Parliament Hill, three Gothic Revival-style buildings, is home to Canada’s federal government, located on a promontory overlooking the Ottawa River. It is the house of the offices for the members of Parliament, Commons, and the Senate. The multiple buildings of Parliament Hill, with their luxurious sandstone-block construction and steeply pitched copper roofs, are an impressive sight.

Why Is Parliament Hill Building Famous?

The Buildings are remarkable and visually striking landmarks. Parliament Hill, Ottawa is made up of three buildings: the Centre Block, which houses Parliament and adjoins the Library of Parliament and the Peace Tower; and the East blocks and the West blocks, which are administrative buildings. 

Things You Must Know!

  • The complete site of the building is set within a designed landscape in the picturesque tradition.
  • The Centre Block of the buildings is located at the hill’s highest point near a sharp escarpment.
  • The East and West blocks of the building are located to each side of the Centre Block and create a public plaza facing the city’s urban core. 
  • The surrounding open grounds of buildings are sprinkled with monuments of key political figures.

If you’re visiting the capital Ottawa, your first stop on this place. Also, should go to the Info-Tent, where you can pick up free information and free same-day tickets for tours of the Buildings. 

History Of Parliament Hill In Ottawa

 Originally the site was a military base in the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1859, after Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada, the area was developed into a governmental zone. The buildings, designed and planned in a Gothic Revival style, were officially opened on June 6, 1866, about a year before Canada’s Confederation. On February 3, 1916, a fire destroyed here but the Library of Parliament. Reconstruction of Parliament hill began later that year and was completed in 1927.

Parliament Hill attracts about 3 million visitors each year. It is the central point for the majority of Canada’s national celebrations, including day-long events and spectacular fireworks on July 1, Canada Day.