A friend invited me to the Ontario Legislative Building Tour (home of the provincial government), and this one included afternoon tea, and suggested it would be exceptional. They were not wrong, and I would only later find out why the tour description was so vague.
Arriving at the Ontario Legislative Building
Told to arrive between 15 and 30 minutes early, I walked around Queen’s Park to the door on the southwest corner for my Ontario Legislative Building tour. Just outside, I was greeted by a woman at a podium who directed me into the building, where I had to check in with my photo ID and undergo airport-style security.
Our tour group gathered at tables next to the cafeteria, as there were regular guided tours, plus others, including tea. Our group was taken by elevator to the main entrance to hang our coats. There are a few exhibits and a gift shop featuring Ontario-made items such as maple syrup.
Ontario Legislative Building Tour
The tour takes about 45 minutes, and we followed our guide to an area with paintings of various former premiers, walked past the Premier’s office, and saw an area featuring paintings of prominent Ontario women.
We next walked into the Legislative Chamber with information about the seating, building construction, wooden carvings, crystal chandelier, and more. We were advised that one carving of Queen Victoria was intentionally meshed. Did you know the opposition faces a carving of an eagle, and the government an owl carving?
As we walked further down a hallway, a woman came out and stated she was the painter of one done in 1977. The history of the painting came to life with her description of how she was chosen and why this painting is so outstanding. Not mentioned was that she is an actor and fooled me for a few minutes.
Further down the hall, another woman in costume claimed to be a telephone operator on duty the day the Parliament Buildings caught fire in the early 1900s. She explained the experience with a lot of passion.
She then stopped a gentleman walking by who claimed to be the Premier (in 1914) and explained he was getting ready for the election. We also gathered around a bust of Lincoln Alexander near the lieutenant governor’s suite to learn about his role.
Afternoon Tea at Ontario’s Legislative Building
We were taken into an elegant dining room where the tables were set for afternoon tea (Earl Grey and Orange Pekoe), and pink lemonade. On the silver trays were sandwiches, scones, pastries, fresh cream, and jam. When talking to the staff, I found everything in made right in the building.
I found out that the person sitting next to me was from Calgary, and discovered that a lot of visitors from out of town take this tour.
We dug into the food with the tea, but were soon joined by the 3 actors again, who recited some stories, sang songs from the early 1900s, and entertained us during our tea service.
Booking an Ontario Legislative Building Tour
Information on Ontario Legislative programs and tours. They are located in downtown Toronto at University Avenue and Wellesley St W, surrounded by the University of Toronto and government buildings.
Afternoon Tea and Tour – cost of $45 (subject to change); this tour fills up quickly
Art & Architecture Tour – no charge
Legislative Building Tour – no charge, and the tour time is 30 minutes
Ghost tour of Legislative Building – for spooky happenings, take the evening 1-hour tour, held in October (free). Learn the stories of the lady in the checkered dress and the whispering Speaker, as this was the site of a former hospital.
Virtual tour – for a 360 virtual experience
Toronto Sightseeing
A nearby point of interest is the Royal Ontario Museum. For more Toronto history, check out the Distillery District Walking Tour, one of my favourite stops in the city. The Kensington Market and Chinatown tour shows you a different part of the city.
If you are a visitor from out of town, tie these all together with the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus tour.
Wrap-Up: Ontario Legislative Building Tours
Ontario is not the only province with actors at Parliament Buildings. In Charlottetown, PEI, there are some very passionate and highly informed people from 1864 explaining things such as why PEI should not join Canada and other topics.
Also, consider a visit to the Toronto Islands for an interesting view of the city and many activities. A list of 25 of the best things to do in Toronto.
Having tea at the Legislative Building is one of the hidden gems in Toronto that not many people are aware of.
