BC Parliament Buildings
501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC, V8V 4R3
250-387-3046 | Website
Opened in 1898, the grand and historic Parliament Buildings stand in the heart of British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria.
Category:
Shopping & Services
What:
| Store Type | | Government Services, Other Services |
| Payment | | Interac, MasterCard, American Express, Visa |
Where:
| Getting There | | Inner Habour, Closest metro/bus stop: Government St. or Belleville St. Bus |
| Cross Street | | Belleville St. and Government St. |
When:
| Winter: Daily: 9AM-5PM Summer: Mon-Thu 9AM - 5PM, Fri-Sun 9AM - 7PM |
Profile Last Updated: May 13, 2009
A symbol of the province
The Parliament Buildings, where the elected representatives meet to shape the future of the province, is also a wonder of architecture designed by Francis Rattenbury (who also designed the Empress Hotel). They were officially opened on February 10th, 1898. Representing a diverse culture, the buildings showcase the beauty of British Columbia’s raw material. Rattenbury used rough-hewn stone from Haddington Island for the façade, granite from Nelson Island for the foundation and Jervis Inlet slate for the original roof. At night, the outlines of the buildings are illuminated by more than 3,500 light bulbs, according to a tradition that goes back to 1897 – when lights were installed to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Tours with theatrical touches
Visit the Parliament Buildings to discover their architectural splendour, the history of the province or to learn about British Columbia’s parliamentary process. Free guided tours are available throughout the year in English, French and a variety of other languages. Throughout the summer, tour guides are assisted by the "Parliamentary Players”. These historical figures, including Her Majesty Queen Victoria and Sir James Douglas, drop in on tours to bring history to life. Between mid-May and early September, tours are available seven days a week, including statutory holidays. During the fall and winter months, guided tours are offered from Monday to Friday of each week. Contact the Legislative Tour Office for more information. Groups of ten or more and groups that wish to book a tour in a language other than English must contact the Tour Office in advance.
Other activities
After your tour, browse the gift shop or grab a bite to eat at the Legislative Dining Room, a casual restaurant in the building. All facilities are wheelchair accessible.
The Parliament Buildings, where the elected representatives meet to shape the future of the province, is also a wonder of architecture designed by Francis Rattenbury (who also designed the Empress Hotel). They were officially opened on February 10th, 1898. Representing a diverse culture, the buildings showcase the beauty of British Columbia’s raw material. Rattenbury used rough-hewn stone from Haddington Island for the façade, granite from Nelson Island for the foundation and Jervis Inlet slate for the original roof. At night, the outlines of the buildings are illuminated by more than 3,500 light bulbs, according to a tradition that goes back to 1897 – when lights were installed to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Tours with theatrical touches
Visit the Parliament Buildings to discover their architectural splendour, the history of the province or to learn about British Columbia’s parliamentary process. Free guided tours are available throughout the year in English, French and a variety of other languages. Throughout the summer, tour guides are assisted by the "Parliamentary Players”. These historical figures, including Her Majesty Queen Victoria and Sir James Douglas, drop in on tours to bring history to life. Between mid-May and early September, tours are available seven days a week, including statutory holidays. During the fall and winter months, guided tours are offered from Monday to Friday of each week. Contact the Legislative Tour Office for more information. Groups of ten or more and groups that wish to book a tour in a language other than English must contact the Tour Office in advance.
Other activities
After your tour, browse the gift shop or grab a bite to eat at the Legislative Dining Room, a casual restaurant in the building. All facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Details
Payment: All tours are offered free of charge.
