Last updated on January 26, 2024.

The clock tower at the Parliament of Canada’s Centre Block is called the Peace Tower. It’s 92.2m high and includes over 370 gargoyles, grotesques, and friezes.

Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Peace Tower

After my tour of Centre Block, I took an optional tour of the Peace Tower. This took an extra hour but was well worth it. Free tickets for self-guided tours of the tower are available online in advance. (Note: the Peace Tower and Centre Block are currently closed for rehabilitation (as of January 2024). I’ll update when new information is available).

Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Peace Tower

 

Observation Deck

First, I rode the lift up to the observation deck to get some incredible views of Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Nepean Point from the Peace Tower at Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nepean Point
East Block and Château Laurier from the Peace Tower in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
East Block and Château Laurier
Parliament Hill from the Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Parliament Hill
West Block from the Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
West Block
Gatineau from the Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Gatineau

 

Memorial Chamber

Next it was off to the Memorial Chamber. This solemn room holds the Books of Remembrance, which contain the names of all Canadian soldiers killed in war.

Books of Remembrance in the Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Books of Remembrance
Books of Remembrance in the Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Books of Remembrance

The architect, John A. Pearson, personally collected stone from the European battlefields where Canadians were killed and incorporated it into the floors and walls. The walls were originally supposed to have been inscribed with the names of all the service members killed in action, but there wasn’t enough space. The Books of Remembrance were placed there instead.

Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Memorial Chamber

In addition, there are three stained glass windows measuring 7m x 3.5m. They symbolize the Call to Arms, the Assembly of Remembrance, and the Dawn of Peace.

Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower of Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Memorial Chamber
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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