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Parliament Hill in Ottawa is where the government of Canada is located. It’s beautifully situated between the Ottawa River and downtown Ottawa.

Centre Block

All three impressive neo-Gothic buildings were originally completed in 1866, but Centre Block, which holds the House of Commons and Senate chambers as well as the Library of Parliament, was gutted by a 1916 fire. The current building was completed in 1929.

Centre Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Centre Block

 

Peace Tower

The clock tower at Centre Block is called the Peace Tower. It’s 92.2m high and includes over 370 gargoyles, grotesques, and friezes. Located inside the tower is the Memorial Chamber, which contains the names of every Canadian service member to die at war.

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

 

East Block

East Block contains the offices of several senators, members of parliament, and other ministers. Historic offices include: the office of Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald; the Governor General of Canada, Lord Dufferin; the office of Sir George-Étienne Cartier; and the Queen’s Privy Council for CanadaWest Block contains the offices of several parliamentarians.

East Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
East Block
East Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
East Block
Tower at East Block at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Tower at East Block

 

Tours of Parliament

Free tours of Parliament (as of January 2024) are possible in either English or French. Tickets are available online in advance. Tours of Centre Block and West Block are given year-round while East Block is open during the summer. It’s also possible to visit only the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber on a self-guided tour.

 

The Grounds

The grounds of Parliament Hill contain various monuments. On the path leading to Centre Block is the Centennial Flame. It was lit in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the independence of Canada. The flame is surrounded by a fountain that never freezes in winter.

Centennial Flame at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Centennial Flame

To the east of Centre Block is an equestrian monument of Queen Elizabeth II as well as a small square with statues that people like to pose with for photos.

Queen Elizabeth II monument at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Queen Elizabeth II monument
Statues at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Statues

At the edge of the hill, there are excellent views of the Ottawa River, Gatineau, and the Alexandra Bridge.

View from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
View from Parliament Hill
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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