15 Superior Ottawa Museums – What To not Miss and Why

Ottawa is a metropolis of Museums. Just like the Smithsonian of Washington DC, Canada’s Capital homes lots of the nice museums of our nation.

Now we have visited Ottawa a number of occasions. So usually, that it looks like a second dwelling to us.

Throughout our most up-to-date go to, we lastly ticked off the final of the Ottawa museums to see and we will lastly write (with confidence) a information that can assist you select which museums to go to once you go to the Capital of Canada.

Ottawa is dwelling to seven of Canada’s 9 nationwide museums, however there are a number of different museums to go to as properly.

Museums of Ottawa Canada

1. Diefenbunker

It took us at the very least a half a dozen visits earlier than visiting the Diefenbunker, boy we should always have carried out this earlier.

However then once more, in case you’ve watched the collection Chernybol on HBO, it may need extra of an impact on you now than earlier than.

The Diefenbunker is a nuclear bunker that was constructed through the Chilly Struggle, it was named after our Prime Minister of the time, John Diefenbaker.

Inbuilt 1959 on the peak of the nuclear disaster, it was constructed as a bunker for presidency staff that had an vital ability.

No person was allowed to deliver their household, not even the prime minister they usually needed to be ready to dwell underground for the subsequent 30 days not figuring out what they might face as soon as they got here out after a nuclear conflict.

It’s an eerie stroll by means of time and completely jogged my memory of the units utilized in Chernobyl with facet paneling, previous radios and computer systems, and stark assembly rooms.

I’d not wish to be caught in there in any respect.

Particulars

Opening Hours: 10:30 – four:00

Location: 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa

Value: You may take Self Guided or Guided Excursions. Take the guided tour, it’s fascinating. Value for both – $15.49

Parking – Free

Web site: Diefenbunker

2. Canada Aviation and House Museum

Our favorite museum to go to in Ottawa is the Aviation and House Museum. It is in all probability our favorite as a result of every time we go, we both e book a helicopter flight or a biplane flight from there.

The museum is inside an enormous hanger and it’s the place scenic flights depart to take you on a tour over Ottawa.

You may stroll proper to the again wall to e book them.

However the museum itself is extraordinarily attention-grabbing with planes on show from each period of Canadian aviation.

The replace it with new aircrafts frequently. We simply noticed a brand new large jet throughout our final go to.

Particulars

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 5:00 (closed on Tuesdays)

Location: 11 Aviation Parkway 

It’s best to drive, however it’s also positioned on the River Pathway, so a bicycle is an efficient choice there are metropolis bikes to lease throughout city.

Transit: OC Transpo route 129

Value: Grownup $15 / Pupil $13 / Youngster $11

Parking: Paid metre parking

Web site: Canadian Aviation and House Museum

3. Canadian Museum of Nature

That is one other museum that took us just a few visits to Ottawa earlier than seeing and now we have been again twice!

The second you stroll into the Canadian Museum of Nature, you’re in awe of the structure.

This constructing was designed as the primary constructing to accommodate a nationwide museum in Canada.

Constructed-in 1905 it was designed to reflect the Centre Weblog of Parliament. If you enter, there’s a huge facade that has revolving shows of artwork hanging from the ceiling.

This contemporary design is an attractive complement to the historic castle-like stone construction.

All the things you’ll be able to think about is housed on this museum from dinosaurs to butterflies and our private favorite, the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery.

Particulars

Opening Hours: 9:00 – 5:00 / 9:00 – eight:00 Thursdays

Location: 240 McLeod Road

20 Minute stroll from downtown or you’ll be able to speak the bus, a number of routes cease close by.

Examine schedules right here

Value: $15 grownup/ $13 college students / $11 kids

Parking: Paid metre parking on the road and parking zone.

Web site: Canadian Museum of Nature

4. Canadian Museum of Historical past

Positioned throughout the river in Gatineau, this constructing is really a standout.

Additionally it is the proper place to get that postcard shot of the Parliament buildings.

When coming into the constructing, the Grand Corridor hits you with an enormous show of totem poles and indigenous structure from the West Coast of Canada.

