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Parliament Hill and Buildings

Parliament Hill and Buildings

Parliament Hill and Buildings
4.5
About
Three Gothic Revival-style buildings, located on a 170-foot bluff overlooking the Ottawa River, house the offices of the members of Parliament, the House of Commons and the Senate. Free guided tours delve into Canadian history and explain the workings of the political system.
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  • nwaynesworld
    2,746 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Parliament Hill
    The Parliament of Canada comprises three buildings, East Block, West Block and Centre Block or Parliament Hill. Centre Block is under construction until 2031. As a result, a temporary Parliament has been constructed within West Block. A free tour of the temporary Parliament is available; however, you must obtain your ticket in advance (online). Arrive before you tour time as you must pass through a security check. The tour lasts just over an hour. Our tour guide, Kennedy, was very knowledgeable. Kennedy was well spoken and very professional. Photographs are permitted inside and around the outside of the buildings. The building has stairs and elevators. In addition, there is a gift shop.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 7 October 2023
  • SonnySY
    Vancouver, Canada33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good to see where our laws are passed
    Good walking tour of the capital. Parking around the area is rather difficult with lots of one way streets. Overall, a great walk. Parliamentary building is undergoing upgrades. Tour inside the buildings are limited and must be booked ahead
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 October 2023
  • Dimitris L
    Sydney, Australia51,955 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful architecture
    We visited the Parliament buildings and were pleasantly surprised by the lovely architecture. There are several buildings on "the Hill", but pre-booking is required in order to enter and tour any of them. As we were in Ottawa only for one day we missed out!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 October 2023
  • spud0018
    Mississauga, Canada860 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Parliamentary Tours
    Interesting and very organized tours. There are 3 different free tours. We were able to attend both the Senate and West Block tours. Wish there were better instructions on the website for where you're supposed to go for the tours - ended up asking Parliamentary Security agent. Neat to see the architecture of the spaces where they have now housed the Senate and House of Commons temporarily. Make sure you book tours on-line. You need to show up early for your tours to go through a security checkpoint.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 November 2023
  • Bea
    1,301 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spectacular Government buildings of Canada
    Wonderful complex of Gothic revival buildings situated on the southern banks of the Ottawa River. it is a place where Canada's federal government is located. Peace Tower is absolutely amazing. The bronze clock was crafted in its present form in 1879. All is situated on a beautiful, well-taken of ground.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 December 2023
  • Helen E
    London, United Kingdom66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    House of Commons West Block Tour
    We booked a tour of the House of Commons (West Block), online several weeks in advance, but unfortunately had to cancel the day before the tour due to sickness (see my review of Zak’s diner in the Byward market). The cancellation process was very easy- just a phone call. During the call I was told not to worry about rebooking because additional tickets always become available overnight. Sure enough at 8:00 am on the day we decided to go, there were four places available for each time slot. Again, the online booking process was easy. When we finally did the tour we were well-rewarded. It was simple, straightforward, informative and definitely worth the time investment!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 March 2024
  • mabellejee
    Mount Vernon, Illinois149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Ottawa Tour
    Book a tour to see how Canadian Parliament operates. Currently being held in West Block as they complete major renovations on Centre Block, Guide was informative. The newly created structure was beautiful and so many aspects to take in. For free, this tour was appreciated by all of my family. A win!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 March 2024
  • dominiquemariscotes
    Hermitage, Tennessee33 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quick, free tour
    Center Block is under massive construction, so inaccessible. Western and Eastern Blocks are open for tours. Great tour guide, very quick. Some opportunities for photos, but have to hurry. Plenty of time to roam around the campus on the outside for pictures.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 April 2024
  • Horace L
    Hamburg, Germany256 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Free Senate Tour
    Booked tickets months ago on-line. Arrive 20 mins early to pass through security checks and take in some of the old railway station's features. Very informative guide (Grace) who spent about 30/40 minutes walking us round the Senate and answering questions. In the afternoon did the immersive Parliament tour on Sparks Street which was OK (and free too)
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 May 2024
  • Eva T
    United Kingdom5,655 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place
    I think that everybody who visit Ottawa will visit this place. It's complex of governmental buildings - House of Commons on the left, Parliament of Canada in the middle and governmental offices on the right. All surrounds huge grassy area and when we visited it there were performances by small groups from Poland and Mexico which we watched for a while and enjoyed it. Unfortunately due to some works at the Parliament building it was closed so we were unable to take a guided tour.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles9,640 reviews
Excellent
6,414
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2,645
Average
449
Poor
82
Terrible
50

adirondakjak
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
My wife has mentioned to me that she had never seen the government buildings in Ottawa, so I had reserve tickets a month in advance. We drove to Ottawa from New Brunswick, booked a room at the Ottawa Marriott so that we would be within walking distance of the House of Commons and the Senate, both for which I had tickets to visit.

We went to the entrance to the House of Commons at the appointed time, and were told that there were no tours that day due to the stat holiday, which seem to be sprouting up like weeds for government workers. The following week, I called the parliamentary tour office to discuss this tremendous waste of time and money that was caused for me and they said that the tours were cancelled because they had no tour guides. They said that they notified all the ticketholders on the 28th of September, but on the day of the scheduled tour, I checked my email and spam, and there was nothing. What a waste of time and money. Yet again, the Government of Canada, fails to deliver to its citizens. Stuff happens, but TELL US!. Look what we put up with under this Trudeau government... inability to issue passports, inability to get people through security at airports, poor management of health care, inability to manage the border efficiently. And in this case, the inability to even honour a tour date which was scheduled and for which I have tickets, or to even properly notify me that the tour was cancelled. So simple, but not for the government of Canada. Yet, I send in my taxes on time. At least I am dependable.

