Climb up into this mighty clock tower of Parliament Hill’s Centre Block for some of the best views of central Ottawa and the Ottawa River. Then, tour the Parliament Hill area to learn about the structure and history of Canada’s government. As Ottawa’s iconic landmark, the Peace Tower is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
The Centre Block and the Peace Tower are two prime examples of the Gothic Revival movement in Canadian architecture. The pointed archways and sandstone bricks look more like the features of a medieval castle than a building from the early 20th century. Surprisingly, the Centre Block once stood without the Peace Tower rising above it. It wasn’t until after 1916, when the structure burned down, that it was rebuilt with the 92.2-metre (302-foot) Peace Tower. Enter the Parliament Hill complex via the Wellington Street gate to access the tower.
Head to the top-floor observation area for a 360-degree view of Ottawa’s central area. Look west to the Portage Bridge and Chaudière Island on the Ottawa River, and look north to see the National Gallery of Canada. A 53-bell carillon rests inside the tower, the largest bell of which weighs 10,000 kilograms (23,000 pounds). Visit between September and June, when the carillon is played on weekdays, to hear the bells in action.
Tour the buildings of Parliament Hill, where Canada’s national parliament meets. Visit the Library of Congress, which is the only part of the original Centre Block still standing. Browse the library and notice the ornate interiors, which feature gold-leaf ceilings and lavish artworks, including a marble statue of Queen Victoria as a young woman.
The Peace Tower is located in the centre of Ottawa, right on the shore of the Ottawa River. Parliament Hill offers no on-site parking, but you can find several lots in the area where you can park for a fee. Take a tour of the Peace Tower for free, but arrive early, since tickets are in limited supply. Check the Peace Tower’s website or call in advance for opening hours, which vary by season.
