Is the 'Centennial Flame' in front of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa kept burning even in winter?

Yes, it is generally kept burning even in winter. However, it may occasionally go out under very severe weather conditions, such as strong winds and heavy snow accumulation.

Are there any items I should bring when visiting Parliament Hill in Ottawa during the summer?

There is no shade around Parliament Hill, making it difficult to avoid the sun. Therefore, it is recommended to bring an umbrella or a parasol to block the sunlight when visiting in the summer.

Why is the spire of the Parliament building in Ottawa undergoing repairs?

The original color of the spire was green, but it has faded and turned black over time due to weather and rain. Painting work to restore its color is underway, along with internal repairs.

How do you make a wish at the Pearson statue behind the federal Parliament building in Ottawa?

It is said that if you touch the shoes of the Pearson statue and make a wish, it will come true. Because so many tourists have touched them while making wishes, you can see that only the shoe area has changed color and become shiny.

Ottawa Parliament Hill Guide 2026: Centennial Flame

Centennial Flame in front of Parliament Hill, Ottawa

My trip to Ottawa was short, but it left an incredibly strong impression. Right in the heart of downtown Ottawa sits a place rich in history, featuring one of the city's most iconic landmarks: the Centennial Flame burning proudly in front of Parliament Hill.

This eternal flame is designed to burn year-round, even through the freezing Canadian winters. However, locals say that on rare occasions, when the winter winds howl and the snow piles up exceptionally high, it might briefly flicker out!

Scenic view of Ottawa Parliament grounds

Although I only made a quick stop in Ottawa on my way back to Toronto, it instantly felt like a perfect urban resort. The blend of city life with natural beauty is striking.

It has that laid-back, resort-like atmosphere because, despite being a capital city, it is surrounded by beautiful rivers and lush greenery. It’s the kind of place where you just want to lie down on the grass and soak in the sun.

Strolling along the historic Rideau Canal was another highlight. The weather was absolutely perfect, making it easy to snap postcard-worthy photos at every turn.

As you walk toward the main Parliament buildings, you'll encounter various historic statues and monuments. Our tour guide gave us a fantastic, concise overview of the history, though I must admit, some of the specific details faded by the time I got home!

Even on a weekday, the grounds were bustling with travelers. One thing to keep in mind: the open plaza in front of Parliament Hill offers very little shade, so it can get quite warm under the summer sun.

If you are visiting during the summer months, I highly recommend bringing a light travel umbrella or a sun hat to stay cool while exploring.

During my visit on June 27, 2026, the main Parliament building was undergoing restoration work. While scaffolding partially blocked the view, the grandeur of the architecture was still undeniable.

Our guide explained that the iconic green roofs are actually made of copper. Over time, exposure to rain and air causes the copper to oxidize, turning from its original dark metallic brown to that beautiful, classic heritage green we see today.

The Centennial Flame is a must-see. Located right at the entrance of the plaza, it is a powerful symbol of Canadian unity. Surrounding the flame are the bronze shields of Canada’s provinces and territories, representing the nation's confederation.

While I was there, a massive outdoor yoga class was happening right on the lush green lawns. People of all ages—from kids to seniors—were participating together.

This is exactly what makes Canada so charming. The way locals seamlessly use these historic public spaces for picnics, sunbathing, and community wellness is truly inspiring.

Gothic Revival architecture on Parliament Hill

The surrounding Gothic Revival buildings look like majestic castles. You can see the varying stages of the copper oxidation on the spires, showing the passage of time and the elements.

View of the Ottawa River from behind Parliament

If you follow the path behind the Parliament buildings, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Ottawa River and the province of Quebec just across the water.

With the clear skies and gentle breeze, it was hard not to fall in love with Canada's natural beauty all over again.

While you might not always be able to enter all the parliamentary offices, the grounds themselves are open and perfect for a leisurely stroll. Next time I visit, I’m definitely bringing a full picnic setup!

Behind the Centre Block, you will find the statue of Lester B. Pearson, the former Prime Minister of Canada (and the namesake of Toronto's Pearson International Airport).

There is a fun local tradition here: visitors rub the shoes of his bronze statue while making a wish!

Polished bronze shoes of the Pearson statue

Because of this popular tradition, the shoes have been rubbed so many times that the dark patina has worn away, leaving them shining bright gold.

Having traveled through Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa, I loved how each Canadian city has its own distinct personality.

While Quebec feels like a charming piece of old Europe and Montreal offers a trendy fusion of historic and modern, Ottawa stands out for its relaxing, nature-infused urban resort vibe. Exploring these diverse cities made my Canadian journey incredibly rich and unforgettable.

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📍 Parliament of Canada
Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9 Canada