Sep 1, 2005. Gray Line tour of Ottawa. Our first driver, Ron, picked us up at the motel at 9:15 and took us to the Kiosk to purchase our tickets [$52 with tax and discount, good for 2 days]. First tour starts at 10:00. Ron suggested we ride along for the full 2 hour tour to become acquainted with the attractions and 15 stops. Then we could go around again, getting off at those points of interest to us. So we spent the day on the Gray Line. This is an open air double-decker trolley. We rode on the covered lower level in the morning as we didn’t have jackets. It gets pretty breezy up top. But went up top the second time around as the view is so much better, and that is where the tour guide sits. Our first tour guide was Sarah. Both Ron & Sarah had a good sense of humor. Among the sights were the Parliament Bldgs; 24 Sussex Drive; Rideau Hall, Falls, and Canal; RCMP Stables –home of the musical ride. At the Dows Lake stop you could rent a canoe, a kayak, or a paddle boat and go for a little cruise on the Rideau Canal. We learned that the Rideau Canal is 7 miles long, originally designed for military purposes, it has only been used for recreational enjoyment. During the winter season, it is drained to about 3 feet of water, and freezes. Many people skate to work, and many more use it for leisure. The city has a method to refresh the ice surface overnight. Ottawa has miles and miles of bicycle paths, which many folks use for getting to work as well as recreation. It is a very clean city, and shows a lot of civic pride in its beautiful lawns and flower gardens throughout the city. Many years ago, a city planner from France was hired to improve the city’s image. He recommended establishing greenbelts and parkways throughout the city. The people were very friendly and hospitable. We would visit here again and stay longer.