We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 151 Ottawa Attractions »

Changing of the Guard

East Lawn, Rideau Hall | Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M8, Canada
Ranked #13 of 98 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 32 Reviews
Type: Performances
Description: Formal ceremony taking place daily during the summer on Parliament Hill that shouldn't be missed.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

32 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    18
    11
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Los Angeles, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

omg,i went to see the changing of the guard,it was excellent,i like the way how the guard march from the entrance,circle around,in the different uniform,love every moment More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Jesminda79 for Ottawa
Labrador City, Canada
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012

These things are special to watch, the precision is pride inspiring More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by labradorheat for Ottawa
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

This was our first time to Ottawa so we tried to take in as much as we could. the changing of the guards was interesting to watch. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Robert13579 for Ottawa
Alberta, Canada
Top Contributor
196 reviews 196 reviews
Reviews in 78 cities Reviews in 78 cities
64 helpful votes 64 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2012

The amazing thing about all those Victorian "toy soldiers" in their bearskin hats and red tunics, like something out of the Napoleonic or Crimean wars, is that they are actually students, who get a little basic military training, and then receive a stipend for changing the guard in front of the parliament buildings and the Governor General's residence. They have... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Professional-Pilgrim for Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012

This is an absolute must for any tourist coming to Ottawa. It takes place right on the grounds of Parliament Hill, and is performed by students on their summer vacations. You would absolutely imagine you could be right in England. The drills the 'soldiers' go through are very meticulous, and carried out in sometimes unbearably hot weather. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 11 more reviews by marilynr_brown for Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012

from my office window get to see the young ladies and men march by for the exercise; they always look and act sharp. Have seen the actual changing process several times and it is always interesting to watch - well worth seeing plus the price is right - no charge. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Dwight E for Ottawa
St. John's, Canada
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 7, 2012

Myself and my father were walking around the area and just happened to find ourselves in the middle of the changing of teh guard on Parliament Hill. It was awesome! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
ontario
Top Contributor
132 reviews 132 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 29, 2012

One of the mini spectaculars put on in the Capital. Well worth a visit. Make sure that you take your camera. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 90 more reviews by ericon991 for Ottawa
Smiths Falls, Canada
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 13, 2012

First saw the changing of the guard when I was a kid. Downtown Ottawa with the Parliament Bldgs, the Supreme Court, is a beautiful city. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by gladfrogproductions for Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 11, 2012

Such a great experience. Worth the time it takes and the crowds. A must see in Ottawa. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 12 more reviews by graciious for Ottawa

Travelers who viewed Changing of the Guard also viewed

Rideau Canal
4.5 of 5 stars 226 Reviews
Ottawa, Ontario
MosAika
4.5 of 5 stars 38 Reviews
Ottawa, Ontario
 
Notre Dame Basilica
4.5 of 5 stars 34 Reviews
Ottawa, Ontario
Parliament Buildings
4.5 of 5 stars 209 Reviews
Ottawa, Ontario
 

Been to Changing of the Guard? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Changing of the Guard, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »