The BC Parliament Buildings sit right on Victoria’s Inner Harbour and are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Even if you are not into politics, it is an easy stop with manicured lawns, statues, fountains, and impressive stonework, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
Visitors can walk the 12.5-acre grounds, admire the architecture and public art, or head inside for free guided and self-guided tours on weekdays year-round, plus seven days a week from Victoria Day through the end of August. The BC Parliament Buildings work well as a quick photo stop, a relaxed stroll between other Inner Harbour sights, or a deeper visit if you want to learn about BC’s history and how the provincial government works.
What to expect
- Best for: First-time visitors to Victoria, history lovers, photographers, and anyone exploring the Inner Harbour on foot.
- Time needed: 20–30 minutes for a quick walk and photos, 1–2 hours if you add an interior tour and time in the gardens.
- Cost: Free to walk the grounds and free guided and self-guided interior tours during opening hours.
- Tours: Free public tours typically run on weekdays and last about 40 minutes. Self-guided visits are available during opening hours; check the Legislative Assembly website for the latest schedule.
- Hours: Interior access is generally available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with seasonal changes. The exterior grounds are usually open during daylight hours.
- Accessibility: Paved walkways around the grounds, an accessible entrance on the west side of the main steps, elevators inside, and accessible washrooms when the buildings are open.
- Parking and transit: No public parking on the property. Use nearby street parking or pay lots, or walk from downtown hotels. BC Transit buses stop along Government Street.
- Nearby stays: Many Inner Harbour hotels are within a short walk. If you are planning a trip, pair this stop with our Victoria hotels guide.
- Map link: Open the BC Parliament Buildings in Google Maps for live directions.
One of the most captured photos in Victoria includes the BC Parliament Buildings, which are located on a 12.5-acre site with beautiful fountains, gardens and architecture. Making the Parliament grounds an iconic part of Victoria’s inner harbour.
The buildings, constructed between 1893 and 1897, were originally designed in granite and Koksilah sandstone, but the sandstone was rejected as unsound in 1894 and the complex was finished in Haddington Island andesite, a light grey volcanic stone from northern Vancouver Island.
Even if you aren’t interested in politics or history, walking the grounds at the BC Parliament Buildings is a must. And for those who want to dive deeper into the province’s history and politics, tours are available where you’ll learn about the province’s political system, the role of the Legislative Assembly, and the history of the buildings themselves. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Victoria, exploring the BC Parliament Buildings is a fascinating experience.
Visiting BC Parliament Buildings
If you plan a walk around the Parliament Buildings and Legislative grounds, you’re in for a treat. Located in a great central location close to Victoria Hotels on the Inner Harbour, we have gathered some information and helpful tips to help you plan your experience.
Legislative Grounds
The Parliament Buildings are located on Belleville Street, overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The grounds are open to the public and are a great place to relax and take in the views.
Starting from Belleville Street, this walking tour will guide you through the scenic grounds, showcasing remarkable landmarks and serene nature spots. Perfect for history buffs, garden enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of Victoria, this walk promises a delightful experience for all.
Approaching from Belleville Street: A Grand Entrance
As you approach from Belleville Street, the majesty of the Parliament Buildings immediately captivates you. Here, the blend of free classical, Renaissance and Romanesque architecture sets a regal backdrop. Your first encounter is the expansive green lawns. This area, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic, offers a panoramic view of the building’s impressive facade.
Queen Victoria Statue and the Knowledge Totem Pole: Symbols of History and Culture
Near the entrance, you’ll find the imposing statue of Queen Victoria, a nod to British Columbia’s colonial heritage. This statue, standing as a symbol of Victoria’s past, invites you to reflect on the region’s rich history.
A short distance away, the Knowledge Totem Pole captures your attention. Crafted by Indigenous artists, this totem pole is a profound representation of the area’s Indigenous roots and a reminder of the cultural tapestry that shapes British Columbia.
Statues and Carvings
When you visit the BC Legislative Library, prepare to be captivated by the stunning array of statues and carvings that adorn its exterior.
