him we would go see it and he’d be able to run around on the grounds. Running? Free? He was sold.
So, we picked the hottest day possible (*sigh* that wasn’t planned, but it’s the day that worked best this week!) and ventured downtown.
If you plan on doing this, here’s what you need to know: Parking sucks. During the week you have to pay, which might not be a big deal except it’s hard to find. It doesn’t help that we went late morning.
Weekends, parking is free and more available. A lot of people work downtown during the week (which also makes the streets very busy and full of pedestrians).
Walking downtown I realized how much I enjoyed it when I worked down there. And I forgot how great the Hill is. The Boy was in awe of the huge clock tower and giant buildings. The Girl and I took shelter in the info-centre, set up under a canopy outside and crawling with other visitors. It offered shade that was a nice break from the sun.
My husband and son went for a walk around the buildings. I was told later that the Boy wanted to go into the Parliament Buildings, but that wasn’t the plan this time. He walked and talked and took it all in. This made me proud.
(Library of Parliament)
He wasn’t asking where the park was. Where the games were. Wasn’t complaining about being bored. He just took it all in. A little history buff in the making? We hope so! It turned into a wonderful morning. It’s been ages since we had been there.
If you haven’t, take the kids for a walk around the Hill and as a family you’ll appreciate the scale, architecture and beauty the area has to offer. Best of all, it’s free. Or at least mostly free depending on how much parking costs.
(side note: We got engaged on the Hill, near the Library of Parliament on a cold, snowy winter’s day with Christmas lights glowing)
Note: Chicken and Rib Fest continues this weekend until Sunday on Sparks Street, right near the Parliament Buildings.
