Why You Should Go...

Discover the history, functions, art, and architecture of Canada's Parliament. Take free guided tours of the Senate and House of Commons in their new locations while Centre Block is closed.

Explore the Senate of Canada Building at 2 Rideau St. to learn about the unique role and history of Canada's Upper Chamber and learn about the work of Senators. Built from 1909-1912, the building originally served as Ottawa's central train station. It later became a conference centre before being transformed from 2014-2018 into the Senate's temporary home.

The Senate of Canada Building is located one block away from Parliament Hill. Guided tours last approximately 30 minutes.

At the House of Commons at West Block on Parliament Hill, learn about the work of Members of Parliament. Completed in 1865, the West Block building underwent extensive renovations from 2011-2018 to accommodate the House of Commons, including enclosing the central courtyard with a modern glass roof.

Tours begin in the New Visitor Welcome Centre, located between West Block and Centre Block on Parliament Hill. Guided tours last approximately 40 minutes.

Why You Should Go...

Discover the history, functions, art, and architecture of Canada's Parliament. Take free guided tours of the Senate and House of Commons in their new locations while Centre Block is closed.

Explore the Senate of Canada Building at 2 Rideau St. to learn about the unique role and history of Canada's Upper Chamber and learn about the work of Senators. Built from 1909-1912, the building originally served as Ottawa's central train station. It later became a conference centre before being transformed from 2014-2018 into the Senate's temporary home.

The Senate of Canada Building is located one block away from Parliament Hill. Guided tours last approximately 30 minutes.

At the House of Commons at West Block on Parliament Hill, learn about the work of Members of Parliament. Completed in 1865, the West Block building underwent extensive renovations from 2011-2018 to accommodate the House of Commons, including enclosing the central courtyard with a modern glass roof.

Tours begin in the New Visitor Welcome Centre, located between West Block and Centre Block on Parliament Hill. Guided tours last approximately 40 minutes.

What You Should Know...

Open: Year-Round

Cost: Free

Access: Wheelchair, Public Transportation, Service Animals

Available: Guided Tour, Family Restroom, Changing Station, Wheelchairs, Multilingual Staff, Gift Shop, Souvenirs

Due to Centre Block’s long-term closure for renovations, the Senate and House of Commons have moved to new locations:

The Senate of Canada, The Senate of Canada Building
2 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4

The House of Commons, West Block
111 Wellington St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Only one bag smaller than 35.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 19 cm (14” x 12” x 7.5”) is permitted per visitor. Loose items from the cargo areas of strollers or wheelchairs are not permitted. There is no bag check available.

School groups and groups of ten or more must reserve in advance.

Centre Block is currently closed for rehabilitation work to preserve and modernize the building for future generations. As part of a long-term plan for all Parliament buildings, Centre Block is being upgraded to current building standards while still preserving its heritage character.

The Books of Remembrance commemorate the lives of over 118,000 Canadians who have died in military service. The books are elaborately decorated by hand and placed on stone altars. Visitors may see the books following a guided tour of the House of Commons at West Block.

The Library of Parliament provides free guided tours of Parliament to over 350,000 visitors from around the world every year.