Parliament, Ottawa: history and visit

The Parliament of Canada, in Ottawa

The Parliament of Canada, on its hill dominating the Ottawa River, is the heart of the democracy of the country, in a magnificent neo-Gothic ensemble. The Ottawa audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this emblematic monument and its famous Peace Tower.

The heart of Canadian democracy

The Parliament of Canada stands at the top of Parliament Hill, which dominates the Ottawa River. This monumental ensemble in neo-Gothic style, including the Centre Block, is the seat of Canadian democracy: there you find the House of Commons and the Senate. Its silhouette is dominated by the famous Peace Tower, a high stone tower erected in memory of the Canadians who fell during the First World War, which shelters a carillon and a belvedere. The buildings, marked by a great fire at the beginning of the twentieth century then rebuilt, are the object of important restoration works. A symbol of the nation, the Parliament is the most emblematic monument of Ottawa.

What to see

You admire the neo-Gothic ensemble seat of the House of Commons and the Senate, dominated by the famous Peace Tower erected in memory of the Canadians who fell in the First World War, at the top of the hill dominating the Ottawa River. The Parliament is the most emblematic monument of Ottawa. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Parliament lies at the top of Parliament Hill, in the heart of Ottawa, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire its exterior and its surroundings freely; the visits of the interior are subject to their own conditions and hours, and some buildings are the object of restoration works. It is best to check the arrangements in advance.

What does the Peace Tower of the Ottawa Parliament represent?

This high stone tower, which dominates the Parliament, was erected in memory of the Canadians who fell during the First World War; it shelters a carillon and a belvedere and is one of the symbols of the country.