Bytown Museum

Parliament Hill is one of Canada’s most iconic sites and a must-see when visiting Canada’s capital. The historic, neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings stand tall on a hill overlooking the majestic Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa. And although the buildings are home to the country’s federal government (Prime Minister Justin Trudeau works there), visitors are welcome on-site for free tours and programming all year-long. Whether you visit Parliament Hill for a selfie, for a tour, or to experience one of the many free events, you’ll never run out of things to discover! https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ottawa-insider/parliament-hill/

Enter the heart of the economic system and explore fun, hands-on, interactive exhibits that cover everything from how people’s expectations affect the health of an economy to how inflation targeting works (hint: you get to fly a rocket ship!). Mixed in with all the high-tech inter actives are informative videos, multimedia stations and old-school exhibits featuring centuries’ worth of economic artifacts: from shells once used as money, to bank notes made from tree bark, together with their history and lore.Stimulating. Engaging. Most of all, fun. Come join us and explore the Bank’s role in the economy and your own, very important, place in it. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/bank-of-canada-museum/

Canada is all about nature. The beautiful vistas and wildlife you expect to see, you WILL see at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Just minutes from Parliament Hill, the Museum features world class galleries: See iconic mammals, Canada’s original collection of dinosaur fossils; an enormous blue whale skeleton; and a new Arctic Gallery, opening June 2017. 3D movies, special exhibitions, guided tours and workshops available. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/canadian-museum-of-nature/

The Farm in the Heart of the City! The Museum offers programs and exhibitions on Canada’s agricultural heritage, food literacy, and on the benefits and relationship of agricultural science and technology to Canadians’ everyday lives. Visit the animal barns and explore the captivating exhibitions. Celebrate a Canadian crop in the Museum’s newest exhibition — Canola! Seeds of Innovation. Other exhibitions include Tractors, Food Preservation: The Science You Eat (presented by Nestlé Canada), and Discovery Park. Programming includes special weekend theme events, school programs, summer day camps, interpretive tours, and demonstrations. All admission prices do not include applicable taxes and are subject to change without notice. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/canada-agriculture-and-food-museum/

The Museum presents the complete story of Canada’s rich aviation and aerospace heritage. The Collection itself consists of more than 130 aircraft and artifacts (propellers, engines) from both civil and military service. The most extensive aviation collection in Canada, it is also considered one of the finest aviation museums in the world. Visitors can explore the story of flight through demonstrations, guided tours, and more! Museum Highlights: Largest surviving piece of the famous Avro Arrow; the original Canadarm used on the Endeavour space shuttle; Lancaster WWII bomber; Life in Orbit: The International Space Station exhibition. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/canada-aviation-and-space-museum/

The all-new Canada Science and Technology Museum provides a highly digital experience for the whole family – igniting visitors with a passion for science and inspiring the next generation of Canadian innovators. After undergoing an $80.5-million renewal of its entire building, the museum features over 7,400 m2 (80,000 sq. ft.) of redesigned exhibition space, including an 850 m2 (9,200 sq. ft.) temporary exhibition hall to accommodate travelling exhibitions from around the world. Eleven new exhibitions – including the ZOOOM Children’s Innovation Zone, Artifact Alley and the Exploratek maker studio – as well as long-time visitor favourites, like locomotives and the Crazy Kitchen, delight visitors young and old. Museum highlights: A modern, spacious facility featuring 11 brand-new exhibitions including Artifact Alley, the ZOOOM Children’s Innovation Zone, the Exploratek maker studio, and three new apps. Long-time visitor favourites – the Crazy Kitchen and locomotives – will also make a comeback to the delight of visitors. A Demo Stage offers exciting, participatory science demonstrations. In addition, the museum has the capacity to showcase international travelling exhibitions from around the world. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/canada-science-and-technology-museum/

Gorgeous architecture and world-renowned exhibitions convene to create Canada’s most-visited museum. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River — with a stunning view of Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and downtown Ottawa — the Canadian Museum of History (formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization) provides detailed insight into 20,000 years of human history. Let your eyes wander high into the sky as you take in the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, walk through the largest and most comprehensive exhibition about Canadian history ever created, and sit back to enjoy a CINÉ+ film. Have your little ones in town. They’ll love the on-site Canadian Children’s Museum, filled with hands-on games and exhibits. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ottawa-insider/canadian-museum-of-history/

The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is known for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through artifacts, personal stories, artwork, photos and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world. Rest and reflect in Memorial Hall. Discover the Museum's fascinating architectural theme. And chat with a veteran to let history come alive. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/canadian-war-museum/

Arachnophobes rejoice, the 30-foot spider outside of the National Gallery of Canada is not real! Maman, the sculpture created by Louise Bourgeois, complete with 26 white marble eggs under its belly, welcomes you to the National Gallery of Canada. Once inside the Gallery, you’ll discover one of the greatest art institutions in the world. It’s home to more than 40,000 works of art (by over 6,000 artists), home to the most comprehensive collection of Canadian art, including a large number by the Group of Seven, and strong collections of Indigenous, Asian, and International works. The Gallery hosts special exhibits throughout the year that bring light to a specific topic, discipline, or renowned and up-and-coming artists. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ottawa-insider/national-gallery-of-canada/

Founded in 1999 by the artist Michelle Lemire, Solart Studio Gallery is a place of creation, formation, sale and exhibition focused on innovation and artistic expression. It offers original contemporary artwork, stemming from the convergence of the fire arts of ceramic, jewellery and foundry, marrying porcelain, bronze, stone, silver and gold. You will discover sculptures of expression, distinctive jewels, and artful vessels and teapots. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/atelier-galerie-dart-solart/

While you're in the heart of the city don't miss the opportunity to visit the historical ByWard Market. Unique eclectic shops, boutiques and restaurants offer something for everyone. Experience the small neighbourhood feel in secluded courtyards or find high quality, trend setting products on our bustling streets. Unique shops, restaurants and nightclubs surround a thriving outdoor market featuring fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables and local artisans. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/byward-market/