Prime Minister Tony Abbott will be hoping to leverage his “special friendship” with Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper to boost trade and investment ties when the pair holds formal talks tomorrow.

Mr Abbott is spending two days in Canada on his way to the United States.

He says there is a great potential for Canadian investment in Australian infrastructure, as well as the resources and energy sectors.

Mr Harper and Mr Abbott share almost identical world views – both are conservative, have cut government spending and have campaigned against carbon taxes.

Ahead of the talks, climate change protesters rallied outside the Canadian parliament, which is close to where Mr Abbott is staying.

The pair is also likely to discuss regional security issues and the G20 at the talks.

Australian and Canadian flags have been lining the main streets of Ottawa, and the red carpet was rolled out for Mr Abbott’s arrival.

Today, he will tour the Canadian War Museum, lay a wreath at a memorial and attend a dinner with business leaders.

Mr Abbott will be accompanied by a business delegation and Trade Minister Andrew Robb during his visit to North America.

He is the first Australian Prime Minister to travel to Canada since John Howard in 2006.