In 1857, ten years before Canada was born, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as its future capital. A chunk of land approximately 27 acres (11 hectares) in area was chosen as the location of its future parliament. It is atop a bluff over 150 feet (45m+) above the spot where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River. Today "Parliament Hill" is one of the world's most spectacular legislative sites.

Work began on the Parliament buildings in 1859, and by 1866 the three neo-gothic main structures -- Centre, East, and West blocks - ... (more)