For everyone from families on vacation to school groups, attending question period in the House of Commons or Senate makes an interesting addition to an Ottawa vacation. Listen in on the government from the Parliament Hill public galleries, which are free and always absorbing.
Watch a Senate Session, Question Period, or a Debate from the Public Galleries
In addition to free tours of Parliament, visitors can observe the House of Commons or the Senate from the public galleries. Debates and question periods both prove to be lively, engaging events in the House of Commons, while a visit to the Senate will enlighten visitors on the process of Canadian law-making.
Although there are strict rules to follow, such as no standing and no writing during the proceedings, sitting in the public galleries can offer a rare insight into the workings of a government. Question period in the House of Commons and the Senate are scheduled at 2:15pm from Monday through Thursday and at 11:15am on Friday.
Here’s how to secure a front-row seat to the action:
- Arrive at Centre Block early as seats are available on a first-come first-served basis. Canadian residents will benefit from contacting their local Member of Parliament to reserve a seat. Larger groups (of 10 or more) can also reserve seats.
- Check in with staff members at the Visitor Welcome Centre from Sept-May or the white Info Tent between West and Centre blocks from May-August.
- Proceed through security screening in Centre Block.
- Check all bulky and electronic items. That means no coats, no cameras, no tape recorders, etc.
- Wait to be seated.
- Follow the rules of the gallery.
Visitors can visit public galleries in the House of Commons as well as the Senate when the government is in session, which is generally from mid-September through June.
Other Things to Do on an Ottawa Vacation to Parliament Hill
Visitors to Parliament Hill can also tour Centre Block year-round, and East Block during the summer months. Other worthwhile activities for an Ottawa vacation include climbing the Peace Tower, visiting the Memorial Chamber (which commemorates Canada’s war dead), seeing the Parliament Hill Cat Sanctuary (which houses more than a dozen felines), seeing the spring tulips in bloom as part of the Canadian Tulip Festival, and exploring the Parliament Hill monuments.
Planning an Ottawa Vacation to Parliament Hill
Winter is the best season to catch the most action on Parliament Hill as both the House of Commons and the Senate hold regular sessions from mid-September through June. For the best tour options, which will include visits to the Lower and Upper houses, consult the House of Commons calendar and the Senate calendar for parliamentary schedules.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
