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If you’re visiting Ottawa, you can’t miss a trip to Parliament Hill! Check out our blog for the best tips on how to make the most of your visit.
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Introduction
Live Ottawa: Parliament Hill is your source for live, up-to-the-minute coverage of Canada’s Parliament. Stay informed on the latest debates and developments from the House of Commons and the Senate, and follow along as our reporters track the progress of legislation.
Location
Parliament Hill is located in downtown Ottawa, on the south bank of the Ottawa River. Parliament Hill is the meeting place of Canada’s House of Commons and Senate. It is also home to the Prime Minister’s residence, 24 Sussex Drive.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill, located on the banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, is the political heart of Canada. The iconic Centre Block of Parliament is home to the Canadian House of Commons and Senate, while the adjacent Parliament Buildings house government offices and departments. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and buildings of Parliament Hill, take a tour of Centre Block, or watch live debates in the House of Commons chamber.
History
The history of the Parliament Hill is a long and rich one, dating back to 1826 when the first Parliament buildings were constructed. These buildings burned down in 1916, and the current Parliament buildings were completed in 1927. Parliament Hill has been the site of many important events in Canadian history, and is today a popular tourist destination.
Early History
First occupied by the Algonquin people, the site of Parliament Hill was selected as the location for a new fort by Colonel John By in 1826. Construction of the Rideau Canal began that same year. The area was originally known as Barrack Hill, and Bytown (the name of Ottawa until 1855) grew around the new military installation.
In 1859, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada. Three years later, Ottawa was incorporated as a city and work began on building a new Parliament building to replace the makeshift wooden structures that had housed Canada’s parliamentarians since 1841. The choose of Ottawa as capital was partly due to its location on the border between English and French Canada, which officials hoped would make it easier to keep the peace between the two groups.
20th Century
Parliament Hill, located on the banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, is the site of the Canadian Parliament Buildings and has been home to Canada’s federal government since 1867. The buildings on Parliament Hill are some of Canada’s most iconic structures and are widely recognized around the world.
The origins of Parliament Hill date back to 1826 when Colonel John By was tasked with constructing a series of defensive buildings to protect the newly constructed Rideau Canal. By 1859, a series of six “Range Lights” had been built on the hill and it soon became known as “Barrack Hill.” In 1865, construction began on a new set of buildings to house Canada’s Legislative Assembly and Governor General. These neo-Gothicstyle buildings were completed in 1866 and became known as the “Parliament Buildings.”
The Parliament Buildings were home to several important events in Canadian history, including the opening of the first Parliament by Queen Victoria in 1867, Canada’s Confederation in 1867, and the first sitting of the House of Commons in 1875. In 1916, fire destroyed much of the Centre Block of Parliament, including the Library of Parliament. The rebuilt Centre Block opened in 1920 and remains an iconic symbol of Canadian democracy.
In 1982, Canada’s Constitution was patriated by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Parliament Hill became the headquarters of Canada’s federal government. Today, Parliament Hill is home to several important institutions, including the House of Commons, Senate, Library of Parliament, and Supreme Court of Canada.
Architecture
The Parliament of Canada’s centre block is one of the most remarkable Gothic Revival buildings in North America. It is one of the largest and most detailed Gothic Revival buildings in the world, an architectural achievement without parallel in Canada.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill, located on top of a hill overlooking the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, is the home of Canada’s federal government. The Hill is home to three buildings: the Parliament Buildings (comprising the Centre Block and the East and West Blocks), as well as the Library of Parliament.
Present Day
Parliament Hill, located in downtown Ottawa, is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada, making it the seat of the federal government of Canada. The Centre Block, home to the Commons and Senate chambers, was destroyed by fire in 1916 and rebuilt in the 1920s. The Peace Tower, which stands 315 feet tall, was erected in the memory of Canadians who lost their lives in World War I.
Parliament Hill
Situated on the banks of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is the centre of governmental power in Canada. The Parliament buildings, which house the chambers of the Senate and the House of Commons, are some of the most recognizable structures in Ottawa. Visitors to Parliament Hill can take a guided tour of the buildings, attend a public event on the Hill, or simply enjoy the views from one of the many green spaces.