Designed by Francis Rattenbury, these artistic treasures were carved by the talented Charles Marega and Bernard Carrier. Among them are 14 statues of influential figures in British Columbia’s history, including explorers, judges, and an indigenous chief, thoughtfully selected by the provincial librarian E.O.S. Scholefield.
The library’s façade also features six medallions with the faces of legendary literary figures like Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare, celebrating their impact on European literature and philosophy.
What’s more, the library’s domes are graced with twelve ‘Allegorical Women’ or ‘Muses,’ each representing a different artistic discipline such as Music, Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture.
It’s always a good idea to look up and keep your eyes open for any exquisite statues on display. These artistic creations can often be hidden in plain sight and add beauty and elegance to any environment. So, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate them and even snap a picture or two to remember them.
The Centennial Fountain
Moving towards the back of the Parliament Buildings, the Centennial Fountain emerges as a symbol of British Columbia’s centennial celebrations. This fountain, with its intricate design and playful water displays, offers a refreshing stop. Here, take a moment to admire the detailed stonework and artistry of the Parliament Buildings. The architectural nuances, from stained glass windows to ornate carvings, tell a story of craftsmanship and pride.
Armouries Drill Hall
The large red brick building was the Armouries Drill Hall, completed in 1894; initially built for the 5th British Columbia Regiment of the Garrison Artillery, it served as a drill hall and a social venue.
In 1921, the building was handed over to the provincial government and has since been repurposed, first as the home of the provincial police department and the motor vehicle branch, and now housing offices for the Legislative Assembly staff and various media outlets.
Replica Speaker’s Chair
Tucked away in a quaint green space, you’ll find the Replica Speaker’s Chair, a tribute unveiled on July 17th, 2013, to honour the pivotal role of the Speaker in parliamentary democracy and the individuals who have served as Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Assistant Deputy Speakers in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
Crafted from painted cast aluminum with a Douglas Fir seat, this symbolic chair is encircled by over 80 bricks, each engraved with the names, positions, and tenures of past office holders. Positioned in the Speaker’s courtyard and facing north, mirroring the orientation of the Speaker’s Chair in the Legislative Chamber.
Premier’s Rose Garden and Sundial: A Floral Delight
Continuing your journey, the Premier’s Rose Garden awaits with its vibrant array of roses. This small, meticulously maintained garden, with its sweet fragrances and kaleidoscope of colours, is a testament to Victoria’s nickname, “The City of Gardens.” In the centre, the sundial is an intriguing historical piece.
For more floral inspiration, browse our complete guide to Victoria BC’s top gardens, including Butchart, Abkhazi, and more.
Confederation Garden Court
Concluding your tour, cross Menzies Street to Confederation Garden Court. Home to the Spirit of the Republic Statue, and the centrepiece of this serene garden is the Confederation Fountain. Created in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial of Confederation, this tranquil oasis, just west of the Parliament Buildings, is a living tribute to the nation’s unity. The magnificent three-tiered Confederation Fountain symbolizes the collaborative spirit that binds Canada’s provinces and territories.
Not just a visual delight, the park also houses a fascinating time capsule buried under a one-tonne lid containing artifacts from 1967, awaiting its unveiling in 2067.
But it’s not all about the past; a recent addition of colour-changing LED lights has transformed the park, marrying its rich history with a touch of contemporary flair. These lights enhance the park’s beauty and underscore Victoria’s commitment to sustainability, casting a mesmerizing glow that brings the park to life in a spectrum of colours.
Tour Information
The BC Parliament Buildings are open for free guided tours and self-guided tours on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Free guided tours are offered regularly throughout the day. You can check the tour schedule on the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia’s website. Self-guided tour books are available at the front desk.
BC Parliament Building Virtual Tour
Contact the Parliamentary Tour Program at 250-387-3046 for more information.
Inside the BC Parliament Buildings
Once you clear security, free guided tours start in the Lower Rotunda and self-guided tour booklets are available at the Tour Desk in a variety of languages. The interior is built around two domed rotundas and a series of formal ceremonial rooms decorated in marble, stained glass, and gilded plasterwork, with most of the interior open to the public on weekdays.
Highlights you’ll see on both guided and self-guided tours include:
- The Lower Rotunda. The main public entry point and the start of guided tours, sitting directly under the central dome.
