Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is undergoing massive renovations. For the next 7 years (or more…), everything will be scrambled around in different buildings and hidden in temporary havens. So, when trip planning, make sure to visit the websites for the latest information on guided tours and locations because not everything will be where it should.
The iconic Centre Block is completely closed for refurbishment and the front grounds are torn up to make way for new access tunnels. It is scheduled to reopen in 2030.
The Centennial Flame is situated near the centre entrance gate to Parliament Hill. First lit on December 31, 1966, it still burns today (although it has been turned off throughout the years for various reasons).
While on the Hill, be sure to follow the path that winds behind Centre block. There are a number of things to check out. For example, this gorgeous view of the Ottawa river overlooking a city in the next province over, Gatineau, Quebec.
The library is the oldest surviving part of Centre block at 146 years old. The rest of parliament was rebuilt after a fire in 1916. While the politicians were busy fleeing, two librarians managed to closed the iron doors to the library, thus saving the entire wing. Go librarians!
This bell fell during the big fire of 1916.
More views from behind the Hill. The National Art Gallery and the twin bell towers of Notre Dame (yes, Ottawa has one too).
The whisper wall. If two people sit on either end and whisper into the wall, their words get carried to the other person, clear as if they were whispering right in your ear.
The Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council is not quite on Parliament Hill, but right across the street.
This is the House of Commons. No one seems to really know why green was chosen to decorate the interior other than "the British did it too". Because of the renovations, this room is actually an outdoor courtyard that's been temporarily repurposed. Notice the exterior walls and roof in the back.
A space to address the nation.
The Senate has been temporarily relocated to the old train station, right across from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel. Keep this in mind when booking tickets for tours. There will be a little extra travel time required between the House of Commons and the Senate. And if you miss a tour because you did not take this into account (like we did), then talk to someone at the door and they can try to rebook you into a later tour.
While the House of Commons is known for its green interior, the senate is recognized by its red interior. The pattern depicted on the carpet is made up of 10 different species of Canadian maple leaves. Our guide also said that there are two maple leaf designs of trees that don't really exist. Was the guide pulling our leg? Not sure…
The stunning old train station really is a great location to house the Senate for the time being until its permanent home is ready.
Some artifacts are in storage during the renovations, but some are still on display.