It’s a summer’s evening sometime in July, August or early September.

It’s been a hot day, and nightfall has brought welcome relief from the sometimes humid summer weather and you are looking for something different to do in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

Consider taking in The Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill - Northern Lights in downtown Ottawa.

What is The Sound and Light Show in Ottawa?

It is the story of Canada presented via sound and music and with giant images projected onto the Parliament Buildings.

There are one or two 30 minute shows every night in July, August and in early September, weather permitting. It's best to check their website.

The organizers caution that The Sound and Light Show may be cancelled if there is bad weather or it may be replaced with an online video during COVID.

The shows are presented in English and French.

It’s quite a magical experience, and what a venue. You’re only a few minutes walk down to the dozens of restaurants and pubs at the  famous Byward Market  so you can combine some excellent no-charge entertainment with a late night supper!

Take in The Sound And Light Show on Parliament Hill - Northern Lights (the Spectacle Son et Lumiere in French) and enjoy part of what makes Ottawa an awesome capital city to visit!

What cost to attend the Parliament Sound and Light Show?

Just show up! There is no admission charge.

There are bleacher seats available, which are set up every night for the show, and then removed before the changing of the guard next morning.

Many of the folks that I saw brought their own lawn type chairs, so they didn’t have to worry about getting a bleacher seat.

And, unless you deliberately stand behind an obstruction, there are no bad seats. This is a huge outdoor theatre with the Parliament Buildings as the screen. Awesome!

Any nearby parking?

I do want to caution you that parking is limited and expensive if you try to leave your car anywhere adjacent to the Parliament Hill. All the more reason to stay in a hotel within walking distance of most of Ottawa’s sites, or take the very affordable and comfortable OC Transpo, or a cab/Uber/Lyft.

Comments and candid photos about The Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill - Northern Lights experience are welcome.