Every visit to Canada’s Capital Region must include a stop on Parliament Hill, where the National Capital Commission (NCC) offers the popular Discover the Hill outdoor interpretation program. The program allows residents and visitors to the Capital to explore the grounds of Parliament Hill during the summer.
INFO-TENT
Until September 3 (daily) – 9 am to 5 pm
Located on Parliament Hill to the right of the Centre Block and behind the East Block.
The Info-Tent should be the first stop for visitors to Parliament Hill. NCC staff of this seasonal visitor service facility will inform visitors of the full menu of summer activities that are available. At this location, visitors can obtain same-day tickets for the free Centre Block, East Block (starting July 2) and outdoor guided tours (starting June 30).
DISCOVER THE HILL
During the hours of operation of the Info-Tent
NCC Discover the Hill interpreters will be on site to invite visitors to explore the buildings, monuments and landscapes that surround Canada’s Parliament. Visitors will have the opportunity to further their discovery of Parliament Hill by chatting with the friendly, knowledgeable staff.
The different facets of Parliament Hill can also be discovered through a free 45-minute outdoor guided walking tour entitled “In the Footsteps of Great Canadians” (starting June 30).
SELF-GUIDING BOOKLET
Those who prefer to set their own pace can also pick-up a copy of the Discover the Hill Outdoor Self-Guiding Booklet. This free booklet is available at the Info-Tent and Capital Information Kiosk and allows visitors to follow the proposed route or to chart their own path in their discovery of Parliament Hill.
The Discover the Hill booklet is produced in Canada with the environment in mind; it is printed on FSC approved paper. The NCC encourages visitors who do not wish to keep their booklet to return it for recycling to the Info-Tent or mobile cart stationed at the Centennial Flame, or to share it with friends and family who might soon be visiting Parliament Hill.
CHANGING THE GUARD
June 26 to August 24 (daily) – 10 am to 10:30 am
Once again, the Department of National Defence will present the stirring military drill and music of the Changing the Guard ceremony, with its pomp and pageantry, on Parliament Hill.
GUIDED TOURS OF THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Centre Block: Year-round
East Block: From July 2 to September 3 (daily) – 10 am to 5:15 pm
The schedule and content of the year-round tours of the Centre Block of Parliament vary according to the season and whether or not Parliament is sitting. To make the most of a visit, check the Parliamentary website (www.parl.gc.ca – click on Visitor Information) for details. Visits of the East Block, the nerve centre of Canada’s government for the country’s first hundred years, provide the opportunity to view grand old rooms and offices restored to the way they looked at the time of Confederation.
INTERPRETATION OF THE NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL
Guides: June 15 to September 3 (daily) – 10 am to 5 pm
Sentries: June 26 to August 24 (daily) – 9 am to 5 pm
A few steps from Parliament Hill, Confederation Square is Canada\’s place of remembrance. The monuments found there, including the National War Memorial, The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and the Valiants Memorial, collectively speak of remembrance, sacrifice, courage and endurance, and represent all those whose actions in times of conflict and war have shaped Canada\’s past and continue to influence our present. Visitors can learn more about the history, symbolism and importance of these monuments by speaking and sharing stories with the NCC interpreters at Confederation Square throughout the summer.
For more information on the National War Memorial and The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, please visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
CAPITAL INFORMATION KIOSK
Year-round – 10 am to 5 pm
The Capital Information Kiosk is more than an information centre. Located inside the World Exchange Plaza at 111 Albert Street, visitors will find a complete range of services and tools to help them plan their visit to the Capital according to their needs. They can count on a warm welcome from the friendly and helpful staff, whether they are looking for information by phone or in person.
CONFEDERATION BOULEVARD INTERPRETATION
Until September 3 (daily) – 10 am to 5 pm
Visitors to Canada’s Capital Region will not want to miss the chance to explore Confederation Boulevard, Canada’s ceremonial and discovery route. This summer, NCC roving interpreters will be helping visitors explore the Capital along the Boulevard between Library and Archives Canada and the National Gallery of Canada. Interpreters will be providing tourism information and interpreting the history and significance of the numerous sites along Wellington Street and Mackenzie Avenue. Look for them, in their blue NCC shirts, along Confederation Boulevard this summer!
MOSAIKA – THE AWARD-WINNING SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW ON PARLIAMENT HILL
From July 6 to September 3 (daily)
In July at 10 pm; in August at 9:30 pm; in September at 9 pm
On July 6, 2012, the NCC re-launches Mosaika: Canada through the eyes of its people. This award-winning 30-minute experience is a free, bilingual show that tells the story of Canada through music, lighting effects and imagery projected onto the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings.
The Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill is a must-see attraction in Canada’s Capital Region and a perfect activity for a summer evening. NEW! For its third season Mosaika will feature new content about hockey and an enhanced finale.
Shows are also offered on holiday Mondays in August and September. In the event of inclement weather, performances may be cancelled. For more information on Mosaika, an unforgettable journey in sound and light, visit www.mosaika-sl.ca.
Public Information
For more information on the Discover the Hill program or other NCC programs, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867, TTY: 613-239-5090 or
1-866-661-3530, visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca, or stop by the Capital Information Kiosk, located inside the World Exchange Plaza at 111 Albert Street.
For additional information on the Centre Block and East Block tours, the public can also visit the Parliament of Canada website at www.parl.gc.ca (click on Visitor Information).
Media Information:
Denise LeBlanc
NCC Media Relations
613-239-5750 (office)
613-851-9465 (cellular)
denise.leblanc@ncc-ccn.ca
Charles Cardinal
NCC Media Relations
613-239-5227 (office)
613-851-6924 (cellular)
charles.cardinal@