The buildings are beautiful, but unfortunately the government issues tickets for a tour that did nor that they planned to conduct. Another Government of Canada let down.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MikeHolowitch
3 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2021
Tour of West Block was unfortunately quite boring and short- the tour guide seemed uninterested and tells you that every guide "makes their tour unique", but what we got was just a generic look around the House of Commons. All we got was a view of the Sitting Chamber and of a look at an unused conference room. You could hear another tour guide presenting to another group, and that group actually got to go into the Sitting Chamber ! (behind a metal barrier, but still....).

I understand that a government building can be quite secretive, but why have a tour at all if the tour guides are not interested and they can't show you much of anything?
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vincent R
Edmonton, Canada5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022
Arrived in Ottawa for a mini getaway for the long weekend! Fist night we took in the light show at the Parliament Buildings. Watch the 150 years of Canadian History - using the parliament buildings as the movie screen and the synced audio was truly amazing! Best of all it was FREE. We read an earlier review that advised showing up early and to bringing lawn chairs -- which was helpful! and we were able to get a few travel lawn chairs online on sale (less than 2lbs each with their own travel case) to bring along)
We got there about 1/2 hour before the show started and setup on the back lawn. We estimated that there were about 5,000 other people on the lawn and on the curbs across the street, including a number of families with small children. The entire show was about 30 minutes or so. It was truly such a great thing to experience and well put together! Made you proud to be a Canadian. Kudos to the organizers! Definitely worth the time!
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ruby V
Toronto, Canada131 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Solo
This is a long overdue review.

This year I visited Ottawa during the labor day weekend for 2 nights. I booked via snap travel a text based booking portal. My booking was confirmed and I received confirmation email.

The drive to Ottawa after work was great. It seemed everything was going as per plan until I got to hotel reception desk and find out I wasn’t booked. I was totally perplexed and shocked to find it. Front desk agent couldn’t do much as there were no rooms available it turns out Labour day weekend is the busiest weekends of the year.

Anyhow at this point I tried calling snap travel company and they kept telling me they are trying to resolve this problem on emergency basis but no resolution.

I was stuck in the reception waiting area wondering what l to do next. Finally the General Manager xxxxxxxx stepped in. He was very kind and courteous. I believe at that time they found out they had one cancellation that came in he offered me that room complimentary for one night with a promise to try and find a solution next day morning. Next day when I bumped into him during breakfast he informed that I could stay the 2nd night complementary as well.

I am extremely thankful to xxxxxxx for accommodating me… next time I come to Ottawa this is the place I will be staying and yes lesson learnt will not be booking through a 3rd party will book directly though IHG website
Written 14 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Victor S
Kirkland, Canada218 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Couples
Not review for parliament building but only eternal flame structure. Always beautiful to see, but this time it was hard scene. Very unease scene, makes ones stomach turn. And it’s good, that one feels this, feel the empathy and pain/suffering of our fellow aboriginal Canadians. All those kids toys and shoes strewn about is very impactful and visceral. I hope things will move forward and something good can come out of something horrible. Peace everyone
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MrsDonnaW
Blairgowrie, UK127 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023
We didn't do the guided tours of the buildings. We watched the light show, which was spectacular, taking the audience through Canada's history and not shying away from the more negative aspects.

We went back the following morning to view the changing of the guard - as we were aware - but essentially it was a military band playing tunes, narrated so you knew what was playing and who wrote it. The Star Wars theme was the highlight for me.

How the personnel didn't melt in the heat in their military outfits amazes me. It was around 10am in the morning and it was rather hot.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

toddlerpants
Droitwich, UK946 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
Some majestic buildings to be seen here, and spectacular at night. Shame there seems to be construction all over the place.
The Parliament building echos of the English Houses of Parliament with its clock tower looking almost like Big Ben, it is known as the Peace tower. Hidden behind the main building is the Parliament library.
Then you also have majestic buildings either side facing into the (almost) square. One is the legislative seat and the other administrative building.
the Centennial flame sits to the front of the buildings and central in the grassed area.
Off to the right hand side of the buildings and opposite the National War Memorial (across a very busy road) is the 1812 War Memorial. All of this is to the right of a section of the Rideau Canal.
So you can see loads within short distances.
Enjoyed seeing all this but do not have any strong desire to return.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nwaynesworld
Nova Scotia2,746 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
The Parliament of Canada comprises three buildings, East Block, West Block and Centre Block or Parliament Hill. Centre Block is under construction until 2031. As a result, a temporary Parliament has been constructed within West Block. A free tour of the temporary Parliament is available; however, you must obtain your ticket in advance (online). Arrive before you tour time as you must pass through a security check. The tour lasts just over an hour. Our tour guide, Kennedy, was very knowledgeable. Kennedy was well spoken and very professional. Photographs are permitted inside and around the outside of the buildings. The building has stairs and elevators. In addition, there is a gift shop.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PhilipLeic
Leicester, UK1,649 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
We did a tour of the senate but had a lot of difficulty understanding where the entrance was and how to access the tour. There is signage but totally confusing, not only to us but to others we met also having difficulty. The actual tour was interesting and informative. It was also confusing as there were signs saying no photographs inside but our guide said it was no problem taking them? There are three tours that can be done all free but must be booked in advance due to security.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark H
Fond du Lac, WI4,428 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023
We booked our free tour of the House of Commons about a week in advance and we're glad we did.

Our guide was an earnest young woman who had her talking points down pat and provided a great overview of how the national legislature works.

The House of Commons is in a temporary location while restoration work takes place in its normal home. Do not let that discourage you from doing the tour. The temporary chamber is stunning. It'll be a shame for it disappear a decade from now.

We also caught an army regimental pipe and drums performance outside as well at 10 a.m. Not sure it it's every day, but be sure to ask.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Parliament Hill and Buildings, Ottawa

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