Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada is a stunning tourist attraction that is sure to take your breath away. Located in the heart of the city, it is flanked by the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal. The towering Gothic-style structure, known as the Centre Block, is the most iconic building on the hill and is the home of the Canadian Parliament. This building alone is a sight to behold, with its intricate stonework, lush gardens, and spectacular views of the city.
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| Photos of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
The other impressive buildings that make up Parliament Hill are the East and West Blocks, the Peace Tower, and the Library of Parliament. The East and West Blocks feature beautiful architecture and are the site of many important government meetings and decisions. The Peace Tower is the most iconic symbol of Parliament Hill and offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. Finally, the Library of Parliament is the largest library in the country and is home to an impressive collection of historical and legal documents.
No matter which direction you look, the view from Parliament Hill is absolutely stunning. The grounds are immaculately kept and feature lush gardens and monuments to commemorate important events in the country’s history. During the summer months, visitors can take part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which includes a traditional military parade.
With its grand architecture, lush gardens, and stunning views, Parliament Hill in Ottawa is a must-see tourist attraction. Whether you’re looking for a day of sightseeing or a place to learn about the history of Canada, this iconic hill is worth a visit.
Highlights of Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Parliament Hill: Parliament Hill is the home of Canada’s federal government and the most recognizable building in Ottawa. The neo-Gothic architecture of the Centre Block, East Block, and West Block are iconic symbols of democracy in Canada. Every summer, the Hill is home to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, during which the Canadian Forces perform a spectacular display of military tradition and pageantry.
- Confederation Square: Confederation Square is one of Ottawa’s main public spaces and is bordered by the National War Memorial, the National Arts Centre, and the Château Laurier. In the summer months, the square plays host to special events, concerts, and festivals.
- Rideau Canal: The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for visitors to Ottawa. The canal stretches 202 kilometres from Kingston to Ottawa and offers breathtaking views of the city. In the winter, the canal turns into the world’s largest skating rink.
- National Gallery of Canada: The National Gallery of Canada is a stunning architectural masterpiece, featuring a collection of artwork from around the world. The gallery offers a variety of exhibitions, talks, and workshops for visitors to enjoy.
- National War Memorial: The National War Memorial stands at the foot of Parliament Hill and is a tribute to Canadians who have served in the military. Every Remembrance Day, a ceremony is held to honour those who fought and died in the country’s wars.
- ByWard Market: The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s oldest and most bustling neighbourhood. This area is home to an array of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and local vendors offering a variety of products. The ByWard Market is also a popular spot to grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by.
Entrance Ticket Prices for Parliament Hill Tourist Attractions
The entrance ticket prices for Parliament Hill tourist attractions vary depending on the type of attraction. For example, admission to the Parliament Buildings is free; however, there is a fee for guided tours. Similarly, admission to the Visitor Welcome Centre is free but there is a fee for guided tours. Other attractions, such as the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, the Peace Tower Carillon Concerts, and the Sound and Light Show, have no admission fee.
Parliament Hill Attraction Packages
- Parliament Hill Tour Package: Enjoy a guided tour of Parliament Hill and its historic buildings, including Centre Block, the Library of Parliament and the Peace Tower. You'll learn about the history of the Parliament of Canada and get to experience the architecture and views of Ottawa from the top of the Peace Tower.
- Ottawa Sightseeing Package: See the best Ottawa has to offer with this sightseeing package. You'll get to explore the city with a local guide and get to see the Parliament Buildings, Rideau Canal, National Gallery of Canada, and more.
- Parliament Hill Lights Package: Enjoy the beauty of the Parliament Buildings lit up at night. This package includes a guided tour of the grounds and buildings, plus a snack and hot beverage. Take in the views of Ottawa from the top of the Peace Tower.
- Canada Day Package: Celebrate Canada Day on the Hill! This package includes a guided tour of the Parliament Buildings, a barbecue lunch, and an evening of music and entertainment. You'll also get to watch the fireworks display from the top of the Peace Tower.
