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Changing the Guard
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National Capital Region


Visitors in the Rotunda

Think the inside of the Parliament Buildings is fun to visit? There is also much to see and do outside, on the Hill itself! All of the activites listed below are offered free of charge.

Carillon Concerts

Offered: Year-round
Schedule:
September to June – 15-minute concert at noon (most weekdays) except the week before Easter.
First Saturday in October - 30-minute concert at noon, featured artist; one-hour master class of the Percival Price Symposium at 3:00 pm.
November 11 – the Carillon is played before and after the National Remembrance Day Ceremony.

July and August – One-hour concert at 11:00 am (weekdays). Guest recitalists perform on Tuesdays in July.
Canada Day (July 1) – 25-minute concert at 9:00 am.

Take in a truly unique musical experience – the 53-bell carillon of the Peace Tower. We owe the richness of its sound to the Dominion Carillonneur, Andrea McCrady. To learn more about the Carillon, go to the House of Commons Heritage Collection.

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Outdoor Guided Tour: Discover Parliament Hill

Offered: June 29 to September 2, 2013
Schedule: Daily

On this outdoor guided walking tour, you will learn about the individuals, landscape and architecture that make Parliament Hill Canada’s most prestigious heritage site. For more information, please contact the National Capital Commission.

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Changing the Guard

Offered: June 28 to August 24, 2013
Schedule: Daily (weather permitting),
10:00 am to 10:30 am

A Canadian tradition at its most colourful! The Ceremonial Guard of the Canadian Forces brings stirring military drill and music to Parliament Hill. Come at 9:45 am to learn more about the ceremony.

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Mosaika Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill

Offered: July 10 to September 7, 2013
Schedule: Daily (evenings)

A powerful narrative set against the spectacular backdrop of Parliament Hill, Mosaika takes the audience on an unforgettable journey of sound and light. This performance is offered free of charge and is a must-see for all visitors to the nation’s capital.

For more information visit the National Capital Commission.

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Discover the Hill Self-Guided Tour

Offered: Year-round

Discover what makes Parliament Hill a unique place to visit. As you stroll along the Hill from mid-May to September 1, site interpreters can assist you in your discovery of historical figures and events on Parliament Hill. We also encourage you to pick up the Discover the Hill Self-Guiding Booklet and explore the site at your own pace. The booklet is available free of charge in Centre Block and at the Capital Information Kiosk at 111 Albert Street.

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Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Offered: June to August
Schedule: Daily

Meet a Mountie – a scarlet-clad RCMP officer – on Parliament Hill. Formed as the North West Mounted Police in 1873 to oversee the settlement of the West, this famous police force is a part of Canadian history and a continued source of national pride.

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What you should know

Vehicles on the Hill: Only authorized vehicles are permitted on Parliament Hill.

Parking: There is no parking available on Parliament Hill. Numerous municipal and public parking lots are located nearby.

Security: All visitors to the Parliament buildings are required to go through security scanning stations. Expect delays.

Special Needs: All facilities are wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate most special needs. Please call 613-239-5000 for more information.

 

Video Tour

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