Parliament Buildings

Originally built in the 1850s, Canada's Parliament Buildings are an impressive example of High Victorian Gothic architecture. Studded with grotesques and gargoyles on the outside, the interiors feature vaulted ceilings, fine woodwork, stained glass, royal portraits and one of the most beautiful rooms in Canada, the Library of Parliament. Sitting atop Parliament Hill, there are three Parliament Buildings―Centre Block, East Block and West Block―bordering a wide expanse of lawn. This is where the annual Canada Day celebrations take place on July 1 each year, and where the Changing of the Guard can be seen daily at 10 am during the summer months (June, July and August). There are free daily tours of East Block and Centre Block, which is the building most people want to see because it's home to the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament. This is a must-do tour in Ottawa.