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Visit the Senate of Canada

Guided Tours of the Senate of Canada Building

Guided Tour 30 min
The Senate chamber

Hours and Admission

Opening hours vary depending on the day of your visit. View available tour times. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance, as same-day tickets may not be available.

Please arrive 25 minutes before your tour time to allow for security scanning.

Please note that guided tours are not available when the Senate is sitting. Due to parliamentary activities, access to the building cannot be guaranteed and tour schedules are subject to change without notice. Please contact the Tours Reservation Office at 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca if you have any questions.

Location and Facilities

The Senate of Canada Building is located at 2 Rideau Street.

  • Washrooms with baby changing stations are available onsite.
  • There are unsupervised coat racks, but no bag or coat check.
  • There are water fountains, but no food services.
  • The Library of Parliament encourages a scent-free environment.

Security and Restrictions

  • All visitors are required to pass through security scanning upon arrival. Alternate arrangements can be made for pregnant persons, as well as visitors with pacemakers and other medical needs.
  • Please note that photography and videos are permitted for personal use only. Flash photography, large filming equipment and professional-grade cameras are prohibited. To request special filming permissions, please contact the Tours Reservation Office at 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca.
  • Only one bag smaller than 35.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 19 cm (14” x 12” x 7.5”) is permitted per visitor.
  • For a list of restricted items, please contact the Parliamentary Protective Service at pps.parl.ca or 613-995-4300.

Accessibility

Physical environment

The Senate of Canada Building is accessible to wheelchairs and service animals. Wheelchairs and cane seats are available from visitor services on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors are required to move up and down several flights of stairs during their tour. Please alert staff if you would prefer to use an elevator.

Seating in the building is limited, and visitors are required to walk and stand throughout the tour. Please contact the Tours Reservation Office at 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca if you require accommodations or assistance.

Arrangements can be made to transport visitors with mobility challenges to the South Parliamentary Entrance of the Senate of Canada Building. Please contact the Senate Traffic and Parking Office at 613-316-0997 or traffic@sen.parl.gc.ca to provide your vehicle information at least 24 hours before your visit.

For questions regarding accessing the Senate of Canada Building, please contact 343-542-3387 or sec-ops.sec-ops@sen.parl.gc.ca.

Sign language

Sign-language interpretation is available upon request, free of charge. To request American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) interpretation, please contact 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca at least two business days before your visit.

Please contact the Tours Reservation Office at 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca if you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at The Senate of Canada building.

Photos and Videos