The Alberta Legislature Building is one of Edmonton's finest pieces of Beaux-Arts architecture — a domed sandstone structure completed in 1913 and set in ornamental grounds above the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River. The building houses the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and is open to the public for free guided tours year-round.
The interior is worth seeing even if provincial politics are not your passion: the rotunda under the dome is particularly impressive, with marble from across the British Empire and mosaics that were installed during an era of confident provincial spending. The public gallery above the legislative chamber allows visitors to observe debates when the Assembly is in session.
The grounds around the building are a well-maintained civic park, with fountains, gardens, and a duck pond. In summer they are used for public events; in winter the fountain basin is converted to a skating rink. Free guided tours of the interior depart from the main entrance throughout the day; booking is not required.