Parliament Hill Tourist Attractions Locations and Routes
Parliament Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada. It is home to the Parliament Buildings, the Supreme Court of Canada, and many other historic sites. Tourists can explore the grounds of Parliament Hill, which include the Peace Tower, the Library of Parliament, the Centennial Flame, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
There are several routes for visitors to take to explore Parliament Hill. The most popular is the “Ceremonial Route” which begins at the Centennial Flame and follows the path to the Peace Tower. This route also passes by the Library of Parliament and the Supreme Court of Canada.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the “Gardens Route” is a great option. This route follows the main paths through the gardens and takes visitors past the Rose Garden, the Château Laurier, the Memorial Arch, and the War Memorial.
For a more interactive experience, the “Parliamentary Education Centre” offers guided tours of the Parliament Buildings and special events such as the “Parliament in the Park” program. This program is designed to give visitors an up-close look at how Parliament works.
Finally, the “Parliament Hill Experience” package allows visitors to enjoy a guided tour of the grounds, a visit to the Library of Parliament, and a unique dining experience in the Senate Chamber.
Whether you are looking for a guided tour or a self-guided exploration, Parliament Hill has something to offer everyone.
Experience of Visiting Parliament Hill Tourist Attractions
Visiting Parliament Hill is an amazing experience. The area is full of history and culture and the tour guides are very knowledgeable. The tour itself is quite interesting, with a lot of interesting facts and stories about the history of the Hill and Canada. The architecture of the buildings is beautiful, and the views of the city are stunning. The grounds are well maintained and very picturesque. It is a great place to take pictures and get in touch with the history of Canada. The inside of the buildings are also fascinating, with the intricate designs and decorations that adorn the walls and ceilings. There is also a museum on the grounds, which is full of interesting artifacts and displays. All in all, Parliament Hill is a great place to visit and learn about Canadian history.
Travel Tips at Parliament Hill Tourist Attractions
- Wear comfortable shoes - When visiting the Parliament Hill tourist attractions, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a hat - To protect yourself from the sun, bring a hat to wear.
- Pack snacks - To avoid getting hungry, be sure to pack snacks for your visit to the Parliament Hill tourist attractions.
- Bring a camera - Don't forget to bring a camera to capture all of the amazing sights and sounds at the Parliament Hill tourist attractions.
- Dress appropriately - To avoid offending anyone, be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the Parliament Hill tourist attractions.
- Carry cash - Some of the tourist attractions at Parliament Hill require cash for admission, so be sure to carry some with you.
- Take advantage of free attractions - There are many free attractions available at the Parliament Hill tourist attractions, so take advantage of them to save some money.
- Check the weather - Before visiting the Parliament Hill tourist attractions, be sure to check the weather so you are prepared.
- Stay hydrated - Don't forget to bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated while visiting the Parliament Hill tourist attractions.
- Bring a map - To make sure you don't get lost, bring a map of the area with you.
FAQ: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
What is Parliament Hill?
Parliament Hill is the name of the area in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, that is home to the Parliament of Canada. It is located on the banks of the Ottawa River and is the site of many of the country’s national ceremonies and celebrations. It is also a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors exploring the buildings and grounds.
What can I do at Parliament Hill?
There are many activities to enjoy at Parliament Hill, such as guided tours of the buildings, the changing of the guard ceremony, and the summerSound and Light Show. There are also many monuments, statues, and parks, as well as a number of dining and shopping options.
What is the history of Parliament Hill?
Parliament Hill has been the centre of Canadian government since 1867, when it became the seat of the newly formed federal government. Prior to this, the area was home to the Algonquin people, who used it as a burial ground. In 1859, Queen Victoria officially designated the site as the seat of government.
How do I get to Parliament Hill?
Parliament Hill is easily accessible by public transport. It is located within walking distance of Ottawa’s downtown core, and is served by multiple bus lines. The closest train station is the Ottawa Train Station, located just a few blocks away.
What are the opening hours of Parliament Hill?
Parliament Hill is open year-round, with the exception of certain holidays. In summertime, the grounds are open from 9am to 7pm, and in winter the grounds are open from 9am to 5pm. The buildings are open from 9am to 5pm year-round.