Inside Canada’s Senate: Walking Through the Country’s Most Powerful Room (for Free!)

Most people don’t realize that you can actually step inside Canada’s Senate and take a free guided tour. For families visiting Ottawa, it’s one of those hidden-in-plain-sight experiences that mixes history, politics, and impressive architecture without costing a thing. In just 30 minutes you’ll walk through Canada’s upper chamber, complete with red carpets, chandeliers, and all the ceremony you’d expect from one of the country’s most powerful rooms.

The Senate is temporarily housed in what used to be Ottawa’s main train station, which adds another layer of fun. Kids are often surprised that such a fancy space was once a busy railway hub, while parents appreciate how easy the tour is to book and how short it runs. It’s quick, free, and something many Canadians don’t even know they can do.

 

A Short Look at the Senate and Its Temporary Home

The Senate is Canada’s upper chamber of Parliament, where appointed senators (formally appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister) debate, review, and refine laws before they are passed. It’s a big part of how the country’s democracy works, but the space itself is just as fascinating as the politics. Normally the Senate sits on Parliament Hill, but because of the massive renovations taking place there, it has moved into a very different location, Ottawa’s former central train station.

From the outside, the building still looks like the Beaux-Arts train station it once was. Step inside, though, and you’ll find red carpets, carved wood, and gold details that feel more like a palace than a station. It’s this mix of old and new that makes the visit unique. Kids will enjoy the surprising story of a train station becoming a government chamber, and parents can appreciate the chance to see a piece of Canadian history from a fresh angle.

 

How to Book Your Free Guided Tour

The Senate tours are completely free, but you do need to reserve your spot ahead of time. Same-day tickets are sometimes available, but families are much better off booking online in advance to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends and holidays.

You can make your reservation directly through the official Parliament of Canada website. The process is simple: choose the Senate of Canada tour, select your date and time, and confirm your booking. You’ll receive an email with your tickets that you can either print or show on your phone when you arrive.

Book your tickets on the official website of Canada’s Parliament.

A few tips before you book:

• Arrive 25 minutes early to allow time for security screening.
• Tours are not available when the Senate is sitting, so check the schedule.
• If you need accessibility services (wheelchairs, sign language interpretation, elevator access), you can request them during the booking or by contacting the reservation office.

 

What to Expect During the 30-Minute Visit

The Senate tour is short and sweet, lasting about half an hour. After passing through security, a guide takes you through the building and explains the history of the Senate, the architecture, and how the chamber is used today. Families walk through the grand hallways, stop at the main chamber with its red carpets and gold details, and hear about the role senators play in shaping Canada’s laws.

For kids, the wow factor usually comes from the look of the chamber itself. It feels like stepping into a scene from a movie, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and rows of polished seats. Guides often share fun facts and stories that keep things light and interesting, even for younger visitors.

The pace is easy to follow, and because the tour is only 30 minutes it rarely tests anyone’s patience. Parents will appreciate that photography is allowed (without flash), so you can capture the memory, but large filming equipment and professional gear aren’t permitted.

 

Practical Info for Families

The Senate of Canada Building is located at 2 Rideau Street, right in downtown Ottawa. It’s easy to add to a day of sightseeing since it’s just a short walk from Parliament Hill and other major attractions.

When you arrive, plan to get there at least 25 minutes before your tour. Everyone passes through airport-style security, including bag checks. Only one small bag per person is allowed (about 14 x 12 x 7.5 inches). Water bottles are fine, but food isn’t permitted inside.

Inside the building, you’ll find washrooms with baby changing stations and water fountains. There’s no café or food service, so it’s best to eat before or after your visit. Coats can be left on open racks, but there is no bag or coat check.

The building is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs or cane seats are available from visitor services on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevators can be used instead of stairs if needed, and arrangements can be made for drop-off at a more accessible entrance. Families needing ASL or LSQ sign-language interpretation can request it free of charge at least two business days before their visit.

Photography is allowed for personal use, but videos, flash, and professional equipment aren’t permitted.

 

Our Take: Is the Senate Tour Worth It for Families?

We’d say absolutely. The Senate tour turned out to be one of those activities that feels both unique and easy, which is exactly what you want when traveling with kids. It’s completely free, takes only 30 minutes, and gives you the chance to step right into one of the most powerful rooms in Canada. Even if your kids don’t know much about politics, they’ll still be wowed by the size of the chamber, the red carpets, and the sense that something important happens here.

What we liked most is how manageable it is. There’s no long lineup, no big cost, and no need to carve out half a day. You book online, show up a bit early for security, and you’re guided through the highlights in a way that’s easy for kids and parents to follow. Our kids loved the look of the building — they couldn’t believe this used to be a train station — and for us it felt like a nice way to connect travel with a little bit of Canadian history.

If you’re in Ottawa, we’d definitely recommend adding the Senate to your itinerary. It’s quick, free, and surprisingly memorable, the kind of hidden gem that leaves you saying “why didn’t we do this sooner?