Sunday afternoon: A whistle-stop drive around the Parkways in Ottawa. The parkways are acres of wooded areas with places for picnics, hiking, walking, skiing and cycling. If you live in Ottawa get a bike because there are miles of dedicated or shared cycle routes. Be prepared to share those routes with cyclists dragging their dogs for a walk and people on rollerblades.

Some of the parkways were closed due to the opening of the war museum that evening which meant a detour through downtown Ottawa. The Aviation Museum was also closed – must try to get there sometime.

The teaser photo on the right shows the view over to Gatineau, with the Lady Aberdeen Bridge over the Gatineau River. The water at the front of the view is the Ottawa River.

I think we’re at the dawn of internet tourism. This is where you dash round somewhere taking pictures at any opportunity. Then when you get home, you google on the internet to find out where you’ve been and what you’ve missed. Then you decide where to go next. We’re out Tuesday – probably a bit more organised this time. Must try to see the Rideau Falls and the Pink Lake (which is green). There’s also the Mackenzie King Estate, but that doesn’t open until 14 May.