Parliament Hill
Canada's seat of federal government and a National Historic Site, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame, and free guided tours of the West Block and Senate. Centre Block is closed for renovation until the early 2030s.
Features
About Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill sits on a bluff overlooking the Ottawa River in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It has been the home of Canada's federal government since Confederation in 1867. The grounds are open year-round and free to visit.
What to See
- Peace Tower — The 92.2-metre tower is the most recognizable symbol of Canadian Parliament. It's part of Centre Block, currently under major renovation (expected completion early 2030s)
- Centennial Flame — Lit in 1967 to mark Canada's 100th anniversary, it burns continuously at the centre of the Hill
- West Block — Currently houses the House of Commons. Free guided tours available year-round
- Senate of Canada Building — The former Ottawa Union Station, now the temporary Senate chamber. Free tours available
- East Block — Summer tours only (late June to early September), featuring restored 19th-century offices
- "Parliament — The Immersive Experience" — A 45-minute virtual tour of Centre Block while the building is under renovation
Changing of the Guard
The ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place every summer morning at 10:00 AM, roughly from Canada Day (July 1) through mid-August. Free to watch from the Hill's front lawn.
Visiting Tips
- All tours are free but reservations are recommended at visit.parl.ca
- Government-issued photo ID required for building tours
- Arrive 25-30 minutes before your tour for security screening
- The grounds offer excellent views of the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, and the Supreme Court
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
I run 613today on my own and I'm not affiliated with this venue. Place info may not be perfectly up to date. Please double-check with the official website before visiting, or contact the venue directly for any questions about it. If you spot anything wrong on this page, let me know.
Details
You might also like
AttractionCanadian War Museum
Downtown
Canada's national museum of military history, featuring four chronological galleries, a massive vehicle hall, and the architecturally striking Memorial Hall. Free admission every Thursday 5-7 PM.
AttractionByWard Market
Downtown
One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, established in 1826. Home to over 600 businesses including restaurants, boutiques, and a year-round indoor market with seasonal outdoor vendors.
AttractionUpper Canada Village
One of Canada's largest living-history museums, transporting visitors to an 1860s rural Ontario village with over 40 heritage buildings, costumed interpreters, working mills, and artisan demonstrations. About one hour south of Ottawa in Morrisburg.
AttractionNational War Memorial
Downtown
Canada's national monument honouring those who have served and died in all conflicts, centred on a 16-metre granite arch with 22 bronze figures by sculptor Vernon March. Unveiled by King George VI in 1939, it includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (added 2000). Sentries stand guard daily from April to November.
AttractionBank of Canada Museum
Downtown
A free, interactive museum exploring economics and monetary history. Home to the National Currency Collection with over 110,000 artifacts, plus hands-on exhibits including a rocket ship inflation simulator and a design-your-own banknote station.
AttractionSparks Street
Downtown
Canada's first permanent pedestrian mall, established in 1967. The car-free promenade stretches four blocks between Elgin and Lyon streets, one block south of Parliament Hill. Features heritage buildings, restaurant patios, and summer festivals including the Ottawa International Buskerfest.
Want to add your place to 613today? It’s free!
Contact Us→