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Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

Photo: David Wilson from Oak Park, Illinois, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory BuffFree

Parliament Hill

111 Wellington St · Ottawa, ON

Why you should go…

Parliament Hill rises above the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, with three parliamentary buildings set around a central lawn. The Centre Block is closed for restoration, so the House of Commons sits in the West Block, where free guided tours run about 40 minutes. Bring photo ID if you are 16 or older. Outside you can see the Centennial Flame and more than 20 bronze statues of figures from Canadian history.

  • #parliament
  • #government building
  • #guided tour
  • #ottawa landmark
  • #canadian history

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Parliament Hill, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Parliament Hill Tours

    Free

    Free guided tours of Canada's Parliament Buildings, including the Library of Parliament and Senate chamber.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Gray Line Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off

    $25–$50

    An open-top double-decker bus loop past Parliament Hill, Confederation Boulevard and Sussex Drive with live bilingual guides.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Lady Dive Tours

    $25–$50

    Amphibious bus-boat tour of Ottawa-Gatineau that drives through downtown streets then splashes into the Ottawa River.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Outaouais

    Free

    Regional tourism guide for Quebec's Outaouais region, covering Gatineau Park, museums, and lakes and rivers.

    1.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Smiths Falls

    Free

    Rideau Canal town with a historic downtown, a heritage Welcome Centre and walkable heritage attractions.

    39 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties

    Free

    Eastern Ontario counties along the St. Lawrence River, promoted through the Where Ontario Began visitor guide.

    43 mi awayMore like this