Historic Old Town in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Parliament Oak
Photographed by Kevin Westell, August 31, 2025
1. The Parliament Oak - Marker
On this spot stood the Parliament Oak under which the early legislators sat on one day in September 1792
Erected 1915 by Niagara Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.
Location. 43° 15.1′ N, 79° 4.445′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Historic Old Town. It is at the intersection of King Street and Centre Street, on the left when traveling north on King Street. The marker is adjacent to King Street's west sidewalk, 20 metres north of Centre Street. Normally, the marker is easily visible. However, at this time (June 2025), a construction fence restricts viewing it. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 353 King Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Memorial Park (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Courting International Tennis (about 150 meters away); Niagara Land Purchases (about 180 meters away); Ontario's First Railroad - The Erie and Ontario Railroad. (about 180 meters away); Memorial Hall, 1906
this page online
Regarding The Parliament Oak. In 1792, Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake) became the capital of the new province of Upper Canada (now Ontario), and parliament started meeting periodically.
A local rumour is that on one hot day in 1792 or 1793, legislators in the new parliament met outdoors, under a certain large tree. This is only one of several proposed sites within Niagara-on-the-Lake where this event may have occurred. While a large tree probably existed at this location during 1792 and 1793, the tree no longer exists.
During 1948-2015, Parliament Oak School was here.
In 2024, the school was torn down. A hotel is planned for this site.
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025
2. The Parliament Oak Marker
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025
3. The Parliament Oak - Marker in context
The marker is adjacent to King Street's west sidewalk, just past the tree (a maple tree!) and before the utility pole, where the construction fence "bubbles" out.
At this time (June 2025), the marker can only be viewed over the construction fence.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on September 1, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. Photos: 1. submitted on September 1, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
