Peace Tower
The capital's clock.
David Samuel, User:Hellodavey1902 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Sylvain Pastor — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ziko van Dijk — CC BY-SA 4.0 · D. Gordon E. Robertson — CC BY-SA 3.0
The heart and symbol of Canada's capital, a group of Gothic Revival stone buildings on a bluff above the Ottawa River, centred on the Peace Tower with its high clock and surrounded by broad lawns where visitors and locals gather. The Centre Block, rebuilt after a fire in 1916, is closed for a major restoration lasting years, but visitors can join free guided tours of the House of Commons in its temporary home in the West Block and of the Senate in its temporary home in the old railway station, plus an immersive digital experience of the Centre Block. In front of the buildings burns the Centennial Flame, lit in 1967, and behind them paths along the bluff give views of the river and of Gatineau on the far bank. In summer the changing of the guard, in red tunics and bearskin hats, is held on the lawn every morning at ten. The Hill is free, and the tours inside are free too but need advance booking and a security check. Canada's biggest national day celebrations are held here on 1 July.
The capital's clock.
Summer mornings.
Above the river.
Wellington Street, on the Ottawa River, downtown Ottawa
Rideau CanalA historic waterway opened in 1832, running 202 kilometres from Ottawa to Kingst6 minutes walk4.8
National Gallery of CanadaCanada's largest art museum, in a striking glass-and-granite building by the arc9 minutes walk4.6
Canadian Museum of HistoryCanada's most visited museum, on the north bank of the Ottawa River in Gatineau,11 minutes walk4.6
ByWard MarketOttawa's oldest and liveliest shopping district, which grew from a farmers' mark12 minutes walkThe Centre Block is closed for restoration, but free tours run in the House of Commons and the Senate with advance booking.