Parliament of  Canada

Visit Canada’s parliament

Centre Block guided tours

Discover the history, functions and art of Canada’s Parliament with a guided tour of Centre Block. This iconic building is home to the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament. Free tours are available daily.

  • Tours last from 20 to 50 minutes, depending on parliamentary activity.
  • Departure times are listed under Centre Block Guided Tour Departures. Routes and schedules may vary and are subject to change without notice.
  • Free tour tickets are available year-round at 90 Wellington Street (across from Parliament Hill).

East Block guided tours

From July to early September, visit East Block, the nerve centre of Canada’s government during its first hundred years. Guided tours take you inside restored heritage rooms to explore parliamentary life in the late 19th century.

  • Tours last from 30 to 40 minutes and include the offices of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald; his colleague Sir George-Étienne Cartier; the Governor General, Lord Dufferin; and the Privy Council.
  • Times are listed under East Block Guided Tour Departures.
  • Tour times and routes may vary and are subject to change without notice.
  • Tickets are available at 90 Wellington Street (July to early September only).

School tours

From September to April, school groups may take a curriculum-based tour, Follow that Bill (grades 4-6, cycles 2 and 3 in Quebec) or Searching for Symbols (kindergarten to grade 3, cycle 1 in Quebec). School groups can also choose to book a general tour throughout the year.

Self-guided options

Get a bird’s eye view of the National Capital Region from the Peace Tower or visit the Memorial Chamber, which commemorates Canadians who have lost their lives in military service.

  • Those wishing to visit only the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber must have a ticket.
  • Same-day tickets are available at 90 Wellington Street on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Anyone who is part of a guided tour has access to the Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber as part of their visit. No additional ticket is required.

Live debates

On a first-come, first-served basis, visitors are welcome to watch proceedings in the Senate and the House of Commons whenever they are in session. Please check the Senate and House of Commons calendars before your visit to confirm if the chambers will be sitting.

  • There are new bag restrictions in effect for Parliament. Please see Bag Restrictions for more information.
  • Visitors to either chamber must pass through additional security screening. Some items are not permitted (including cameras, recording devices, binoculars, umbrellas, overcoats, bags and parcels). These items can be checked at no charge.
  • Visitors are not allowed to read, write or speak during the debates.
  • Participating in any form of demonstration is prohibited. This includes applauding, displaying messages on placards and wearing clothing with political messages.
  • Visitors are asked not to leave or enter the galleries when a vote is in progress.
  • At a minimum, visitors are required to wear casual dress and footwear. Hats must be removed in the Senate galleries, though traditional and religious headwear is permitted.
  • Individuals and groups may reserve seats for Question Period in the House of Commons through their Member of Parliament. Other seating in both chambers is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • In the Senate Galleries visitors must stand when the Speaker enters or leaves the Chamber.
  • In the House of Commons Galleries visitors are asked to remain seated when the House adjourns, until the Speaker has left the Chamber.

Business visits

Business visitors can arrange to meet a Senator or MP or attend a parliamentary committee.

Boutique

Remember to stop by the Parliamentary Boutique for a lasting memory of your visit. The Boutique offers a wide range of mementoes and products unique to Parliament.

  • The Boutique is located in room 255-S of Centre Block (on the second floor near the main doors).
  • See Hours for opening times.

Carillon Concerts

Year-round
Program

Discover a unique musical experience: the 53 bells of the Peace Tower Carillon. For information, schedules and special dates, visit the House of Commons Heritage Collection.

Foundations: The Words That Shaped Canada

March to December 2017

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, a selection of Canada's foundational documents are on display in a new exhibit in the Library of Parliament. Spanning the years 1867 to 1982, each of these documents represents a key moment in Canadian history.

This special exhibit, completed in partnership with Library and Archives Canada, can be seen as part of a guided tour.