Fairmont Château Laurier
One of Canada's most iconic hotels and a National Historic Site since 1981. The 1912 Châteauesque limestone building sits between Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal locks, with a lobby, restaurants, and public spaces open to all visitors.
Features
About the Fairmont Château Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier is one of Canada's most recognizable buildings — a Châteauesque limestone hotel overlooking the Rideau Canal locks and Parliament Hill. Named after Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's seventh Prime Minister, it has been a National Historic Site since 1981.
The hotel was commissioned by Charles Melville Hays, president of the Grand Trunk Railway, and designed by architects Ross and MacFarlane. Construction began in 1909 and the hotel opened on June 12, 1912 — delayed from its original April date after Hays died aboard the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912.
Architecture
The building is a defining example of the Châteauesque style — French Gothic Revival with conical turrets, dormer windows, steep copper roof, and pale Indiana limestone facades. The style became so influential that it shaped federal architecture in Ottawa for decades, including the Confederation Building and the Supreme Court of Canada.
The interior features Italian marble, Czech crystal, and Tiffany stained-glass windows. A 1929 expansion by architects Archibald and Schofield added 240 rooms and an east wing along Mackenzie Avenue.
The hotel has 429 guest rooms.
Visiting
The lobby and public spaces are open to everyone — no hotel reservation needed. The hotel describes the building as a place for "everyone to explore."
Dining (Open to Public)
- Wilfrid's — Award-winning restaurant with views of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal locks, and the Ottawa River. Regional Canadian cuisine. Weekend brunch: $69 adults / $34.50 children. Reservations recommended
- Zoe's — Named after Zoé Laurier (Sir Wilfrid's wife). Craft cocktails, small bites, afternoon tea. A gathering spot for guests and locals
- La Terrasse — Restaurant and bar
- Café Laurier — Café
- Summer patio — Adjacent to Zoe's, with views of Parliament Hill and the Gatineau Hills
Parking
96 parking spaces with valet service. $67.80/day with in/out privileges.
Getting There
- By O-Train: Rideau Station (Line 1), approximately 5-minute walk
- By Bus: Multiple OC Transpo routes on Rideau Street
- On Foot: Adjacent to the Rideau Canal locks, Major's Hill Park, and the ByWard Market
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Details
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