Overview:

: Parliament Hill, located in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, is the site of Canada's national government. Located atop a limestone bluff, the grounds of the hill are home to some of Canada's most iconic buildings, such as the expansive Peace Tower, the Centre Block and the Library of Parliament. Every day, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world come to take in the beauty and experience the history of Canada's Parliament. The grounds are open to the public, and those wishing to take part in a guided tour should make sure to check out the Changing of the Guard Ceremony as well as the guard-animal demonstrations. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Parliament Buildings, with access to many of the historic locations and monuments. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Canada
Prominent Features:

's national capital, visiting Parliament Hill is a must. This iconic site is home to historic government buildings, lush green spaces and spectacular views of downtown Ottawa. Parliament Hill is the seat of the Canadian government and the site of many important national gatherings. Visitors can get up close to the peace tower, explore the halls of government, and take part in the daily ceremonials where the Changing of the Guard and the Noon Gun take place. There are plenty of educational experiences available too, like guided tours, interactive exhibits, and the chance to witness the country's political leaders in action during Question Period. With the stunning Ottawa River and Rideau Canal nearby, the area around Parliament Hill is a hub of activity all year long and provides a great backdrop to explore Canada's past, present, and future. This national monument of Canada portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario is home to the Parliament of Canada, housing the Senate and the House of Commons in two beautiful Gothic Revival buildings. The 27acre parliamentary precinct has been home to Canada’s federal government since 1866, with the first stone laid on the property in 1859. History Originally known as Barrack Hill, the site of Parliament Hill had once been owned by the city of Ottawa, with the property being used for military officer housing of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. After a series of land swaps, most of the site was acquired by the British Government of Canada for the purpose of a legislative building in April 1859. Construction of the two buildings of the government, Centre Block and West Block, began in 1859, with the first stone ceremoniously laid on the property on December 20th, 1859, by Her Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. Construction of the two buildings was completed in 1866, and the building's interiors were designed between 1867 and 1876. The Place du Portage, the official government campus, was developed ten years later in 1876, and included the East and West blocks and the Confederation and Justice Building. The Peace Tower was added to the Centre Block in 1920 as a memorial of peace for the FirstWorld War. Today, the Government of Canada is one of the Hill's most frequent occupants, with the general public also usually onsite to take part in weekly ceremonies and tours. The Hill also boasts access to seasonal ski trails, year-round walking and bike paths, and colourful gardens and flower beds. Controversy For decades, the Hill has been a focal point of Canadian and international politics, and the stability and security of the entire country has been based at Parliament Hill. In October of 2014, a gunman openly assaulted the Hill, killing a Canadian soldier in the process. In October of 2017, a bronze plaque recognizing the hundreds of Indigenous children interned at boarding schools across Canada was unveiled on the the grounds. Placing the plaque and the discussion of the government's actions has sparked a larger dialogue and reckoning on the government's approach to its Indigenous population. In 2020, the Hill also witnessed its first climate strike, with an estimated 10,000 students gathering in front of the Peace Tower, among other Canadian sites, to protest the government's inaction on climate change. Today Parliament Hill is visited daily by thousands of visitors from around the world, who come to appreciate the grandeur of the Parliament Buildings. The Hill also serves as a popular destination for those who come to pay their respects at the National War Memorial or to take advantage of the many seasonal activities, like outdoor skating, Canada Day celebrations, and Legislative Tours. The Hill is also a popular destination for Cherry Blossoms Festival, Winterlude, and the Canadian Tulip Festival, and it regularly hosts concerts, visiting dignitaries, and other ceremonies. Throughout its history, Parliament Hill has been home to the craftsmanship and history of the Canadian nation, playing an important role in the day-to-day life of Canadians. You must visit one of these historical places in Canada on your Canada tour

Interesting facts:

1. Parliament Hill is home to the famous Canadian 'BeaverTail' pastry, which can be found at the delicacy-filled BeaverTails stand located on the Hill. 2. The Prime Minister of Canada maintains three residences on the Hill: Stornoway, Rideau Cottage, and Harrington Lake. 3. The Ottawa Flagpole sits on Parliament Hill and marks the highest point above sea level in Ottawa. 4. The Centennial Flame, a permanent monument on the Hill since 1967, burns bright as a symbol of nationhood and is in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. 5. The Peace Tower stands as the main focus of Parliament Hill and was erected as part of the Centre Block which was destroyed by a fire in 1916. 6. Lying at the base of the east lawn of the Parliament Buildings is located the Memorial Chamber, which serves as a national monument to commemorate Canada's war efforts and those who gave their lives in service of their country. 7. The summer months bring a unique Parliamentary tradition: the sound of the ceremonial 21-gun salute. 8. More than 1 million people visit the Parliament Hill each year for events such as Canada Day and the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. 9. A well-known secret of the Parliament Buildings is the extraordinary acoustics of the South Block rotunda. 10. The grounds of Parliament Hill house a number of beautiful gardens, some established as early as the 1910s. Visit one of the famous monuments of Canada with your friends and family.