Building Locations

COVID-19 Measures

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must stay home.

Physical Distancing:

Visitors are encouraged to maintain some distance from other groups when possible. Note that physical distancing is not required on guided tours.

Getting Here

Following the closure of Centre Block, guided tours of Parliament are now offered at separate locations:

  • Senate Tours are offered at the Senate of Canada Building (2 Rideau Street). The building is located one block away from Parliament Hill, between the Château Laurier and the National Arts Centre.
  • House of Commons Tours are offered at West Block (111 Wellington Street) on Parliament Hill. The public entrance is located at the new Visitor Welcome Centre, between the West Block and Centre Block buildings

Parking:

There is no parking available on Parliament Hill or at the Senate of Canada Building, but a number of private and city parking lots are located nearby.

Public Transit:

Parliament is served by the O-Train (Line 1) and several bus routes. Please consult OC Transpo for routes in Ottawa or the Société de transport de l’Outaouais for routes from Gatineau.

Tour Buses:

Parking is available in designated areas throughout the city.

Hours and Admission

Opening hours vary depending on the location, day and time of your visit. Consult the calendar for availability of Senate and House of Commons guided tours.

Due to parliamentary activities, access to the buildings cannot be guaranteed and tour schedules are subject to change without notice.

Guided tours are free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. A limited number of same day tickets may be available at each site on a first-come first-served basis. Guided tours are not available when the Senate or House of Commons are in session (on sitting days) or on December 25th, January 1st and July 1st.

Please call the Tours Reservation Office at 613-996-0896 for assistance with ticket reservations.

Security and Restrictions

All visitors are required to go through security screening when entering the buildings. Line-ups are to be expected. Please arrive 25 minutes before your tour start time.

Alternate security arrangements can be made upon arrival at tour locations for pregnant women, as well as visitors with pacemakers and other medical needs.

For a full list of restricted items, please visit the Parliamentary Protective Service's website at pps.parl.ca or by phone at 613-995-4300.

Only one (1) bag smaller than 35.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 19 cm (14” x 12” x 7.5”) is permitted per visitor. Visitors carrying any item that exceeds these dimensions will be denied entry. There is no bag check available. Loose items from the cargo areas of strollers or wheelchairs are not permitted. Participating in any form of demonstration inside the buildings is prohibited.

Accessibility

All facilities are accessible to wheelchairs and service animals. Visitors will be walking and standing for the majority of the tours. Please call the Tours Reservation Office at 613-996-0896 if you require special accommodations or assistance.

For House of Commons tours, arrangements can be made in advance to transport visitors with mobility challenges to the West Block entrance. Please contact Tenant Operations at 613-943-4300 or PPA-ACP@parl.gc.ca to provide your vehicle information at least 24 hours before your visit.

To request American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) interpretation, please call 613-996-0896 at least two business days before your visit.

Bag restrictions

Only one bag smaller than 35.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 19 cm (14” x 12” x 7.5”) is permitted per visitor. Visitors carrying items that exceed these dimensions will be denied entry. There is no bag check available.

Important changes at Parliament

Centre Block is closed for rehabilitation work. Guided tours of the Senate and House of Commons are now offered in the newly renovated Senate of Canada Building and the West Block.

A New Way to Visit Parliament