Parliament Hill Guide: Centennial Flame, Free Tours of West Block & Senate, and Immersive Show

Crowning a 50-metre limestone cliff above the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill (Colline du Parlement) is the architectural and symbolic heart of Canada. Built between 1859 and 1866 in soaring Victorian High Gothic Revival style, the complex consists of three historic stone buildings arranged around a sweeping green lawn: West Block, East Block, and the landmark central Centre Block (with the 92.2-metre Peace Tower and the circular 1876 Library of Parliament behind it).

Important Current Visitor Update: while historic Centre Block undergoes its multi-year heritage rehabilitation, Canada's democracy has moved into two restored spaces right beside the Hill, and you can tour all three experiences below for free by reserving timed tickets online at rts.parl.ca (bring photo ID and arrive early for security):

1. The 3 Free Interior Tours to Book Online (rts.parl.ca)

1. The House of Commons at West Block (40-Minute Free Guided Tour, Right on Parliament Hill): enter through the underground Visitor Welcome Centre. Inside the restored 1865 walls of West Block, architects enclosed the central courtyard beneath a glass-and-steel roof to house the green House of Commons Chamber.
2. The Senate of Canada Building (Free Guided Tour, 2 Rideau Street, Opposite Château Laurier): one block east of the Hill across from the Fairmont Château Laurier stands Ottawa's 1912 Beaux-Arts Union Train Station, whose barrel-vaulted plaster ceiling and former train concourse now house the crimson-red Senate Chamber of Canada.
3. 'Parliament: The Immersive Experience' (At 211 Sparks Street, 45 Minutes, Free): one block south of the Hill at 211 Sparks Street, walk through a life-size exhibition culminating in a 360-degree multimedia projection chamber that places you inside the Peace Tower, House of Commons and Library of Parliament.

2. Exploring the Grounds (Free Daily): Centennial Flame, Summer Guard & River Walk

The grounds are open daily for free: stand before the 1967 Centennial Flame fountain at the Queen's Gate, watch the morning Changing of the Guard (or Fortissimo Sunset Ceremonies) on the lawn from late June to August, join locals for free Parliament Hill Noon Yoga on Wednesdays in summer, and walk the cliff-edge path behind the 1876 Library of Parliament (saved from the great fire of 3 February 1916 by iron fire doors) for a panoramic view across the Ottawa River.