british columbia parliament buildings tours

British Columbia Parliament Buildings

501 Belleville ST Victoria BC V8V 1X4

Overlooking Victoria’s majestic Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings and surrounding areas are located in the traditional territories of the Lekwungen people. Visitors are invited to discover the architectural splendour of the Parliament Buildings and learn about British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly.

The Parliament Buildings are open for free guided tours on weekdays throughout the year and seven days a week during the summer. Free tours are offered regularly throughout the day.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date hours and tour information: bcleg.ca/tours.

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Tour the Parliament Buildings

The Parliament Buildings are a landmark in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.  Construction of this great architectural building started in 1893 and was lead by a 25-year-old architect by the name of Francis Rattenbury. During Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, construction was deemed complete, however, details, refinishing, additions and upgrades were ongoing right up until 1915. Francis Rattenbury and his crew made an effort to use local materials, resources and expertise when building the Parliament Buildings, as during this time in B.C. it was important to both him and the government to support local businesses. Granite rock foundations were brought in from nearby Nelson Island, the site facades were locally imported from Haddington Island, and most of the local brick, lime and Douglas Fir were accumulated from areas around Vancouver Island.

The inside of the buildings are just as grand as the outside, which features a statue of Queen Victoria on the front lawn.  You can book tours of the buildings that will give you both insight and perspective on the historical significance of Victoria as the command center for British Columbia. The Parliament Buildings are also worth a visit at night-time, as the 3,300+ light bulbs that adorn the façade are lit up, casting a magical glow over the harbour.

The political governing body – elected by British Columbians – assembles in this house to pass law and make decisions affecting the future direction of the province.

Some of the nearby attractions include Beacon Hill Park, the history of the BC Royal Museum and the shops, boutiques and artisans in the downtown core on Government Street.

The BC Parliament Buildings provides guided tours Monday to Friday. Tours are provided in both official languages of Canada – English and French – and can be arranged in other languages when notice is provided.

BC Parliament Buildings are located on Belleville Street in Downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour. (Telephone) 1-250-387-3046

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British Columbia Parliament Buildings

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Located in the capital of British Columbia, Victoria, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the province’s political history and stunning architecture. The buildings are home to the legislative assembly of British Columbia, where members of parliament debate and create laws to govern the province. Whether you are interested in politics, or history, or simply love beautiful architecture, visiting British Columbia Parliament Buildings is a must.

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings have a fascinating history that dates back to the late 1800s, making them one of the oldest legislatures in Canada. After a devastating fire destroyed the original Parliament Buildings in 1898, the government launched a competition to design a new building.

Francis Rattenbury, a young architect from England, won the competition with his striking neoclassical design blended with Renaissance styles. The construction of the new building took several years and it was officially opened by the Duke and Dutchess of Cornwall and York in 1898. Since then, the buildings have gone through several renovations and restorations to maintain their historical significance and architectural beauty.

Architecture

The Parliament Buildings are an architectural masterpiece, with their classical neoclassical design and ornate detailing. The buildings are adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and decorative elements, including a gold-leafed dome that is visible from miles away.

The interior of the buildings is equally impressive, with grand halls, marble floors, and ornate ceilings. Visitors can take guided tours of the buildings to learn about their history and admire the stunning architecture.

How to get there

The Parliament Buildings are located in the heart of Victoria, and visitors can easily access the buildings by walking, cycling, or public transport. The Victoria Public Transit System offers several bus routes that stop near the Parliament Buildings.

For those driving, there is limited on-street parking available, but several nearby parkades offer affordable parking options. But the best option might be to book a guided tour which includes direct pick up from your hotel so you don't have to worry about the hassle of getting there by yourself.

Best time to visit

The Parliament Buildings are open year-round and visitors can take guided tours from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months, as the buildings are beautifully lit up during the evenings. Visitors can also witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard that takes place daily from June to August.

Apart from being a significant political landmark, the Parliament Buildings are a magnificent piece of art, with stunning architecture and intricate designs. The central dome of the building is a prominent feature, with the statute of Captain George Vancouver standing atop it.

Visitors can also admire the many sculptures and paintings that adorn the buildings, including the iconic Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture by Bill Reid.

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings offer guided tours that are educational and informative, providing visitors with a glimpse into the province’s political history and governance. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who are well-versed in the history and significance of the Parliament Buildings.

Visitors can also enjoy a bite to eat at the Parliament Dining Room, which serves a range of delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

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My Bookings

Please Enter Your Booking Code To Find Your Booked Tour!

British Columbia Parliament Buildings

Looks like there are no tips. Be the first one to add a tip to help people enjoy!

Most helpful positive review, most helpful critical review.

Located in the capital of British Columbia, Victoria, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the province’s political history and stunning architecture. The buildings are home to the legislative assembly of British Columbia, where members of parliament debate and create laws to govern the province. Whether you are interested in politics, or history, or simply love beautiful architecture, visiting British Columbia Parliament Buildings is a must.

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings have a fascinating history that dates back to the late 1800s, making them one of the oldest legislatures in Canada. After a devastating fire destroyed the original Parliament Buildings in 1898, the government launched a competition to design a new building.

Francis Rattenbury, a young architect from England, won the competition with his striking neoclassical design blended with Renaissance styles. The construction of the new building took several years and it was officially opened by the Duke and Dutchess of Cornwall and York in 1898. Since then, the buildings have gone through several renovations and restorations to maintain their historical significance and architectural beauty.

Architecture

The Parliament Buildings are an architectural masterpiece, with their classical neoclassical design and ornate detailing. The buildings are adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and decorative elements, including a gold-leafed dome that is visible from miles away.

The interior of the buildings is equally impressive, with grand halls, marble floors, and ornate ceilings. Visitors can take guided tours of the buildings to learn about their history and admire the stunning architecture.

How to get there

The Parliament Buildings are located in the heart of Victoria, and visitors can easily access the buildings by walking, cycling, or public transport. The Victoria Public Transit System offers several bus routes that stop near the Parliament Buildings.

For those driving, there is limited on-street parking available, but several nearby parkades offer affordable parking options. But the best option might be to book a guided tour which includes direct pick up from your hotel so you don't have to worry about the hassle of getting there by yourself.

Best time to visit

The Parliament Buildings are open year-round and visitors can take guided tours from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months, as the buildings are beautifully lit up during the evenings. Visitors can also witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard that takes place daily from June to August.

Apart from being a significant political landmark, the Parliament Buildings are a magnificent piece of art, with stunning architecture and intricate designs. The central dome of the building is a prominent feature, with the statute of Captain George Vancouver standing atop it.

Visitors can also admire the many sculptures and paintings that adorn the buildings, including the iconic Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture by Bill Reid.

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings offer guided tours that are educational and informative, providing visitors with a glimpse into the province’s political history and governance. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who are well-versed in the history and significance of the Parliament Buildings.

Visitors can also enjoy a bite to eat at the Parliament Dining Room, which serves a range of delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Book your Tour

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• Privacy Policy
• Become a partner

Get in Touch

Copyright © 2024 Tripshepherd. All rights reserved.