Newly Restored Library of Parliament Rated One Of Canada's Top Tourist Draws

JUN

Newly Restored Library of Parliament Rated One Of Canada's Top Tourist Draws

It's taken 10 years of preparation and 4 years of closure, but the oldest building on Parliament Hill has finally been re-opened. If you have a love and appreciation for Victorian Gothic architecture, the Parliamentary Library is a must-see. In 1916 a fire ripped through Parliament Hill and destroyed everything except for the octagonal-shaped library which was originally built in 1876. In fact, had a librarian not closed the big iron doors during the breakout of the 1916 fire, the library would almost assuredly burned to the ground.

The 130-year old building, overlooking the Ottawa River was quite literally falling apart. Leaking windows, vastly outdated electrical wiring and crumbling walls made the restoration a necessity. It took $136 million but just about every aspect of the library has been updated, including some added features like a climate-controlled basement to help store archived books and documents.

It sounds cliche but Canada does have a lot to offer any tourist be they foreign or Canadian. Whether you are a history buff, or a thrill seeker sometimes the best trips and tourist attractions are close to home.

Stand atop a glass-floored platform that soars 190 metres above Calgary. Experience British Columbia in a new interactive way. Canoe the Bow River through the heart of Banff. View an incredible collection of ceramics in Toronto. Watch the historic changing of the guard in Halifax. These are just some of the hot new experiences awaiting travellers across Canada this summer.

Library of Parliament rated a top tourist draw this summer [Ottawa Business Journal]
Canada's Top Ten New Attractions for Summer 2006 [WHERE Canada]

TAGS: canada library ottawa parliament tourism