Peace Tower 🇨🇦

Standing as a national Canadian icon on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, the Peace Tower is a striking 92.2-meter campanile positioned along the central axis of the Centre Block. Designed by architects Jean Omer Marchand and John A. Pearson in the Victorian High Gothic style, this focal bell and clock tower replaced the former Victoria Tower after a 1916 fire.

Visitors flock to this iconic landmark to appreciate its rich architectural details, including Nepean sandstone walls, a copper-covered roof, four 4.8-meter clock faces, and roughly 370 gargoyles, grotesques, and friezes. Take the inclined elevator up to the observation deck—once Ottawa’s highest accessible point—to enjoy elevated city views framed by granite gargoyles. Above the porte-cochère, explore the vaulted Memorial Chamber, created to commemorate Canadians who gave their lives during military conflicts.

Inside this sacred space, you will discover allegorical stained glass windows designed by Frank S.J. Hollister, battlefield stone, brass floor plates made from spent shell casings, five etched literary plaques, and eight Books of Remembrance displayed on marble altars, where pages are turned daily at 11 a.m. to honour every recorded name.

What to see at Peace Tower

• Victorian High Gothic architecture featuring roughly 370 stone carvings
• Memorial Chamber displaying eight Books of Remembrance on marble altars
• Floor brass plates crafted from spent battlefield shell casings
• Observation deck accessible via a unique gimballed inclined elevator
• Stunning allegorical stained glass windows designed by Frank S.J. Hollister

Visiting tips

Visit the Memorial Chamber at 11 a.m. to observe the daily turning of the pages in the Books of Remembrance.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Peace Tower is easy to reach on Ottawa’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rideau Hall and Bank of Canada Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ottawa travel guide.