The Canadian historical past corridor is an interactive ground that takes you thru the historical past of our nice nation and moreover all the opposite shows, there are a lot of Instagram worthy places outdoors and throughout the constructing to seize its distinctive structure and design.

Particulars

Opening Hours: 9:00 – 5:00 / 9:00 – eight:00 Thursdays

Location: On the river in Gatineau.

Getting there: Take the water taxi and even stroll throughout the bridge (20 minutes) from Ottawa.

Value: Grownup $20 / Pupil $18 / Youngster $12

Parking: Paid metre parking in underground parking zone.

Web site: Historical past Museum

5. Canadian Struggle Museum

That is as genuine because it will get. Have you learnt how I do know this? It is as a result of troopers had been visiting the museum similtaneously us.

So you understand it should be spot on!

There are fascinating reveals detailing Canada’s conflict efforts with shows recalling Canada and the Chilly Struggle, WWI and WWII, and the early wars of Canada between Aboriginal Individuals, the French and the English.

Memorial Corridor although is a spot for reflection and is the place you’ll be able to see the grave of the Unknown Soldier.

Particulars

Opening Hours: 9:30 – 5:00 Thursdays: 9:30 – eight:00 pm.

Location: 1 Vimy Place Ottawa

Value: Grownup $17 / Pupil $13 / Youngster $11 / Senior $15

Parking – Paid metre parking on road and parking zone.

Web site – Canadian Struggle Museum

6. Nationwide Gallery of Canada

I really like the Nationwide Gallery. Each time we go to Ottawa, we cease to take a look at Maman.

Even when we aren’t going inside, the well-known sculpture of a spider with eggs at all times catches our eye.

There are a lot of rotating and everlasting shows and our favorite is the Chapel of Our Woman of the Sacred Coronary heart.

You are feeling as if you’re in a cathedral full with a choir bellowing from 20 audio system.

There’s a lovely glass ceiling within the lobby and it’s value strolling across the museum not solely to have a look at the perfect exhibit of artwork in Canada, however to soak up the gorgeous structure.

Particulars

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 5:00 (closed Mondays)

Location: 380 Sussex Drive

Value: Adults $16 / College students and Youth 24 and Beneath $eight / Seniors $14

Parking – Underground Parking paid. However it’s simple to stroll from wherever in Ottawa too.

Web site – Nationwide Gallery

7. Bytown Museum

This little museum is commonly missed in Ottawa. Positioned instantly on the canal, it’s a pretty show of the historical past of Ottawa (previously generally known as Bytown)

Take a stroll by means of its three tales to view the making of the Ottawa Canal, the conflict efforts by the individuals of Ottawa and the indigenous historical past of the world.

Do not forget to stroll by means of the cafe to see the vault within the again.

Particulars

Opening Hours: Day by day 10:00 – 5:00 pm (restricted winter hours)

Location: 1 Canal Lane on the foot of the Rideau Canal

Value: $2 (finest deal within the metropolis!)

Parking – Paid metre parking on road and parking zone.

Web site – Bytown Museum

8. Fairmont Chateau Laurier Historic Show

Whether or not you go to throughout summer season, winter, spring or fall, it’s value ducking into the Chateau Laurier to flee the warmth or chilly.

While you’re in there, stroll to the again of the lodge to view the images on show showcasing the historical past of Ottawa.

Study of the Titanic reference to Ottawa and see how Winston Churchill spent his time within the metropolis.

There are some nice pictures from the flip of the 20th century.

Particulars

Opening Hours: anytime

Location: Inside Chateau Laurier Lodge

Value: Free

Parking – valet parking at lodge. Greatest to park on the road and stroll to the museum.

Web site – Chateau Laurier

9. Laurier Home Nationwide Historic Web site

Laurier Home is a Nationwide Historic Web site that was dwelling to not one however two Prime Ministers of Canada.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie lived right here within the coronary heart of Canadian politics from the late 1800s to the mid-1950s.

Guests can tour the historic web site to see how our prime ministers lived again within the day. Or you are able to do as we did, take a ghost tour of Laurier Home.

Wilfrid Laurier was identified to have seances in the home and many individuals died right here. It’s an eerie place to go to at evening.

