The heart of Ottawa is the parliament buildings. Every year thousands of tourists visit the nation's capital and "The Hill" is usually where they start their tours. So how do we explore "The Hill" with children? There is much of interest here for school age children and some preschoolers may also enjoy seeing the sites.

Most people start with the Centre Block tour. This tour is aimed at adults and with groups of up to 50 people, children may not be able to see or hear the guide. Instead of taking the tour take a short tour of your own. Although most of the buildings are out of bounds the lobby is open to the public and is very ornate. Have the kids look for symbols representing the different provinces on the walls and ceiling. Ask a guard to direct you to the peace tower. You do not need to be on a tour to ascend to the top. If you can time it to coincide with being "on the hour", you may get a close-up through the glass elevator windows of the huge bells ringing. At the top of the tower (which is completely enclosed) you can view the whole region and get a birds eye view of all that is happening on the grounds below you. On the way back down stop at the chapel honoring Canada's war dead. The names are recorded in large books in glass cases and everyday a page is turned over. Older children will be impressed by the solemnity of this spot. When passing through the lobby pause at the gift kiosk and get a postcard to send. During the Christmas season a large Christmas tree graces the lobby and is decorated by children from throughout the region.

During the summer months tours of the East Block involve costumed interpreters which make tours far more interesting to school age children.