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Parliament Hill and Buildings

Parliament Hill and Buildings, Ottawa

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Parliament Hill and Buildings

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See all things to do
Parliament Hill and Buildings
4.5
9,529
#5 of 299 things to do in Ottawa
Historic Sites • Government Buildings
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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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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,441 within 3 miles
Riviera
422
0.2 mi$$$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Play Food & Wine
1,825
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Wine Bar • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Brig Pub
259
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Pub • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Courtyard Restaurant
474
0.3 mi$$$$ • International • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
1 Elgin
465
0.4 mi$$$$ • Contemporary • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
D'Arcy McGee's
673
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
JOEY Rideau
320
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Fusion
Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar
541
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
La Bottega Nicastro
543
0.4 mi$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Restaurant E18hteen
467
0.3 mi$$$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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Attractions
197 within 6 miles
Peace Tower
1,291
414 ftObservation Decks & Towers
Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway
392
0.1 miBiking Trails
Bytown Museum
242
0.1 miHistory Museums
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
5,274
0.2 miBodies of Water
Capital Information Kiosk
43
0.1 miVisitor Centers
Ottawa Locks
778
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Famous Five Monument
209
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
Terry Fox Statue
10
0.1 miMonuments & Statues
Major's Hill Park
355
0.2 miParks
National War Memorial
1,026
0.3 miMonuments & Statues
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,529 reviews
Excellent
6,346
Very good
2,616
Average
441
Poor
78
Terrible
48
Ruby V
Toronto, Canada126 contributions
Amazing Customer Service
Sep 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 November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Freely Adventure
Edmonton, Canada166 contributions
Worth the visit!
Jul 2019
Traveling with two younger children, by myself, I opted out in doing the tour. When we went the WEST tower was closed for renovations.

However, we did watch Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill – Northern Lights show, which was spectacular to see.

I would suggest bringing a blanket to sit on and some snacks to keep the kids occupied.The hill gets pretty packed, so I recommend arriving before hand to get a good seat. We sat in the far back and could see and hear everything perfect. The show is about 35-45 minutes long, kids kinda got restless 30 minutes in. They were amazed with the light show and I found the history very interesting.

Parking isn't available at the Parliament, I suggest taking public transportation or taxi. We did manage to find parking a couple blocks down which costed us about $15.

I will definitely do this again. There is no cost, so for us frugal mommy travellers, this is a perfect stop to make. #homeschoolingwin
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
puckstopper31
Edmonton, Canada689 contributions
Impressive
Nov 2021
Our seat of government truly is an impressive site. Despite all the construction going on it still stands proud to see. Most impressive Remembrance Day display of poppy’s on the entire building should not be missed.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MikeHolowitch
3 contributions
Disappointing tour
Jul 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 September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Victor S
Kirkland, Canada127 contributions
Exterior review only.
Sep 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 August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JoanneJohn2005
Calgary, Canada217 contributions
Parliment Hill, beautiful architecture.
Aug 2021
Parliment Hill's architecture is amazing. It took 7 years to build and thinking of the modern building practices we have today but weren't available then. The ornate and beautiful details are truly amazing. The hill is being renovated/restored so itouring the indoors is not available until the work is done.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
toddlerpants
Droitwich, UK982 contributions
Lots within short distances
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 July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dlover
Mercier, Canada60 contributions
Sir John A MacDonald building
Feb 2020
This hall is quite impressive with the high ceiling and refined architecture. Our group had a central kitchen set up in the center and the guest were delighted to have great finger food. With more than 200 people in the room we had a lot of space to mingle. The acoustic in the room was great even with 200 conversations going on at the same time no one had to repeat themselves.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bob S
Batavia, IL1,011 contributions
Impressive
Jul 2020
Easily accessible to all. I was in town working and walked to these buildings from my hotel. They are extremely impressive to behold in person. The entire area is open and nice to enjoy. Don't stay too long, you may protest something.
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mork001
Coburg, Australia557 contributions
Great tours
Jan 2020 • Family
We booked our tours online a week before.
Main building is under renovations for many years so the new House of Commons set up was fascinating.
The tours take 30 to 45 minutes to take.
They are free.
Book online.
Really interesting.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Parliament Hill and Buildings
We recommend booking Parliament Hill and Buildings tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Parliament Hill and Buildings tours on Tripadvisor
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