Changing of the Guard

First-time visitors to Ottawa may be surprised to discover the scope of the British influenced architecture, customs and rituals in Ottawa. One of the most British of all is the Changing of the Guard. Each morning during the summer months, June, July and August, guards in their bright scarlet tunics and towering bear skin hats march to the lawns that flank the Parliament Buildings. The half-hour demonstration takes place each day at 10 am. The guards perform an elaborate ritual to hand over the responsibility, and keys, from the departing to the arriving guards. A full brass band complete with kilts and bagpipes play marching music and patriotic songs such as God Save the Queen and the national anthem. It's a bit of pomp and circumstance, with the magnificent Parliament Buildings as the backdrop is worth your time. Simply line up around the periphery of the lawn just before 10 am to get a great view.