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Centennial Flame, Ottawa Travel Guide

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A symbol of Canadian unity and history, the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill commemorates the nation's enduring spirit.

The Centennial Flame, located on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, is a monument commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. Lit in 1967, it symbolizes the unity and enduring spirit of the Canadian nation. The flame burns continuously, surrounded by a fountain adorned with the shields of Canada's provinces and territories.

A brief summary to Centennial Flame

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Centennial Flame.

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the evening for a quieter experience and beautiful lighting for photos.
  • Explore the surrounding Parliament Buildings and gardens for a full experience.
  • Check the schedule for special events or ceremonies that may take place around the flame, especially during national holidays.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Centennial Flame is located on Parliament Hill, easily accessible on foot from downtown Ottawa. From the Rideau Centre, walk southwest along Wellington Street. The Flame is situated just inside the Queen's Gates, in front of the Peace Tower.

  • Public Transport

    Take the O-Train Confederation Line (Line 1) to Parliament Station. From the station, walk a short distance north towards Parliament Hill. OC Transpo bus routes also serve Parliament Hill. Check OC Transpo for specific routes and schedules.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near Parliament Hill. From there, it's a short walk to the Centennial Flame. A taxi from Ottawa Station to Parliament Hill typically costs $16-$20.

Discover more about Centennial Flame

The Centennial Flame stands as a powerful symbol of Canada's unity, resilience, and progress. Inaugurated on January 1, 1967, by then-Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, it marked the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. Originally intended as a temporary monument, its popularity led to it becoming a permanent fixture on Parliament Hill.The flame is fueled by natural gas and burns continuously atop a fountain. The fountain features bronze shields representing each of Canada's provinces and territories, with the year they joined Confederation carved in granite. In 2017, a shield for Nunavut was added. The Centennial Flame serves as a focal point for national celebrations and events, including Canada Day and Remembrance Day.Visitors often toss coins into the fountain, which are collected to fund the Centennial Flame Research Award, granted to a person with a disability to conduct research on contributions by Canadians with disabilities to public life. The Centennial Flame is located near the Queen's Gates, in front of the Peace Tower and Centre Block.

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