Senate of Canada Building

The building of a former railway station is now used as a home for Senate. We did different tours that day, but this one was the best! We learned a lot about legislative system, building etc. Might be interesting to visit it again during the Senate session.

Shout out to Christian, our guide. We did all 3 buildings and he was the top 1 guide (the other 1 were amazing as well, but Christian stood out) The building is beautiful, a mix of modern and old. Really interesting visit.

The building is the old train station which was neat to see and quite a grand building. I did a tour of the Senate as well which was informative and interesting because I didn't know anything about it before I went in. The tour is only about 30 minutes and I booked day of and was worth the stop just for the architecture.

Kate is a great tour guide, the original building has been under construction since 2019, very informative and great education, cool education about our parliament and how the Senate works. Very interesting information. As a 11 generation, I found it very informative . The main room was awesome and the committee room is neat, Katie did a great job explaining it

Took a tour here and it was quite interesting. Charolette was a good guide. You need to book in advance. No cost which is awesome. Nice way to learn a little more about our legislative system. The whole family got a lot out of it.

A place worth visiting when you stay in Ottawa. This building is the Ottawa train station about one hundred years ago, and serves as a multifunctional building once the new train station has been built. It is now the Senate of Canada. The conference room is renovated according to the style of British senate. During the tour, you will visit the main conference room and the minor conference room. The guide will introduce the details of the building and their underlying meaning. It is an informative and interesting tour!

I had the privilege of exploring the temporary Senate of Canada, currently housed in the beautifully restored Ottawa Union Station, located directly across from the Fairmont Château Laurier — just a short 300–400 metre walk from Parliament Hill. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure an English-language tour, as slots fill up quickly. While the building may not be the original Senate chamber, the experience is equally immersive and dignified. The guided tour offers a deep dive into Canada’s legislative process, the role of Senators, and the architectural transformation of this historic train station into a temporary seat of governance. The interiors are breathtaking — from the classically arched ceilings and marble columns to the spacious main hall (formerly the train concourse), which now serves as a serene pre-tour area. The Senate chamber itself is grand, adorned with red carpet embedded with maple leaves, richly crafted wooden desks, and gilded emblems reflecting Canada’s provincial heritage. One of the most notable features is the original wooden door from the old Senate building, preserved and installed here as a symbolic gesture that maintains continuity with Canada’s historical roots. The tour is family-friendly and extremely photo-worthy. I was fortunate to capture several memorable moments with my family inside the Senate chamber and in front of the display of provincial and territorial flags, which offers a striking background for patriotic snapshots. Staff were courteous and allowed time for pictures at key locations. Tips for Visitors • Unlike the House of Commons, there is no souvenir shop at the Senate location, so plan to purchase memorabilia during your Parliament Hill visit. • Carry valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) for entry. • Arrive a few minutes early; the entrance process is organized and secure. • If visiting with children, the stroller-friendly layout is appreciated. Overall Impression: The Senate tour is a must-do experience that combines history, politics, architecture, and culture. Despite being in a temporary location until the original building reopens in 2029, the site offers a compelling and dignified atmosphere. It’s a rare opportunity to stand inside the very room where federal laws are shaped — and to walk through a piece of Canadian history, beautifully preserved.

Our guided tour of the Senate was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we began, our guide, Leo, was friendly, and engaged us with his genuine passion for history and architecture. He made the experience feel personal and enriching, answering every question with insight and enthusiasm. What made the visit even more special was the stunning building itself—formerly a train station, it now stands as a breathtaking example of French architecture. The grand hallways, ornate detailing, and historical elegance gave the impression of stepping back in time. It’s incredible how such beauty and purpose were woven together in one space. Thanks to Leo, what could have been just a tour became an inspiring and memorable journey through history, design, and civic pride. Highly recommended!