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Canadian Parliament Buildings...
the most charming buildings in Canada
There are
many reasons why the Canadian Parliament Buildings are the most popular attraction both in Ottawa and in Canada.
It's the ONE place which all Canadians can identify with, in some way.
It's where we've sent Members of Parliament to make decisions and laws which have shaped Canadian life
since Canada was founded.
Every day, Canada's news is filled with reports coming from the halls and offices of the Canadian
Parliament Buildings.
So Parliament Hill plays a BIG part in Canadian life.
And yet...
It's hard to say what is the most appealing feature of the Canadian Parliament Buildings
and Parliament Hill. Fortunately, there's no need to choose.
There's just a lot to like.
When I worked a couple blocks from the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, my
favourite lunch break activity was to take a quick walk to Parliament Hill, to the back of
the Library. There, I would stop to look at the Ottawa River over the cliff.
The beautiful panoramic view always stirs something inside me.
All Canadian Prime Ministers, famous visitors and people from every walk of life have shared these same views! Make sure you see it for yourself. It's been enjoyed by millions of visitors over the years. And will be seen by many more in the future.
Here is the West view of the Ottawa River from Parliament
Hill...
And the view of the Museum of Civilization from Parliament
Hill...
And the view of the Alexandra Bridge from Parliament Hill
So what will be your favourite experience of the Canadian Parliament Buildings?
Maybe its the enduring history of the Canadian Parliament buildings...
The East, Center and West Blocks were built
after Queen Victoria's surprising choice of Ottawa as the new capital of the
'Province of Canada' in 1857.
This construction was done
between 1859 and 1866. One year after completion, the buildings were designated as
the seat of Government. The Library was completed in 1875 and the Tower was added later.
In 1916,
the original Center Block building and the Tower burned to the ground. They were immediately
rebuilt, but the original architecture was changed.
Maybe it's the stunning architecture...
Gothic Revival was chosen as the architectural style. Today, the Canadian
Parliament Buildings stand as fine architectural masterpieces for their
elegance and strength and for their stunning detail both outside and inside.
Maybe it's simply the front lawns of Parliament Hill...
- It's Ottawa and Canada's all-purpose meeting place...
Whether it's for celebration, protest, memorials, visiting heads of state,
ceremonies, parades or shows. You name it, the front lawn of the Canadian Parliament
Buildings is Canada's BEST known meeting place for people since 1867. It's where you'll find the Centennial flame at the main entrance to the Hill.
In Summer, thousands of visitors cross these lawns daily. Lots of school students among them. You see folks from every walk of life. And hear many languages spoken as you walk by. It's really nice to be part of that atmosphere in Ottawa.
In past years, you could drive your car onto Parliament Hill. And tour buses were allowed to take the passengers right to the Hill. It's not
allowed anymore because of security measures.
Maybe its the Peace Tower...
It stands majestically over Ottawa and all things that make Canada unique.
The Peace Tower of the Canadian Parliament Buildings was built to commemorate World War I. One of it's most solemn
rooms is the Memorial Chamber. Its white marble walls honours
the Canadians who gave their lives in this war.
When you take the tour up to the
observation deck of the Peace Tower, you get astounding views of Ottawa to the South, East and West and North to the Gatineau region of Quebec.
Maybe you'll be impressed by the House of Commons Chamber...
You'll get a close up view of the very heart of where Canadian laws and
society continues to be shaped by Members of Parliament. If you're fan of
face-to-face politics, this could be your place.
The detailed decorations of this chamber are definitely something to see.
The traditional green colour reflects the heritage of the British Parliamentary system;
the wood finish is of Canadian oak, the walls are of limestone from Manitoba, and
the ceiling is finished with hand painted Irish linen... to name a few features of this important room.
Maybe its who you DON'T see...
Walking on the grounds of Parliament Hill or touring the hallways and rooms of the
Canadian Parliament Buildings gives you a surreal sense of tracing the footsteps of the famous leaders who've shaped Canada.
You feel that you're sharing the same
stage on which they
played their important roles over the past decades.
Statue of Sir Wilfrid Laurier...
Maybe it's the Library of Parliament...
When you go around to the back of the Centre Block, the Library of Parliament treats
you to an extraordinary example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Inaugurated in 1876, it is the only building of the original Centre Block
which survived the fire of 1916. A tour of the inside of the library treats
you to intricately carved wooden walls and gold finishes.
Recently, the Library of Parliament was completely renovated - after one hundred and twenty-five years.
The Library under renovation
Here's the renovated Library
...ready for at least another 125 years!
And here's a close-up of detailed architecture
of the Library...
The Library of the Canadian Parliament Buildings is home
to over half a million books and rare documents used by researchers of Canadian
political history. It's my favourite of the Parliament Hill buildings.
Maybe it's the parades...
If you like parades, with sound of marching bands and the sight of colourful, uniformed soldiers, then the Changing of the Guard is an event you will want to see. It takes place during the Summer months from June to September.
These soldiers are the members of the Ceremonial Guards. You can see them march all the way up from their barracks on Laurier Street to Parliament Hill to perform their drills.
Maybe it's who you'll meet...
You may be lucky to catch a glimpse of Canada's Prime Minister entering or leaving
Parliament. And, if you visit while the House is in session, you'll actually
be able to see the Members of Parliament at work in debates.
Or maybe, you'll catch a glimpse of the Leader
of the Opposition or a Cabinet Minister as they walk to a press conference at the National Press Gallery
building across on Wellington street.
Parliament Hill is alive with activity. Many
well-known Canadian journalists frequent the area, so you never know which familiar face you'll see.
One thing you'll always be sure to see is uniformed RCMP officers on duty.
Whatever it is ...
Your visit to Canada's Parliament Building is SURE to reward you in many ways.
I know because I've been going to Parliament Hill for so many years and I'm still
intrigued.
Enjoy Parliament Hill and Canada's Parliament Buildings!
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