Skip to main content

Visiting the Legislature

Welcome to the Parliament Buildings, home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia where elected representatives – called Members of the Legislative Assembly or MLAs – meet to shape the future of the province by debating and passing the laws that govern British Columbia.

The Parliament Buildings and surrounding areas are located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking (pronounced Le-KWUNG-en) peoples. Now known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, these Coast Salish people have a rich culture and history dating back thousands of years.

 

Hours of Operation

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on weekends and holidays.

Cost: Free

Self Guided Tours: Visitors can take their own self-guided tour at any time between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Self-guided tour books are available at the tour desk in a variety of languages.

Guided Tours: Please consult the public tour schedule for tour times. Guided tours are free and last approximately 40 minutes. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to allow for time to pass through security screening. No advance registration required.

 

How to Visit

 

 

Visitor Notices

Monday, November 18 - The Parliament Buildings will be open from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. Last entry for the Main Entrance will be at 11:30 am.

 

Visitor Information

Parliamentary Dining Room

The Parliamentary Dining Room is open from Monday to Friday for breakfast and lunch.

Reservations are recommended (250-387-3959).

To visit the Dining Room, enter through the accessible entrance, located to the right of the front steps.

Public Gallery

​Visitors are welcome to observe proceedings from the Public Galleries. Please check the Parliamentary Calendar to see if the Legislative Assembly will be sitting on the day of your visit.

Visitors can also observe Parliamentary Committee meetings. Public meetings of Parliamentary Committees are listed in the Committee Meeting Calendar.

Parliamentary Gift Shop

​The Parliamentary Gift Shop offers a variety of gifts that are custom made for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Please visit our shop adjacent to the exit on the main floor.

Accessibility

The Parliament Buildings are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs and scooters, those with limited mobility, and children in strollers.

  • The accessible entrance can be reached from the front driveway on the west side of the Parliament Buildings (to the right of the front steps).

  • For visitors with accessibility requirements, the best place to park, or be dropped off, is immediately beside the property on Menzies Street.

  • Visitors are welcome to bring supportive devices or service animals.

  • Elevators can be used to travel between floors while inside the Parliament Buildings.

  • An accessible washroom is located in the east hallway on the second floor.

  • If you want to see more of the interior of the Parliament Buildings before you arrive, please visit our virtual tour page.

If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, please speak with a member of our staff.

Security Screening and Access

All visitors must pass through security screening prior to entry.

Pets are not permitted inside, but service animals are welcome.

There is nowhere for visitors to leave bags or luggage.

The Parliament Buildings are located at 501 Belleville Street in Victoria, British Columbia.

  • There is no public parking on the property. Street parking and pay parking lots are located nearby.

  • For visitors with accessibility requirements, the best place to park, or be dropped off, is immediately beside the property on Menzies Street.

  • Outdoor bike racks are located on either side of the buildings.  

  • A bus stop is located on the Government Street side of the property.

For more information, please visit our Transportation and Parking

Please visit Destination Greater Victoria for more information on Victoria and the Capital Region.

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia may grant permission for use of the grounds of the Parliament Buildings for non-commercial and non-electoral events. To find out how to ask for permission, please visit the Book the Grounds page.