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Visiting Ottawa

Ottawa City Guides

If you are visiting Ottawa and would like a great place to start planning your stay, please visit the following links:

Ottawa Tourism
National Capital Commission
OttawaPlus
Where Ottawa

Parliamentary Security

Security on Parliament Hill has changed for visitors since September 11, 2001. The following is a quick reference guide for those wishing to visit both Parliament Hill and the MP’s offices.

  • Always carry photo ID when visiting Parliament Hill
  • Inform the MP’s office ahead of time if coming to visit
  • No unauthorized vehicles are allowed onto Parliament Hill (i.e. taxi cabs, non-government vehicles)
  • DO NOT carry any sharp items such as nail files, pocket knives, scissors, nail clippers, or any item that could be considered a weapon. Such items will be confiscated.
  • The Ottawa Office must be advised if a personal visit to the office is requested. This includes coming to pick up passes to the House of Commons galleries. Names of those coming to visit, the date and an approximate time the visit will take place should be made available to the staff of the Ottawa Office.
  • Visitors to the Ottawa office will be asked to clear security before they will be allowed into the building beyond the security desk. This works the same as any airport security check, all items in the pockets are emptied into a tray and will be returned.
  • All coats and bags will be put through an x-ray scanner. Individuals will also have to pass through a metal detector scanner.
  • Staff will be notified of their arrival and staff will have to escort visitors both to and from the Ottawa Office. Please have photo ID (driver’s license will do) It is best if they have the name and phone number of the MP’s office.
  • Those going to the House of Commons galleries to will have to enter Centre Block (the main building) through the Visitor’s Welcome Centre located under the Peace Tower. There they will go through the same security measures mentioned above. A second security stop is located on the second floor which will have to be cleared prior to entry to the galleries. All bags and coats will be checked (including purses) and a token will be given to the visitors to retrieve them when they leave the gallery.
  • Please ask security guards or tour guides inside Parliament buildings before taking any photos. There are restricted areas.
  • Official tours of the Parliament buildings are still available. Please call ahead to ensure departure times. (613) 996-0896.

Parliamentary Tours

Visiting the buildings and grounds of Parliament Hill is rewarding. As a site of architectural beauty, historical significance and federal decision-making, the Hill belongs not only to those who work here, but to all Canadians.

What you should know before you arrive:

  • Parking: There is no parking available on Parliament Hill. Numerous public and municipal parking lots (offsite link) are located nearby.
  • Vehicles on the Hill: Only authorized vehicles are permitted on Parliament Hill.

  • Security: All visitors to the Parliament Buildings are required to go through security scanning stations. Line-ups are to be expected, so we recommend that you allow extra time.
  • Special Needs: All facilities are wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate most special needs. Please call (613) 239-5000 for more information.
  • Cost: All tours and programs are FREE of charge.
  • Tour Tickets: You can get same-day tickets for groups of less than 10 people beginning at 9:00 am daily. The number of tickets for each day is limited. We cannot guarantee a tour to any visitor on any given day.
  • Tour Reservations: You are ONLY required to make reservations for groups of more than 10 people. Refer to Group Reservations for more information. Groups of less than 10 people cannot reserve tickets.
  • Tour Length: Tour length varies between 20 and 60 minutes depending on parliamentary activity.
  • Tour Schedules: Tour times, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Therefore, no specific tour departure times are listed. Please see Visitor News for the latest tour and program updates.
  • Refreshments: There are no refreshments available for purchase on Parliament Hill.
  • Souvenirs: The Parliament Hill Boutique offers a wide variety of souvenirs for purchase. Visit us onsite in the Centre Block or online.
  • Washrooms: Outdoor public washrooms are located under the Lester B. Pearson statue, behind the West Block.
  • Teachers: Visit School Tours for additional information about bringing classes to Parliament Hill.

Where you should go when you arrive:

From September 6, 2005 to May 16, 2006: Go to the Visitor Welcome Centre for detailed information on program availability and to obtain tour tickets. The entrance is located under the Peace Tower and to the right of the main doors at the Centre Block.

From May 17 to September 4, 2006: Go to the Info-Tent (a large white tent between the Centre and West Blocks) for detailed information on program availability and to obtain tour tickets.

For complete information on visiting Parliament, please visit: http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/visitors/index-e.asp