The heart of Canadian democracy, a symbol of the country and one of the most famous places for Canadians and tourists. Plus, with beautiful views of the river and the town of Gatineau across the river.

This is Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada's federal parliament and the centre of Ottawa.

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A neo-Gothic architectural gem

Parliament Hill is a vast complex of several buildings whose neo-Gothic architecture references the noble and long history of Canadian democracy.

The Canadian Parliament buildings were built between 1859 and 1876 and the monumental complex, which will take everyone's breath away, is made up of several parts:

• Centre Block - The main House of Commons building and Canada's most famous building depicted on the $10 bill. It includes:
  • Peace Tower - the symbol of Ottawa and Canada, a narrow, slender tower 98 metres high.
  • The Library of Parliament - a beautiful building of Victorian Gothic architecture overlooking the river
  • Centre Block is undergoing extensive renovations until about 2030
• West Block - The adjacent building, also built in Victorian style, is mainly used for MPs' offices and committee rooms
• East Block - the easternmost part of Parliament Hill also serves mainly as MPs' offices, but there are also beautifully preserved pre-Confederation rooms
• Senate - the Upper House building stands opposite the main complex and is built in the Beaux-Arts style, distinctly different from the neo-Gothic buildings on Parliament Hill
  • Formerly used as a railway station

Visit the Parliament Buildings

Is it possible to visit the Canadian Parliament Buildings?

Yes, but each of the individual buildings has its own specific conditions for visiting.

Centre Block

The largest and most beautiful building, the Centre Block, with its stunning library and the nearly 100-metre high Peace Tower, is the most popular with tourists.

It is undergoing extensive renovation and Centre Block is completely inaccessible until 2030.

West Block

In this building you will see the second largest meeting hall of Parliament and several other rooms.

Guided tours are only available and each tour lasts approximately 40 minutes.

It is open on non-sitting days. This is usually only on Friday afternoons and all day on weekends and public holidays.

During the summer it is usually open daily.

• Price - free
• Tour reservations required - yes
• Booking portal - rts.parl.ca/tickets

East Block

In the East Block, you can admire the beautiful original rooms from the pre-Confederation era.

Tours are only available with a guide and each tour lasts approximately 35 minutes.

It's only open every day during the summer season.

• Price - free
• Tour reservations required - yes
• Booking portal - rts.parl.ca/tickets

Senate

Architecturally very different, the Senate building lures tourists to the monumental interior of the former railway station.

Guided tours are only available and each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

It's open whichever days it's not in session. This is usually only on Friday afternoons and all day on weekends and holidays.

During the summer it is usually open daily.

• Price - free
• Tour reservations required - yes
• Booking portal - rts.parl.ca/tickets

View and walk around the buildings

All outdoor spaces within Parliament Hill are accessible free of charge 24/7.

You can stroll between all the main blocks and admire spectacular views of the Ottawa River and the City of Gatineau with the distinctive Canadian Museum of Civilization building.

Don't forget to visit several important monuments within the grounds:

• The Centennial Flame - an eternal flame burning between the Centre and West Block buildings since 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Confederation
• Queen Victoria Statue - located at the highest point of Parliament Hill
• National War Memorial - stands between the gothic Parliament Buildings and the Senate Buildings on Wellington Street

Best hotels near Parliament

The area around Parliament Hill is the main hub of Ottawa and if you want all the major tourist attractions close by, stay here.

• Fairmont Chateau Laurier ***** - one of Canada's most famous hotels is housed in a building that is itself a historic landmark
• Ottawa Marriott Hotel **** - a hotel that represents ideal value for money

Our tips and recommendations

We visited Parliament Hill several times during our stay in Ottawa.

• When you visit the buildings, you'll be subject to a security check similar to the one at the airport - be sure to go without bulky luggage (a purse or small backpack will suffice)
• The best light for photographing the main façade of Centre Block is early in the morning - the façade faces slightly southeast
• Be sure to go to the opposite bank in Gatineau to the Canadian Museum of Civilization or to Alexandra Bridge for the best views of Parliament Hill
• Combine a visit to Parliament Hill with a visit to the Bank of Canada Museum, located directly across from the East Block

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