Government Attractions

In addition to these attractions, the government is also responsible for many of the museums that can be found in Ottawa, such as the National Gallery, the Museum of Civilization and the Currency Museum.

Choose from these Ottawa Government Attraction listings:

Phone: (613) 995 9481

Throughout the year, the National Library of Canada offers a variety of public programs to promote its collection. We're a federal cultural agency responsible for collecting and preserving Canada's published heritage so that it's available for present and future generations of Canadians. By law, two copies of everything published in Canada are kept here so that they're available for use today and are preserved for future generations. The National Library presents many literary and musical events.

Phone: (613) 244 5300

Located at 110 Laurier Ave West, the Ottawa City Hall is a beautiful structure that is a must see on your visit to Ottawa. Located near the Rideau Canal, close to the Parliament Buildings. Tours are available by appointment only. More Information (613) 244-5300.

Phone: (613) 992 4793

With its strong stone exterior and picturesque setting on the cliffs overlooking the Ottawa River, the Parliament buildings are often described as one of the most beautiful government centres in the world. The buildings are home to, among other things, the House of Commons, the Library of Parliament, the Hall of Honour, the Senate, and the impressive Peace Tower.

The red coats and sleek horses of the RCMP are internationally recognized as a Canadian symbol of pride and justice. Originally formed in 1873 to preserve peace on the Canadian frontier, today they are Canada's federal police force. Suggested length of visit: two hours. Canadian Sunset Ceremony is only open during summer months. Stables: open year-round.

Phone: (613) 993 8990

Canada's national mint, on historic Sussex Drive. View over $1 million worth of gold bullion on display. Take a guided tour to learn how coins are produced. Visitors can follow the steps of the minting process on a tour of the facilities in Ottawa. Or, browse through our Boutique, filled with our products. Something for your coin collection, a special gift, or a souvenir of your visit.

Phone: (613) 995 4330

Just a two minute walk west of the Parliament Buildings on Wellington street stands the Supreme Court of Canada. Completed in 1946, the impressively bold structure is crowned with the green copper roofing that has become a symbol of the nation's capital.

Phone: (613) 993 1811

One of Canada's most outstanding attractions, this half-hour ceremony is presented daily on the lawn of Parliament Hill at 10 a.m., from late June until late August, weather permitting. It offers an unrivaled combination of colour, tradition, pageantry and military precision. The Guard is also seen at Rideau Hall, where sentries are posted at the gate and main entrance.

Phone: (613) 992 7468

The three-tiered sarcophagus will be 12 feet long, 8 feet wide and 3 feet high. Dark Caledonia granite, quarried in Rivière à Pierre, Québec, was selected to complement the paler-coloured stone used in the National War Memorial. While it is patterned after the stone altar of the Vimy Memorial, the sever Ottawa climate, as well as the bronze and stone makeup of the National War Memorial, led to the decision to produce the relief work in bronze.

Phone: (613) 782 8914

The Bank of Canada's Currency Museum has the most complete collection of Canadian bank notes, coins and tokens in the world. You can learn about the history of currency in Canada and how bank notes are designed and printed today. The impressive Yap stone, a curious piece from the island of Yap, is on display in the Garden Court, just outside the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada.

Phone: (613) 990 1985

The National Gallery of Canada is a visual arts museum of international stature. Located in one of the most spectacular sites in Ottawa - along Ottawa's historic ByWard Market. Come explore the largest collection of Canadian art in the world!