Being the capital of Canada, it should come as no surprise that Ottawa has some of the top museums in the nation. We’ve compiled a list of the top museums in Ottawa, whether you’re seeking for a fun family outing at a working farm or an introduction to the nation’s rich cultural past.
1. In Ottawa, how many museums are there?
Ottawa is the destination for culture vultures, history buffs, and collectors of Canadiana because it is home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums. But there are also a number of other museums to explore.
2. National museums in Ottawa
National Gallery of Canada: One of the best national museums in Ottawa
Explore the National Gallery of Canada to fully appreciate Canada’s artistic treasures. The most comprehensive collection of Canadian art is housed in the stunning modern structure, which also has substantial collections of Indigenous, Asian, and international pieces as well as many works by the Group of Seven.
It also has one of the largest collections of pictures and associated materials in the entire globe. During the Artissimo activity, kids may get creative by playing games, creating their own artwork, and sharing it with people all around the world!
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Canadian Museum of History: The most popular museum in Canada
The Canadian Museum of History is the most popular museum in Canada for a good reason; it houses the largest indoor collection of totem poles in the world, the largest display in Canadian history, and the First Peoples Hall, which celebrates the accomplishments of Indigenous Peoples.
The stunning undulating structure also houses the Canadian Children’s Museum, a place where children can tour the globe and learn about other cultures via engaging activities like a range of toys and games.
Canada Science and Technology Museum: Amazing Ottawa museum for kids
Celebrating Canada’s lengthy history of scientific and technological advancements has never been more enjoyable! The Canada Science and Technology Museum mixes interactive and hands-on aspects with cutting-edge technologies, including augmented reality.
The museum reopened in 2017 following major renovations. Explore both new cutting-edge exhibitions and time-honored favorites like the Crazy Kitchen and enormous locomotives. Children and the young at heart will find nirvana in this Ottawa museum!
Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Many interesting things in this Ottawa museum
Visit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum to enter the realm of air and space in Canada. The vast, hangar-like structure has the largest aviation collection in the nation. It includes exhibits on everything from the early days of flight to the modern aerospace sector, as well as Canada’s involvement in space exploration. Take a real trip in a helicopter or vintage biplane, or try out flight simulators and cockpit seating.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: Explore Canada’s distinctive agricultural heritage
Did you know that Ottawa is home to a thriving farm where you can go to learn more about Canada’s distinctive agricultural heritage? Young and old can encounter farm animals like horses, alpacas, goats, and bunnies at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.
Visit the cows in the dairy barn to discover the milking process. Learn about the various sheep breeds that are used to provide wool, milk, and meat. Additionally, you’ll get daily demonstrations on how to make ice cream, butter, and other enjoyable activities.
Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature, which resembles a castle, is a cool-looking historical structure that also houses reproductions of dinosaurs, whale skeletons, an Arctic gallery, mammals, minerals, birds, insects, and flora. Even live animals are used in some events and activities.
Canadian War Museum: The best place for a moving experience
The Canadian War Museum is home to several spectacular artifacts that illustrate Canada’s military history, including art, artillery, tanks, and jet planes. The architecture of the structure is centered on the idea of renewal and includes symbols like the “Lest We Forget” message written in morse code on the windows, as well as energy-saving elements like a green roof.
The museum holds special Remembrance events and activities every November. Every November 11, at precisely 11:00 a.m., a single window in Memorial Hall receives a ray of sunshine that perfectly frames the headstone from the grave of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.
3. Other Ottawa museums that are worth visiting
Bytown Museum: A little Ottawa museum should be missed
In Ottawa, this tiny museum is frequently overlooked. It is a magnificent exhibit of Ottawa’s history and is situated right on the canal (formerly known as Bytown).
Explore its three tales to learn about the construction of the Ottawa Canal, the Ottawans’ contributions to the war effort, and the history of the local indigenous people. Remember to pass through the cafe to see the vault behind it.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier Historic Display: Learn more about the history of Ottawa
It is worthwhile to duck inside the Chateau Laurier to escape the heat or cold when you are there, whether you are there in the summer, winter, spring, or fall. While you’re there, make your way to the hotel’s back to see the photos on the exhibit that illustrate Ottawa’s past.
Discover Ottawa’s connection to the Titanic and discover how Winston Churchill spent his time there. The turn of the 20th century produced some fantastic images.
Mackenzie King Estate: Â A museum with outdoor experience
The Mackenzie King Estate combines an Ottawa museum with a natural setting. This estate, which is a part of Gatineau Park, served as William Lyon Mackenzie’s country retreat.
He traveled to Canada from the lovely 231-hectare estate to take advantage of the outdoors and to visit the cottages that have been made into museums. We enjoyed going around the Abbey Ruins and the lovely gardens, which included pillars and an Arch du Triomphe.
Rideau Hall: Don’t miss it!
One of the most significant individuals in the Canadian government resides in Rideau Hall, a national historic site. The head of state. There are daily group and private excursions available to see our governor’s residence. General’s The Queen of England’s duties are performed by the Governor-General of Canada.
The official halls used for ceremonies and meetings as well as a portion of the mansion, where our current Governor-General stays, are open to guests. Unquestionably, this is among the fascinating sights in Ottawa.
Laurier House National Historic Site: A special National Historic Site
A National Historic Site, Laurier House was the residence of not one but two Canadian prime ministers. From the late 1800s through the middle of the 1950s, Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie resided in this area in the center of Canadian politics.
Visitors can take a tour of the historic location to observe how our prime leaders used to reside. You could also choose to visit Laurier House on a ghost tour. Many people passed away in this mansion because Wilfrid Laurier was rumored to hold seances there. A visit there at night is unsettling.
4. Are there any free museums in Ottawa?
Every day during the last hour of the day, admission to the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is free. The Bank of Canada Museum is open every day of the year.
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