- Shxwtitostel, the river canoe in the Lower Rotunda. A traditional inland river canoe carved from a single red cedar log by the Hon. Steven Point, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of BC and the first Indigenous person in that role, together with Chief Tony Hunt of the KwaGulth. Steven Point found the log on Ross Bay beach in Victoria, and its tapered ends suggested someone had begun carving it into a canoe possibly 500 years earlier.
The canoe was designed for night fishing on Coast Salish rivers: a fire was lit in the pit at the bow, the hunter hid behind a bulrush blind, and fish drawn upward by the light were speared at the surface. The name, in Halq’eméylem, means “a safe place to cross the river,” intended as a bridge between peoples. - The Memorial Rotunda. A smaller domed space on the upper floor honouring British Columbians who served in the World Wars.
- The Reception Hall. A formal ceremonial room used for state functions, with marble columns and ornate plasterwork. It is also where the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Window now hangs.
- The Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Window. A stained glass window installed in the original building that was packed away in the cellar in 1912 during construction of the Legislative Library, then forgotten for 62 years before being rediscovered during the 1974 restoration. At the top of the window is British Columbia’s original 1895 coat of arms, in which a setting sun was placed above the Union Jack on the shield.
When the design was sent to British heralds for approval, they refused to ratify it because it could be read as the sun setting on the British Empire and ordered the positions reversed.
The 1906 official coat of arms put the Union Jack on top and the sun below, where they remain today. The province’s Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu (“splendor without setting”), is a nod to the same Empire phrase. - The official British Columbia Coat of Arms. The current 1906 version, with the Union Jack above the setting sun and a gold antique crown added at the heralds’ direction, is displayed prominently in the building’s ceremonial spaces.
- The portrait of King Charles III. The current reigning monarch portrait, hung in place of the previous Queen Elizabeth II portrait after the accession in 2022.
- Stained glass windows for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees. Installed to mark the late Queen’s 50 and 60 years on the throne.
- The Legislative Chamber. Viewable from the Public Galleries when the Assembly is sitting. Check the Parliamentary Calendar on the Legislative Assembly website for sitting days and times before you visit if watching debates is part of your plan.
Photography is generally allowed throughout the public areas, though flash and tripods are not permitted in the Chamber. Bags are scanned at the entrance, so plan for a short security line at the front door, especially mid-morning in summer when tour groups arrive.
Accessibility and Facilities
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is committed to providing accessible services to all visitors. Service animals are welcome. Security screening is required for all visitors. The Legislative Library, Parliamentary Dining Room, and Parliamentary Gift Shop are located on the premises.
Transportation and Parking
There is no public parking on the property. Street parking and pay parking lots are located nearby. Underground paid parking is available behind the Fairmont Empress at the Victoria Conference Centre.
For visitors with accessibility requirements, the best place to park, or be dropped off, is immediately beside the property on Menzies Street. Outdoor bike racks are located on either side of the buildings behind the East and West Annexes.
A bus stop is located on Government Street. For current bus routes, visit BC Transit Next Ride.
Hours and Holidays
The BC Parliament Buildings are generally open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and closed on weekends and statutory holidays. Confirm current hours on the Legislative Assembly website before you visit.
Street parking is available along Government Street and nearby blocks, along with several pay lots close to the Inner Harbour.
There’s More To See
Historical Significance
The British Columbia Parliament Buildings, located in Victoria, hold great historical significance for the province of British Columbia and Canada. The buildings were designed by a 25-year-old architect, Francis Rattenbury, who went on to design other notable buildings in Victoria, such as the Empress Hotel, the CPR Marine Terminal, and the Bank of Montreal building.
Construction on the Parliament Buildings began in 1893 and was completed in 1897. The buildings were designed in a Neobaroque style.
In the exterior of the Legislative Library, there are 14 statues depicting prominent individuals from the history of British Columbia. Among these statues are Chief Maquinna, Captain George Vancouver, Captain James Cook, and Sir Anthony Musgrave.
The Parliament Buildings stand on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, now known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
For more ideas, see our full guide to things to do in Victoria
