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Parliament is the heart of Canada’s democratic system. Canadians’ representatives meet on Parliament Hill to make laws that shape the country’s future and affect the lives of every citizen.
The Parliament Buildings
Parliament Hill, one of the best-known symbols in Canada, has three buildings: Centre, East and West blocks.
Centre Block — the main building with the distinctive Peace Tower — houses the chambers of the House of Commons and the Senate. You can watch either chamber in action from the visitor galleries, take a building tour, or go up to the top of the Peace Tower for a spectacular view of the Capital region. In the Peace Tower you can also visit the Memorial Chamber, which honours Canada’s war dead.
The historic East Block looks much the way it did at the time of Confederation. Inside are the restored offices of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and other early statesmen. Tours are offered of these historic rooms and they are also the setting for interactions with historical characters from that period.
West Block houses offices for members of parliament and is closed to the public.
Parliament Hill is a place for national decision-making. It is also a place for people. Visitors are welcome to tour the buildings, view Parliament in action, and enjoy public programs and colourful spectacles, such as the Changing the Guard ceremony and the Sound and Light Show.
Discover the Hill through Outdoor Activities
Discover what makes Parliament Hill a unique place to visit. Rain or shine, the grounds of Parliament Hill offer visitors some unique opportunities!
In the Footsteps of Great Canadians
June 24 to September 4, 2006
Set foot on the grounds where prime ministers, royalty and the Fathers of Confederation once stood. Participate in an outdoor guided walking tour that allows you to walk In the Footsteps of Great Canadians, so that you may learn about the individuals, landscape and architecture that make Parliament Hill Canada's most prestigious and symbolic heritage site.
Starting point: Info-Tent (left of Centre Block, behind West Block)
Discover the Hill School Activity
May 17 to June 21, 2006
Make this outdoor program the cornerstone of your visit to Parliament Hill. This fun and interactive journey around the grounds will allow your group to discover some of its unique and symbolic commemorations. At various points of interest, participants will reveal Canada's past and present and will be encouraged to discuss its future as well as their role as Canadians. Recommended age group: 10 to 15 years of age.
Note: Reservations are required for the school activity and may be booked by calling
Discovery Carts
May 17 to September 4, 2006
(with the exception of Canada Day)
Site interpreters present intriguing props and artifacts from two mobile thematic carts.
The people cart aims to convey that Parliament Hill is a living and working institution but that it also belongs to all Canadians, serving as a meeting place where Canadians and visitors from around the world feel equally welcome. From prominent parliamentarians — who have played, and continue to play, a variety of roles of influence, making valuable contributions to shape our nation — to the many supporting players who add to the pomp, security, beautification, etc. of Parliament Hill, site interpreters will discuss how Parliament Hill is a "people place."
The evolution cart focuses on the history of Parliament Hill, examining the physical changes, architecture and significant historical events (for example, the fire of 1916) that allow site interpreters to draw interesting parallels between the evolution of the site as a national symbol and the evolution of our capital and our nation.
Discover the Hill Outdoor Self-Guiding Booklet
Available year-round, free of chargeVisitors are invited to follow the proposed route or to chart their own path. Regardless of the approach chosen, the booklet helps visitors not only to explore the monuments, landscapes and buildings but to look beyond and discover the nation's history, its present and its future. From flags to flowers, gargoyles to great leaders, visitors make their way around the grounds, discovering that, on Parliament Hill, there is more than meets the eye.
In the summer, a morning ritual is the colourful Changing the Guard ceremony. Evenings feature a Sound and Light Show.
Many public programs are seasonal.
Info-Tent
The Info-Tent is a seasonal visitor service facility located to the left of Centre Block and behind West Block. At this location, visitors can obtain same-day tickets for the Centre Block, East Block and outdoor guided tours. All guided tours begin from this point and visitors are asked to report to the tent five minutes before their tour time. Primarily serving as a rest/waiting area for visitors, the Info-Tent provides seating, shelter and some interpretation. It is located close to public washroom facilities, a water fountain, public telephones and refreshments.
May 17 to June 23, 2006
Daily, 9 am to 5 pm
June 24 to September 4, 2006
Weekdays: 9 am to 8 pm
Weekends and statutory holidays: 9 am to 5 pm
Closed Canada Day
Accessibility
All facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Parking
There is no parking on Parliament Hill; numerous parking lots are located nearby ($). Tour-bus parking is not permitted on Parliament Hill.
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