Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal
National Historic Site / UNESCO World Heritage Site (Rideau Canal) · Ottawa, Ontario
Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada's government, a Gothic Revival group of stone buildings on a bluff above the Ottawa River, and the Rideau Canal runs just below it through downtown Ottawa. The canal was opened in 1832, runs roughly 200 km to Kingston, and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2007. The Peace Tower and its carillon are the best-known landmark, but the Centre Block is closed for a long renovation, so Centre Block tours depend on the renovation; confirm which building tours run. In summer there is a Changing of the Guard (confirm), and in winter the canal becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, about 7.8 km of natural ice, open only when it is thick enough. It suits families, history readers and skaters. Allow half a day for the Hill and the locks, a full day with the ByWard Market, the Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery, which are separate sites. Expect security screening and crowds on Canada Day.
111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A9, Canada
The Hill grounds are open to walk in daylight, with some areas restricted at times for events and security. Free guided tours of the Parliament buildings usually run daily in summer and on a reduced schedule at other times, and booking online ahead is advised; confirm which building tours run during the Centre Block renovation and when. Security screening applies. The Changing of the Guard is a summer morning ceremony, so confirm dates and times. The canal paths are open all year, canal cruises and boat traffic are seasonal, and the Skateway opens only when ice allows, commonly in winter weeks, with conditions posted daily. Winterlude is usually in February and the Tulip Festival in May; confirm both. For fewer people, arrive early and avoid Canada Day.
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