Parliament Hill of Canada

Travel place Parliament Hill

Federal government buildings dominate downtown Ottawa, especially those on Parliament Hill off Wellington St, near the canal. The Parliament Buildings itself, with its Peace Tower and clock, is most striking.  Beside it are East and West blocks, with their sharp, green, oxidized copper-topped roofing.

Parliament Hill of Canada

Inside the parliament Building, the Commons and Senate sit and can be viewed when in session (which is not in summer).the interior is all hand-carved limestone and sandstone. See the beautiful library with its wood and wrought iron. Free 20 minute tours run frequently but reservations are required; be prepared for tight security, including metal detectors. In summer book the tour n the white tent out on the lawn; in winter there’s a reservation desk inside.

When parliament is in session, Question Period in the House of Commons is a major attraction. It occurs early every afternoon and at 11 am on Friday. Admission is on a first come, first served basis.

At 10 am daily in summer, see the Changing of the Guard on the lawns- very colorful.

Pick up a free copy of the Walking Tour of Parliament Hill, which lists various details in and around the buildings.

At night during summer, there’s a free sound and light show on Parliament Hill -one version is in English while the other is in French.