Supreme Court of Canada

About the Supreme Court of Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada is the country's highest court, located on Wellington Street west of Parliament Hill. The building was designed by Montreal architect Ernest Cormier and completed in 1941, though the court didn't move in until January 1946 due to wartime use of the building.

Recognized as a Federal Heritage Building in 1988, it is considered one of the finest Art Deco buildings in Canada. The building combines a severe classical granite exterior with an Art Deco interior, topped by a Château-style copper roof added at government request to complement Parliament Hill.

What to See

• Main Courtroom — 12 metres by 16 metres, panelled in black walnut with fluted pilasters. Six tall windows open to naturally lit interior courtyards. Original marble, walnut, mahogany, and bronze finishes selected by Cormier
• Marble lobby — Marble walls and floors
• Architectural details — Two candelabrum-style fluted metal lamp standards flanking the entrance

Free Guided Tours

Tours of the building are free and available year-round:

• May–June: Daily 9 AM–5 PM (reservations required Mon–Fri, walk-ins Sat–Sun)
• July–August: Daily 9 AM–5 PM (no reservation needed)
• September onward: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM (check website for current schedule)
• Virtual tours also available

Contact: [email protected] or 613-995-5361

Attending Court Hearings

The public can attend Supreme Court hearings. Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance by email ([email protected]). All hearings are also webcast live on the court's website.

Getting There

• By O-Train: Lyon Station (Line 1)
• By Bus: STO and OC Transpo routes on Wellington Street
• On Foot: Short walk west from Parliament Hill along Wellington Street
• Parking: No on-site parking. Public parking available nearby