Senate of Canada Building

The Senate of Canada Building, in Ottawa

The Senate of Canada Building is a former railway station become the temporary seat of the Senate, in Ottawa. The Ottawa audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this reconverted heritage building, a witness of the adaptation of the institutions during the restoration of the Parliament.

The former station become the seat of the Senate

Despite its name, this imposing building is not the usual seat of the Senate of Canada. In normal times, the Senate sits in the Centre Block of the Parliament, like the House of Commons. But during the important restoration works of Parliament Hill, the Senate was transferred here, on a temporary basis. The building is in reality a former railway station of Ottawa, a magnificent building of the beginning of the twentieth century, which then served as a government conference centre before being redeveloped to accommodate the senators. Its great hall and its monumental architecture make it a prestigious setting. The Senate Building illustrates the capacity of Ottawa to reinvent its heritage.

What to see

You admire the former railway station of the beginning of the twentieth century, a magnificent building with a great hall and monumental architecture, redeveloped to temporarily accommodate the Senate during the restoration of the Parliament. The Senate Building illustrates the reinvention of the heritage of Ottawa. It is a stop for those curious about history, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Senate Building lies in the centre of Ottawa, near the Rideau Canal, reachable on foot and by public transport. You admire its architecture from outside; it is an official building whose access follows its own conditions and hours, linked to parliamentary activity. It is best to check the arrangements in advance.

Why does the Senate sit in this building in Ottawa?

Because, during the important restoration works of the Centre Block of the Parliament, its usual seat, the Senate was transferred on a temporary basis to this redeveloped former railway station.

Where is the Senate of Canada Building?

In the centre of Ottawa, near the Rideau Canal, in Canada.