Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada's iconic landmark

No, that's not the answer from a game of Trivial Pursuit, it's the reality. Many people don't know it, but Canada's capital isn't Toronto or Montreal, it's Ottawa. Situated on the banks of the Ottawa River on the border between the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, Ottawa is Canada's fourth largest city, after Toronto, Montreal and Calgary, with a population of over one million. The city was founded in 1826 and was then called Bytown. It is home to Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Governor General's residence, the Prime Minister's residence and other federal institutions.

Today, it is the most highly educated city in Canada. It is home to many prestigious schools and universities, including the University of Ottawa. Ottawa is synonymous with history, tradition and culture. The city offers visitors everything the Far North has to offer in terms of refinement and authenticity.

Parliament Hill is a beautiful hill in the middle of Ottawa. The impressive Parliament building stands on its plateau. The site is protected by the Parliamentary Protection Service (PPS). Parliament is a body that brings together the legislative powers. In France, the equivalent of parliament is the National Assembly and the Senate. Canada's federal government passes laws within the precincts of parliament. As well as being a highly political place, it is symbolically the heart of the nation, but also a place for sharing and celebration.

Around 1826, the first Europeans arrived in what is now Ottawa. The sumptuous city you know today grew out of a small settlement of a handful of men. Workers took turns on the site to supervise the construction of the famous Rideau Canal. The hill, which was completely wooded at the time, was adorned with a few buildings to accommodate the workers. Because of the many "barracks" or military barracks that were being built, the hill adopted the name "Barracks Hill".

Two years later, the hill was home to more than 1,000 inhabitants and was renamed Bytown, in honour of the English Lieutenant-Colonel John By. The city was renamed Ottawa in 1855 and took on the solemn role of Canada's capital in 1857. The Parliament Building was built to accommodate the new functions of the young capital. The hill was finally dubbed Parliament Hill when legislative buildings began to be erected around 1859.

The 1859 building was constructed in the neo-Gothic style, which was very popular in Great Britain. It was a bold choice for the time, since the trend in the United States was neoclassical. The architecture of the Ottawa Parliament is reminiscent of the Palace of Westminster in London. Construction took almost 20 years and was completed in 1878. The building took up its functions in 1866.

An incredible view of Ottawa

From the hill, you have a magnificent view of the Ottawa River and the city of Ottawa. Behind the water's edge, you can see the neighbouring city of Gatineau, in Quebec.

Visit Parliament, a historic walk

There are two buildings to explore in this historic setting.

The House of Commons

Guided tours of the House of Commons are available. To take part, you need to buy your ticket online, on the Parliament of Canada website. The tours are fascinating. They last about 40 minutes and are free. You will discover the functions, architecture and history of the House of Commons.

The Senate

The Senate of Canada is located in Ottawa's former train station. This building is not on Parliament Hill but is nevertheless part of it.

The Senate is a 4-minute walk from Parliament.

Guided tours are free and last 30 minutes.

Don't forget to book your tickets online on the Parliament of Canada website.

You can also attend committee meetings at the Senate in Ottawa. To do so, you need to register on the Senate website.