Confederation Square

Ottawa's main ceremonial square with the National War Memorial — the ceremonial heart of Canada's capital next to Parliament Hill.

Confederation Square sits at the heart of Ottawa, Canada's capital, immediately adjacent to Parliament Hill. The triangular plaza serves as the country's primary ceremonial space and hosts national commemorations, most notably the Remembrance Day service on November 11th each year. At its center stands the National War Memorial, unveiled in 1939, with the sculptural group "The Response" — a column of soldiers passing through a triumphal arch. It honors Canadians who died in both World Wars and was later expanded to include inscriptions for the Korean War and other conflicts. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the base receives a regular honour guard. The square also holds the Valiants Memorial, commemorating ten remarkable Canadians, and sits at the intersection of some of Ottawa's most prominent streets.