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Legislative Assembly of Ontario: The Heart of Ontario's Democracy

Explore Ontario's Legislative Assembly in Toronto: A historic landmark where laws are made and democracy unfolds.

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The Legislative Assembly of Ontario, situated in downtown Toronto's Queen's Park, has been the seat of Ontario's provincial government since 1893. This architectural marvel, designed in the Richardson Romanesque style, offers visitors a glimpse into the province's history, art, and democratic processes.

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Local tips

  • Take a free guided tour to fully appreciate the history and architecture of the Legislative Building.
  • Check the Legislative Assembly's website for tour availability, especially if you wish to visit the Lieutenant Governor's Suite.
  • All visitors are required to go through airport-style security screening. Arrive early to allow time for potential lines.
  • Queen's Park station is the closest subway stop. Consider public transport as parking is limited.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The closest subway station is Queen's Park on the Yonge-University line. From the station, walk north along University Avenue, then turn right onto Wellesley Street West. The Legislative Building will be on your right within Queen's Park. A single fare is CAD 3.35 if paying with cash, CAD 3.30 with a Presto card.

  • Walking

    From the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), head south on Queen's Park Crescent West. Continue onto Queen's Park, and you'll see the Legislative Building on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near the visitor's entrance on the south side of the building. Be aware that traffic can be heavy in this area, especially during peak hours. A short taxi ride from downtown Toronto (e.g., near Union Station) will cost approximately CAD 10-20, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    Limited wheelchair-accessible parking is available in the northeast parking lot and in the south drive on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors with accessible parking permits. There is no other public parking on the grounds. Paid public parking is available at several lots within a 10-minute walk. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around CAD 6 per two hours at nearby meters. Garages can cost CAD 25 or more for a couple of hours.

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Discover more about Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Located in the heart of Toronto within Queen's Park, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario is where the province's laws are made. Completed in 1893, the building itself is a sight to behold, showcasing Richardson Romanesque architecture with pink sandstone exterior walls, Vermont slate roofing and intricate carvings. Inside, visitors can explore the Legislative Chamber, adorned with mahogany and sycamore wood carvings and hand-painted murals. The building also houses a collection of artwork from the Government of Ontario Art Collection and the Lieutenant Governor's Suite, which is a working office used for official functions. The Legislative Assembly has a rich history, dating back to 1867 when the British North America Act divided the Province of Canada into Ontario and Quebec. The first Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada actually met in Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake) in 1792. In 1797, it moved to York (now Toronto). The current building is not the first one to house the Assembly in Toronto, as the original brick building was burned down in 1813 by American troops. Visitors can take free guided tours year-round to learn about the building's history, architecture, and the traditions of Parliament. These tours often include a visit to the Lieutenant Governor's Suite, offering a peek into the Crown's representative working office in Ontario. The building also hosts exhibits about Parliament, community history, and Indigenous and historic artworks.

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