Parliament Hill
The seat of Canada’s democracy, perched above the Ottawa River in the heart of the capital. Its Gothic Revival buildings, sweeping lawns and the Centennial Flame are a must-see — and the guided tours, ceremonies and multimedia experiences on the Hill are all free. Note that Centre Block and the Peace Tower are closed for a major multi-year rehabilitation, but there’s still plenty to see and do.
Downtown Ottawa
tours & experiences
tours need tickets
(more for multiple tours)
Overview
Parliament Hill is the symbolic and working centre of Canada’s federal government, set on a limestone bluff overlooking the Ottawa River. Its Gothic Revival buildings — rebuilt between 1916 and 1927 after a fire destroyed the original Centre Block — are among the most recognizable in the country, crowned by the Peace Tower and its 53-bell carillon.
Right now the Hill is in the middle of the largest heritage rehabilitation project in Canadian history. Centre Block, the Peace Tower and the Library of Parliament are closed to visitors while the work is done and a new Parliament Welcome Centre is built. In the meantime, the story of Parliament lives on through free guided tours of the House of Commons at West Block and the Senate of Canada Building, a 360° immersive show, and the summer Changing of the Guard ceremony on the front lawn.
Things to see & do
House of Commons at West Block
The current highlight. A former outdoor courtyard has been enclosed under a soaring glass roof to house the temporary House of Commons chamber. The free guided tour of this striking modern-meets-heritage space is the closest thing to the classic Centre Block visit while renovations continue.
Senate of Canada Building
A short walk from the Hill, the temporary Senate sits inside Ottawa’s grand former train station (1912) — a Beaux-Arts showpiece across from the Château Laurier. The free guided tour takes in the Senate chamber and committee rooms.
Parliament: The Immersive Experience
A free 45-minute, 360° multimedia journey through Centre Block at 211 Sparks Street — projections of the Senate, House of Commons, Library of Parliament and Peace Tower bring the building to life while it’s closed. Reserve tickets in advance.
Changing of the Guard
On summer mornings, the Ceremonial Guard in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats marches onto the front lawn for one of Ottawa’s most photographed traditions. Free to watch — arrive early for a good spot.
The grounds & Centennial Flame
The lawns and pathways stay open year-round. Snap the Centennial Flame at the front gates, take in the Ottawa River views, and see the exterior of the historic buildings — no ticket required.
Seasonal light shows
Winter Lights Across Canada illuminates the Hill through the colder months, and the grounds anchor Canada Day and Winterlude celebrations — worth timing a visit around if you can.
Plan your visit
Good to know: Centre Block, the Peace Tower and the Library of Parliament are closed for rehabilitation and there’s no set reopening date yet. All the experiences below are open and free.
Free visitor experiences
| Experience | Good to know |
|---|---|
| House of Commons tour (West Block) | Free · book online ahead |
| Senate of Canada Building tour | Free · short walk from the Hill |
| The Immersive Experience | Free · 211 Sparks St · ~45 min |
| Changing of the Guard | Free · summer mornings · front lawn |
| Grounds & Centennial Flame | Free · open year-round · no ticket |
Tour tickets are free but limited. Reserve online in advance at visit.parl.ca; some same-day tickets may be available first-come, first-served. Bring photo ID and expect airport-style security screening.
Getting there
Parliament Hill runs along Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa, walkable from most central hotels, the Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market. OC Transpo and the O-Train light rail (Parliament / Lyon stations) stop nearby. Street parking is scarce — transit or a downtown lot is easier.
Best time to go
Summer brings the Changing of the Guard and the longest daylight for photos; Canada Day (July 1) turns the Hill into the country’s biggest celebration. Winter pairs the light shows with nearby Winterlude on the Rideau Canal. Whatever the season, book tour tickets ahead — walk-up waits can be long in peak months.
Nearby
Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage waterway right below the Hill — boat cruises in summer, the world’s largest skating rink in winter.
ByWard Market
Ottawa’s historic market district, a few minutes’ walk east — food stalls, patios, cafés and nightlife.
National Gallery of Canada
The glass-spired national art museum, home to the giant “Maman” spider sculpture, just across the Rideau Canal.
Making a weekend of it in the capital? Find festivals and events happening in and around Ottawa.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Parliament Hill?
It’s free. The grounds are open with no ticket, and the guided tours, the Immersive Experience and the Changing of the Guard are all free — though tours require a reservation.
Can I tour Centre Block and the Peace Tower?
Not right now. Centre Block, the Peace Tower and the Library of Parliament are closed for a long-term rehabilitation. In the meantime you can tour the House of Commons at West Block and the Senate of Canada Building, and see Centre Block virtually through the Immersive Experience.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It’s strongly recommended. Free tour tickets are limited and go quickly in peak season; reserve online at visit.parl.ca. Some same-day tickets may be available first-come, first-served, but booking ahead avoids long waits.
When is the Changing of the Guard?
The ceremony takes place on summer mornings on Parliament Hill’s front lawn, weather permitting. It’s free to watch — arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
How do I get to Parliament Hill?
It’s on Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa, walkable from central hotels, the Rideau Canal and the ByWard Market. OC Transpo buses and the O-Train (Parliament/Lyon stations) serve the area. Downtown parking is limited, so transit is usually easiest.
How long should I spend there?
Plan for one to three hours. A single tour plus the grounds fits comfortably in an afternoon; add time if you want to combine the West Block tour, the Senate Building and the Immersive Experience.