About Parliament Hill and Buildings


“The Hill” is the nickname given to Parliament Hill and its buildings, the national heart of Canada’s federal government in the capital city Ottawa. In the 18th and early 19th centuries Parliament Hill was a military base, but developed into the seat of government power by Queen Victoria in 1859. The current form of the Parliament Building with the Peace Tower was finished in 1927.

The three building blocks, West, Central, and East, government and departmental buildings are on three sides of a quadrangle central lawn, with gardens in English style.  The architecture of the three buildings is in the Gothic Revival style, although the older buildings are of a Victorian High Gothic. All of this framed by the natural Ottawa Escarpment. 

Roughly 3 million visitors come to The Hill each year, especially in July for fireworks at the nation’s capital. Sit in on parliament in session, take a tour of the buildings, or wander behind the parliament buildings and stand face-to-face with statues of the first prime minister, John A. MacDonald, Queen Victoria, Sir Wilfred Laurier, and other politicians. There is only one statue outside of the fence, that of Sir Galahad. 

Visit the War of 1812 Monument for a glimpse of what makes Canada so unique, including a maple tree meant to symbolize how the nation grew.

You also can’t visit Parliament Hill without first passing the Centennial Flame. Originally intended to be a temporary installation, it was so popular with the public it was kept. The flame burns on top of the water in the fountain, so the water doesn’t freeze, even in winter. Toss your pennies for good luck, or make a wish any time of year!

Must See

Centennial Flame
Canadian Police Memorium dedicated to the Canadian Police officers who were killed since 1879.
Victoria Tower Bell
War of 1812 Monument
Senate Building 
  

How to reach

Here’s a list of a few lines that pass near your destination - Bus: 11, 12, 61, 95, 99.
The closest stations to Parliament Hill are Wellington / Metcalfe (Parliament) is 134 meters away, 2 min walk.
These are the bus lines 11, 12, 61, 95, 99 stops near the destination.
Taxi from the city center to Parliament Hill will take 2 minutes and cost for one-way is 7 - 10  CAD.

Tips

Make sure to book tickets online as it is not available at the door.
This area is a secure place so no cars are allowed to enter the grounds.
Bring your passport or other ID proof to enter the building.
No photography or videography is allowed.
Any time schedules can be changed without notice so access to the building cannot be guaranteed.
For group tours make a prior reservation.
Same day tickets for individual visits are available at 9.00 am daily.
For other hours, visit the official website.
English and French speaking tours available.
wear comfortable shoes to walk in from the street.
 

Visit Time

Sunday:            Closed.
Monday:            8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Tuesday:           8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Wednesday:      8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Thursday:          8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Friday:               8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Saturday:          Closed.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

Waiting time will be there between security check.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 4.12°C

 

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