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Parliament Hill

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Landmark
—°14
Parliament Hill (Canada)

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Parliament Hill is the political and cultural heart of Canada, housing the nation's legislature in the capital city of Ottawa. The Neo-Gothic buildings were constructed starting in 1859 on a prominent limestone bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, a site that originally served as military barracks. The most prominent feature is the Centre Block, which includes the 92.2-meter-high Peace Tower, a memorial to the sacrifices of World War I. A devastating fire in 1916 almost completely destroyed the original Centre Block, with only the beautiful Library of Parliament being saved thanks to its heavy iron doors. The site is the stage for major national ceremonies, such as the Changing of the Guard and Canada Day celebrations. Parliament Hill symbolizes Canada's democratic values and serves as a gathering place for citizens from across the country. The grounds also feature numerous monuments to key historical figures, including Queen Victoria and the Famous Five. A massive, decades-long restoration project is currently underway to preserve the structural integrity of the complex for future generations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-45131821201681-7
Rain mm6155658585104988887997380

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Parliament Hill is a public place that can be visited from the outside at any time. The interior of the building is accessible via guided tours, typically offered on sitting days.
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Typical hours
The outdoor areas are open 24/7, while indoor visits follow a set schedule. Guided tours typically run more frequently from May to September, less often in winter.
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Photography
Photography is allowed outdoors and in most indoor areas, but without flash in certain rooms. A permit is required for professional photography with a tripod.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit to the outdoor grounds takes about 30 minutes, while a guided tour of the interior lasts about an hour. Allow extra time for the visitor center and surrounding monuments.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Rideau Canal, which is within walking distance. The Byward Market district and the National War Memorial are also nearby.
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Getting there
Parliament Hill is located in downtown Ottawa, well-served by public transport. The nearest OC Transpo bus stop is Parliament Station, and it is also accessible on foot or by bike.
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Insider tip
Visit Parliament Hill on a weekday to access the interior on a guided tour. Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially in summer.

History & landmarks

Victorian Era

1859

Geography

Elevation
85 m
Coordinates
45.42360, -75.70090

Facts

  • Construction began in 1859
  • Peace Tower is 92.2 meters high
  • Devastating fire occurred in 1916
  • Library is the only original part
  • Located on a limestone bluff
  • Home to the Senate and House of Commons

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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GatineauGatineau6 km · SExplore →
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Thousand IslandsThousand Islands45 km · SWExplore →
Gananoque (Thousand Islands)Gananoque (Thousand Islands)59 km · SWExplore →
Parc OmegaParc Omega82 km · NExplore →
MontebelloMontebello86 km · NExplore →
Fort Henry (Kingston)Fort Henry (Kingston)90 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Parliament Hill (14)

Canadian War Museum🏛 museum

Canada's national war museum in Ottawa documenting military history.

🕒 May-Jun: Fr-We 09:00-17:00; Jul-Aug: Fr-We 09:00-18:00; May-♿💶

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church⛪ religious

One of the oldest churches in Ottawa, home to the Presbyterian congregation.

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church⛪ religious

A historic Lutheran church in Ottawa.

♿

Westminster Presbyterian Church⛪ religious

A historic Presbyterian church in downtown Ottawa.

Champlain Bridge📍 landmark

A bridge in Ottawa crossing the Ottawa River to Gatineau.

Portage Bridge📍 landmark

A major bridge in Ottawa connecting to Gatineau.

Chaudière Falls🌿 nature

Chaudière Falls is a viewpoint in the ca-parliament-hill area, known for its waterfall on the Ottawa River.

Bate Island🌳 park

Bate Island is a park in the ca-parliament-hill area.

Heather Crowe Park🌳 park

Heather Crowe Park is a park in the ca-parliament-hill area named after the anti-smoking activist Heather Crowe.

McKellar Park🌳 park

McKellar Park is a park in the ca-parliament-hill area.

Salle Jean-Despréz🎭 culture

Salle Jean-Despréz is a theatre in the ca-parliament-hill area.

Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre🎭 culture

Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre is a theatre in the ca-parliament-hill area.

♿

Théâtre de l'Île🎭 culture

Théâtre de l'Île is a theatre in the ca-parliament-hill area.

Lazy Bay📍 landmark

Lazy Bay is a bay in the ca-parliament-hill area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are guided tours free?
Yes, tours are free, but they must be reserved online in advance.
When does the Changing of the Guard happen?
In summer, daily at 10:00 AM on the lawn in front of the building.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography for private purposes is permitted in most areas.
What is the best way to get there?
On foot from downtown Ottawa or by public bus.
Are there security checks?
Yes, all visitors must pass through airport-style security screening.
Parliament Hill: where is it located?
Parliament Hill is located in Canada.
Parliament Hill: what is there to see?
Highlights include Canadian War Museum, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Parliament Hill: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Parliament Hill: why is it worth visiting?
Parliament Hill is the political and cultural heart of Canada, housing the nation's legislature in the capital city of Ottawa.
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