Supreme Court of Canada | Ottawa, Canada

If you’re traveling to Ottawa, the Supreme Court of Canada should be on your short list of essential city landmarks to explore. Nestled just west of Parliament Hill, this monumental building represents not only the highest court in Canada but also a rich tapestry of heritage, architecture, and cultural significance. This is a must-see for anyone passionate about historical landmarks, tourist attractions, and architectural gems.

Why the Supreme Court of Canada is a Must-See Landmark

The Supreme Court of Canada (French: Cour suprême du Canada) isn’t just the top of the country's judicial pyramid—it is a living monument to Canada’s legal evolution and cultural heritage. This iconic structure is where landmark decisions are made, shaping the lives of Canadians everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of landmark tours, city exploration, or cultural sites, you’ll find the Supreme Court to be a highlight of your Ottawa adventure.

Did you know? The Supreme Court operates in both official languages and across two legal traditions: civil and common law—making it a uniquely Canadian institution!

The Building: Art Deco Meets Canadian Heritage

The Supreme Court of Canada Building is a dream for architecture enthusiasts. Designed by the renowned Ernest Cormier, its elegant Art Deco style—think fluted metal lamp standards and marble lobbies—is beautifully complemented by a whimsical châteauesque roof. Standing tall above the Ottawa River, it’s no surprise the building was included in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s list of the top 500 Canadian buildings of the last millennium. That’s some VIP status when it comes to city landmarks!

Look for these architectural features on your self-guided tour:

• Two impressive candelabrum-style lamp standards flanking the entrance
• Striking marble walls and ornate flooring in the lobby
• Château-style roof peeking above the skyline
• Statues of Veritas (Truth), Justitia (Justice), and Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent

A Storied Past: Legal Milestones and Political Drama

The path to establishing the Supreme Court of Canada wasn’t a straight line. When the country was formed in 1867, Parliament was given the power to create a national court of appeal, but attempts in 1869 and 1870 fizzled. The real breakthrough came in 1875, on the campaign promises of Alexander Mackenzie’s Liberals, when the Supreme Court finally became a reality—right alongside the more business-y Exchequer Court.

Before 1949, the Supreme Court wasn’t the last word in Canadian law; appeals could travel all the way to London’s Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Imagine fighting a court case and needing to buy a ticket to England for a final answer—a quirky historical tidbit for city exploration buffs! It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the Supreme Court claimed its place as the true apex of Canadian justice.

Inside the Court: Law, Language, and Legacy

Staffed by nine justices—including the Chief Justice—this is Canada’s decision-making powerhouse. Every year, it hears cases that range from provincial appeals to critical constitutional dilemmas. The court manages an impressive balancing act between Canada’s dual legal systems (common law and civil law) and is fully bilingual—all decisions since 1970 are released in both French and English, a testament to Canada’s commitment to cultural heritage and inclusion.

• Gender Equality: In 2023, for the first time, the court had a majority of women justices. A true milestone for diversity and representation in a famous building!
• Art and History: Don’t miss the busts of past chief justices and the artful nods to Canada’s legal history within the building.
• Open Doors: Court hearings are open to the public, and the building itself impresses visitors with its sense of solemnity and grandeur.

If architecture is the silent witness of history, then the Supreme Court of Canada is a narrator—telling tales of civil rights, cultural milestones, and national debates.

Captivating Courtyard and Monuments

Not all treasures are behind closed doors! Strolling the grounds, you’ll encounter flagstaffs—one flag flies daily and the other only when the court is in session—as well as sculptures that embody notions of truth, justice, and leadership. The grounds make the Supreme Court a delightful tourist spot for photographers and history buffs alike.

Previously, the court worked from the Parliament’s Railway Committee Room and was later housed in the Old Supreme Court building on Bank Street before moving to its permanent home in 1946. That sense of legacy lingers as you wander the site, making it perfect for a leisurely self-guided audio tour.

Explore Ottawa’s Echoes of Heritage with AudaTours

Ready to unlock Ottawa’s secrets without a live guide? With AudaTours, discover the Supreme Court and many other cultural monuments at your own pace. The Supreme Court of Canada is a featured highlight of the Echoes of Heritage: A Somerset Odyssey tour, perfectly tailored for those who crave deeper stories and immersive city exploration.

Start your Supreme Court adventure with the Echoes of Heritage: A Somerset Odyssey tour now!