Parliament Hill Tours, Ottawa, Canada
Visiting the House of Commons and Senate in the Canadian Captial
Jan 22, 2009
Approaching Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, visitors pass the Centennial Flame and walk through manicured lawns towards the imposing sight of three stone, Gothic revival buildings.
To the left is West Block, which houses official offices. To the right sits East Block—the historic location of the first Canadian prime minister's office. Ahead, and the most impressive of all, Centre Block sits below the spire of the Peace Tower.
In both East and Centre blocks, visitors can enjoy free, daily Parliament Hill tours that tour the rooms, halls, chambers, and galleries where Canadian history takes shape. This lesson in Canadian history will make the ideal Ottawa summer vacation.
Enjoy Parliament Tours of Centre Block on an Ottawa Summer Vacation
Guided tours of the Canadian Parliament’s Centre Block are free and provided a lively insight into the workings of the Canadian government. Parliament Hill tours last between 20 minutes and one hour, depending on the Parliament schedule. Tours times, availability, and routes vary depending on whether Parliament is or is not in session.
Visitors will experience the most comprehensive tours when the House of Commons and the Senate are not sitting—which makes summer the ideal time to tour Parliament Hill as part of an Ottawa summer vacation.
Parliament Hill tours begin at the Visitor Welcome Centre located in Centre Block. Reach the Welcome Centre by entering through the doors to the right of the main entrance under the Peace Tower.
A Parliament Hill tour in Centre Block may include visits to the:
- Rotunda: Also known as Confederation Hall, this marble-decorated circular lobby is also the entrance area of Centre Block.
- Library of Parliament: The gorgeous vaulted-ceiling reading room features as one of the most treasured stops of the tour.
- House of Commons chamber: When Parliament is not in session visitors can see where the elected 308 members of parliament participate in debates and question periods.
- Senate chamber: The appointed members of the Senate meet in a regal-looking red chamber.
Another great activity on Parliament Hill is observing a session of the House of Commons or the Senate from the Parliament Hill public galleries.
Canadian Parliament Tours of East Block
During the summer only (generally July and August), visitors can tour through another building filled with Canadian history: The East Block. This block houses offices for the Governor General and the office of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister. This Parliament Hil tour is well-suited to those enjoying an Ottawa summer vacation.
Planning an Ottawa Summer Vacation, Winter Visit, or Parliament Hill Tour
An Ottawa Summer Vacation to Parliament Hill is not only about history. For those zoned in on shopping, there’s a souvenir shop called the Parliament Hill Boutique and animal lovers will delight in a visit to the Parliament Hill Cat Sanctuary—where more than a dozen cats keep an official residence.
During a winter vacation, visitors will also enjoy the Rideau Canal Skateway or the February Winterlude Festival. In May, there is the beautiful Tulip Festival.
Be it watching as the House of Commons breaks for lunch (and the Members of Parliament spill out into the Rotunda) or walking the grounds and seeing the many monuments, a Parliament Hill tour will deliver more than most visitors anticipate.
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