PARLIAMENT BUILDING, OTTAWA

The seat of Canada's federal government, Parliament Hill is the most visited Ottawa attraction

Most of the guided tours take visitors through public galleries, to the Senate and House of Commons (when not in session) and to the top of the Peace Tower, where an observation deck provides the most dramatic 360 degree view of the Capital.

The main buildings are: the Centre Block, built between 1865 and 1927, containing the House of Commons and Senate chambers, and featuring the Peace Tower and Library of Parliament; the East Block, built in two stages in 1867 and 1910, containing senators' offices and preserved Confederation-era rooms; and the West Block, built in 1865, containing ministers' and MPs' offices and meeting rooms. The three blocks are disposed around a large grassy quadrangle, while the Centre Block is surrounded by lawns and a walk overlooking the Ottawa River. The Library of Parliament was opened in 1876. The Legislature of the Province of Canada met for the first time in the new building on June 8, 1866, and the new Parliament of the Dominion of Canada began its first session there on November 6, 1867.

The 53-bell carillon in the Peace Tower marks each quarter hour; the Dominion Carilloneur performs daily free concerts.

Each morning during summer months, the front lawn of Parliament Hill is the setting of the daily Changing the Guard ceremony; each evening the public is invited to gather again to witness the awe-inspiring Sound and Light show - spectacular lighting effects and stunning giant images projected on the Parliament Buildings set to words and music. Both events are free.

Parliament Hill is the focal point for Canada Day celebrations each July 1. Thousands gathers for great entertainment and the massive fireworks finale.

In December, the Hill is bathed in the colours of thousands of lights as one of the premier sites of the Christmas Lights Across Canada.