The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill, located in Ottawa, Ontario, and known as the house of the Canadian Parliament. It's a beautiful sight to see and well worth the visit! The Hill is based upon three parts: front, Centre Block, and back. The front is available for the public also contains a large lawn and gardens. Centre Block has the House of Commons as well as the Senate. The back is not available for the people and has buildings used by parliamentarians and their staff.
Here's your guide to visiting Parliament Hill:
First, stop by the Visitor Centre on Wellington Street. Here, you can watch a short film about the history of Hill, view exhibits, and pick up a free map.
 Then, head up to the grounds. On the left side, there is Centre Block. The building on the right is called East Block. Both buildings are open for tours.
Parliament Hill History and amusing Facts:
· In 1859, Queen Victoria selected the area of parliament hill for a new building to house the growing government of Canada.
· The Hill was already a popular spot for politicians and protestors, who gathered to voice their opinions on the country's future.
· The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1916 but were quickly rebuilt. In 1959, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the new buildings, which are still in use today.
· Parliament hill is a popular tourist destination and attracts over 3 million visitors each year.
Opening Hours:
 The opening hours of Parliament Hill are 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. There are exceptions for certain holidays, such as Christmas Day and New Year's Day, when the Hill is closed all day.
 Fee:
 Admission is free, but starting on March 1, 2019, a fee of $10 per person will be charged for all visitors aged six years or older. And free for EU citizens.
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 How to go to Parliament Hill:
 You need to complete a few simple steps. The first thing you need to obtain is a visitor's pass from your Member of Parliament. Then make arrangements for a tour. Tours are accessible in English and French and last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.
 When you go there, be sure to take in the impressive architecture and stunning views of downtown Ottawa. Also, Peace Tower is a must-see attraction and offers travelers a chance to climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Things to know before the visit:
· The Hill is open to visitors year-round and offers free guided tours.
· Be sure to dress appropriately as it is a formal setting.
· Also, go and see the Peace Tower and visit Parliament's gift shop.
· Finally, be sure to arrive early as tours often fill up quickly.
On Parliament Hill: Special Events
From Canada Day to New Year's Eve, there's always something exciting happening at this iconic building. Visitors can enjoy concerts, fireworks displays, and other festive activities. Plus, the views of Parliament Hill from across the river are worth checking out!
 Places near Parliament Hill:
 Shopping:
Hundreds of shoppers visit the ByWard Market each day to find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. While the market is a great place to find unique items, it can also be expensive.
Restaurants:
· The Hill is home to diverse cuisines, including French, Italian, and Indian. The most popular spot on the Hill is the ByWard Market.
· If you're looking for something more upscale, head to Sussex Drive.
· Try Café Nostalgica for breakfast or lunch. Or try food trucks that often park on Bank Street.
 Hotels:
When looking for a place to stay, there are a few things to consider.
Budget: The closer to Parliament you stay, the more expensive the accommodations.
Convenience: Those looking for a hotel that is within walking distance of Parliament Hill should expect to pay more than those who are willing to commute.
Public Transit
The buildings exist on Parliament Hill, which is at the top of a rugged hill to walk up. But several bus and streetcar routes stop near the Hill, making it easy for people to visit.
Bus Tour:
If you desire to go to Ottawa's Parliament Hill, then taking the bus tour is the way to go. There are several bus companies is provide tours that stop at Parliament Hill, and some include charges in their prices, while others do not.
Parking and Parking Fee:
There is a parking lot on-site that offers hourly and daily parking rates. The hourly rate is $4.00, and the daily rate is $20.00. If you're looking for a cheaper option, there is street parking in the area, but it can be hard to find a spot.
Security and Restrictions
As soon as you enter the parliament building, you meet with a security guard who checks your bag and issues a visitor's badge. Once you have the badge, you can roam the building, but there are several restrictions. For example, you are not allowed to bring in any food or drink, and you are not allowed to take photographs or videos of the interior of the building. These restrictions are in place for security reasons.
Things to do:
1. Visit inside and outside of the building.
2. Watch Question Period from the public galleries.
3. Have a picnic on the lawns.
4. Sit in on a committee meeting or study session.
5. Shop at the Parliament Boutique.
6. Visit the Library and read some of Canada's history.
7. Stroll through Centre Block and admire all the displayed art.
Traveler’s Opinion
When traveling to Ottawa, many tourists stop at Parliament Hill to take in the iconic view of the building and its surroundings. And according to reviews from online travel communities, Parliament Hill is definitely worth the visit. One tourist described it as "the most beautiful parliament buildings I have ever seen," while another said, "it was an awe-inspiring sight - well worth the visit." Overall, reviewers agree that Parliament Hill is a must-see for any visitor to Ottawa.
Looking for more fun things to do while SMC Demolition works on your constriction project? Check out the Canadian Museum Of History next!