Particulars

Opening Hours: Could – Sept 10am – 5pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesdays)

Location: 335 Laurier Ave East – 20 minute stroll from downtown.

Value: Grownup $three.90 / Senior $three.40 / youth Free

Parking – Paid metre parking on road

Web site – Laurier Home

10. Rideau Corridor

Particulars

Opening Hours: Excursions booked by appointment 10am – 4pm

Grounds – eight am to sundown year-round

Location: 1 Sussex Drive

Value: Free

Web site – Rideau Corridor

11. Canada Science and Expertise Museum

It is a enjoyable museum for the children. Just like the Science Centre in Toronto, this museum takes you for a stroll by means of the historical past of Science and Expertise.

A spotlight is the slanted kitchen. Kits flock to that to really feel the pull of gravity and we cherished the show of previous computer systems and TVs.

It is interactive and there may be even a giant prepare space. Who does not love trains?

Particulars

Opening Hours: 9am – 5 pm each day (closed Mondays in off season)

Location: 1867 St Laurent BLVD

Value: Grownup $17 / Senior $13 / Studen $11

Parking – Paid metre in parking zone.

Web site – Museum of Science and Expertise

12. Ladies of Canada Historical past

Okay, so it may not be a correct museum, however it is a should go to. Positioned instantly outdoors the senage throughout from the Chateau Laurier is a superb show of Canadian girls by means of historical past.

This show celebrates girls who broke obstacles, made a distinction and have historic significance.

From our first (and to date solely) feminine Prime Minister Kim Campbell to Viola Desmond, an activist who now graces our $10 invoice.

Particulars

Opening Hours: anytime

Location: in entrance of The Senate throughout from Chateau Laurier

Value: free

Parking – Paid metre parking on road.

13. Canadian Agriculture and Meals Museum

Rising up in rural Ontario I’ve seen a variety of farms and livestock.

However for individuals who wish to be taught of how our meals is grown, raised and produced, that is an attention-grabbing museum.

I feel that international guests would love this exhibit. It is the world’s solely working farm in a capital metropolis.

I grew up within the coronary heart of the Dairy Capital of Ontario and noticed a variety of Holstein cows. This museum has lots of the essential cattle breeds of Canada plus different cattle like horses, goats, al pacas, and chickens.

Children will love watching the sheep sheering and seeing how honey bees are collected.

Particulars

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm each day (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Location: 901 Princes of Wales Drive

Value: Grownup $12 / Senior, pupil and youth $10

Parking – Paid metre parking in parking zone.

Web site – Canadian Agriculture and Meals Museum

14. Higher Canada Village

It is slightly little bit of a drive outdoors of Ottawa, however this is a superb solution to get to know the historical past and tradition of how Canada was constructed.

Stroll by means of the show of buildings courting again to 1860 to see how individuals lived in Higher Canada.

There are conventional shows and demonstrations. There are greater than 40 buildings that had been moved from the Saint Lawrence earlier than the event of the Saint Lawrence Seaway mission and are protected on this web site that sits on the Struggle of 1812 Battle of Crysler Farm web site

Particulars

Opening Hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Autumn season has restricted hours)

Location: 11km east of Morrisburg. Go to the Web site for instructions.

Value: Grownup $22 / Pupil $16 / Youth $13

Parking – Free

Web site – Higher Canada Village

15. Mackenzie King Property

Mackenzie King Property is a museum and out of doors expertise suddenly. Positioned in Gatineau Park, this property was the agricultural retreat to Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie.

He left the attractive 231 hectare property to Canada to benefit from the nice outdoor and to tour the cottage which have been was museums.

Our favorite a part of this go to was strolling by means of the Abbey Ruins and the attractive gardens full with pillars and an Arch du Triomphe.

Particulars

Opening Hours: Weekdays – 10am – 5pm Weekends 11am – 6pm

Closed Tuesdays

Location: Gatineau Park

Value: Free

Parking – Paid metre parking in parking zone.

Web site – Mackenzie King Property

And there you’ve gotten it. Our favorite museums to go to in Ottawa. Have you ever been to Ottawa? What do you assume are the perfect issues to do.