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Just added: interested in seeing some photos taken around Parliament Hill? The link below will open in a new window. Just exit the show to return to this site. Enjoy!
Getting there: The Parliament buildings are located in North central Ottawa along the shore of the Ottawa River, which is the boundary separating the Province of Ontario from the Province of Quebec.
It's about a 17 km (11 mile) drive from the Ottawa International Airport to parliament, and will take 20-35 minutes depending on the traffic conditions and weather and road construction.
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Certainly a clearer and adjustable map of downtown Ottawa can be found here.
At one time it was permissible to drive right through the historical gates and right up to the Center Block. No longer! You cannot drive onto the grounds of Parliament Hill unless you have a permit. Parking is available throughout the area, but it might be more convenient to take a taxi, public transit, or walk.
Want to see what is happening on 'the Hill' even as you read this? Click here for the Parliament Web Cam . And thanks very much to the Communications Sector of Public Works and Government Services Canada for making this available to the world.
When you get to this web cam, after you have enjoyed the almost-live photo, scroll down their page, and see that they also bring you information on some neat stuff to do on an around Parliament, and much of it is FREE!
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Within a walking distance of 2 km (1.25 miles) of the Parliament Buildings there are about 65 hotels and motels, so if you choose to stay right downtown Ottawa, you'll be able to walk to the Parliament Buildings quite comfortably.
Within that same 2 km (1.25 miles) distance there are, at last count, 62
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Setting aside a few hours, or spending the whole day wandering the grounds, will be time enjoyably spent. Located as it is in right down-town Ottawa, the Parliament Buildings can be a center point for visiting many of the sites located within easy walking distance of the Peace Tower. There are 30 or so landmarks located within 2 km (1.25 miles) of the Parliament Buildings, including some 'must see' sites:
... and many, many more.
The Parliament Buildings themselves are comprised of a number of buildings, construction of which began around 1860.
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The West Block, which contains the actual working offices of Canada's Prime Minister and the members of parliament, and is not open to the public.
The Center Block contains the House of Commons and the Senate, and depending on the time of year and the day, visitors can see parliament in action, as well as touring the building.
The center block contains the Library of Parliament, which in 2005 continues to undergo restoration as well as other buildings on the hill.
Part of the center block is the Peace Tower, a free standing bell tower of about 91 meters (300 ft.) tall, named to honour Canadian's killed in World War I and now reflects Canada's commitment to world peace. The Peace Tower contains the Memorial Chamber, a place of remembrance for all Canadians killed
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Throughout the downtown core, the wonderful and dignified chiming of the Peace Tower Carillon can be heard regularly. It's a 'Grand Carillon' since it's 53 bells span more than 4 octaves of notes, and it's one of about only 600 Grand Carillons in the world. Carillon concerts are held periodically. The bells mark the hours, ringing to note each 15 minutes, half hour and on the hour. The huge, majestic "bourdon" bell of 10,160 kg (22,400 lb.) weight, is the one you'll hear marking the hour, every hour.
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Guided tours of the Parliament Buildings are free to visitors, the costs presently being underwritten by the taxpayers of Canada. Reservations are required for groups of 10 persons or more. Smaller groups need not reserve. You do want to check and see if guided tours are being offered on the day you wish to visit.
All visitors to the Parliament Buildings are required to undergo security screening at the entrance, much like the security screening at airports. Any items in your posession deemed "dangerous" will be confiscated - to be returned when you exit the buildings - provided they are not illegal.
The Parliament Buildings in downtown Ottawa are a national and absolute treasure to visit. If you'd care to gt more information on their construction, historical data on the materials and artistry etc., have a look at the official site by clicking this link:
When you are actually in Ottawa, and you want to prepare a bit more before your visit to the Parliament Buildings or other national sites, here's contact details for the National Capital Commission, who'll be able to provide more visitor information for you. Please contact them during normal business hours:
National Capital Commission
202 - 40 Elgin St.
Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7
Tel: (613) 239-5000
When dialing locally from within Ottawa note that it's now necessary to begin the telephone number with '613' as Ottawa, like many cities around the world, needs to add new area codes to deal with a growing population needing ever more telephone and fax numbers.
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