As it goes, the beauty of a place lies in its complex history, beautified through periods through museums. If you are in Ottawa or planning to visit there on your next vacation, Ottawa museums should be a must-visit for you. Visiting these museums will be worth your tour; trust me on this!
The city of Ottawa boasts so many museums that you can especially plan a few-day trip to explore them only.
One of the biggest attractions in Ottawa’s capital city is its museums. They are not just spots to wander and enjoy; they provide lots of educational information and detailed insight into the various aspects of life.
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The city has numerous other attractions, including theatres, landscapes, art galleries, museums, hikes and trails, parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and bars. I recommend you visit at least these 10 museums whenever possible. Do you know out of nine national museums in Canada, seven are in Ottawa?
You can have the best experience visiting these museums in Ottawa with your kids, family, and friends.
1. Canadian War Museum
Location: 1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON K1R
I think that military history holds a great value for any region, and learning about it is always a thrilling experience.
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Therefore, I must say that visiting the Canadian War Museum is a great educational experience for you. With numerous military artifacts and historic war exhibitions, it gives you an insight into Canadian military history. Explore the various galleries and displays, including artillery, tanks, fighter planes, records of prominent war members, photos, artworks, and other related information.
2. National Gallery of Canada- Cafeteria
Location: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9N4
Art is a powerful medium that unites diverse cultures. I have witnessed its impact in the National Gallery of Canada, one of the largest art museums in North America
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The National Gallery of Canada is a national art museum in Ottawa. With more than 40,000 artworks and various outstanding collections. It displays some of the most prominent fine arts, including the Group of Seven paintings, Inuit sculptures, and masterpieces of world-fame artists. The museum’s building is beautifully designed. Several permanent and temporary exhibits are held there throughout the year.
You can also visit Parliament Hill and the Royal Mint within walking distance of the museum. Some eateries offer coffee with snacks, and if you want to buy something memorable, you can get unique gifts from their gift shop.
3. Canada Science And Technology Museum
Location: 1867 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario K1G
Today’s advanced science and technology is not something that happened overnight. It’s the result of hard work, research and dedication of our past scientists. To continue it further, we need to cultivate the interest toward science in our kids.
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Canada Science and Technology Museum is a tourist spot that is very educational and informational for visitors and students. This museum in Ottawa will bring your growing kids and develop their interest in science and technology. You can join different educational programs or workshops that are being organized there.
You can learn everything related to Canadian scientific heritage and technological innovations there. The museum organizes several events, including live demonstrations and research activities. It also hosts many interesting permanent exhibitions that display the significance and role of science and technology in various fields of life.
4. Canada Agriculture And Food Museum
Location: 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3K1
Next I would recommend you visit the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and discover the link between agriculture and science. You will also learn about the agricultural development in Canada and the impact of advanced technology on it. I think this is the best way to learn about the history of Canada’s agriculture and food production, processing, and storage.
I highly recommend you visit there the Central Experimental Farm. Your kids will love this place. You can spot various farm animals, including sheep, cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, horses, and beef cattle. Enjoy the place with your kids and family and experience the live demonstration of sheep shearing and honey collection. Don’t forget to join their interactive kitchen or watch films about food. You can also buy water and snacks there from vending machines.
The Canada Hustle team interviewed Sarah Marie Naska, the Founder of SMHavice Investments, about the things that make museums essential destinations for travelers. Here is what she said:
“Museums hold a unique allure for travelers, including myself as an avid traveler, serving as essential destinations that offer much more than mere sightseeing. They provide immersive experiences that enrich our understanding of culture, history, and art.
Museums serve as repositories of human creativity and achievement, preserving artifacts and artworks that tell stories of triumph, tragedy, and transformation.
Exploring these curated collections, travelers gain invaluable insights into the diverse tapestry of human experiences, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
Museums play a pivotal role in education, offering engaging platforms for learning and discovery. Through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, museums provide opportunities for individuals of all ages to deepen their knowledge and broaden their horizons.
They encourage curiosity and critical thinking, prompting visitors to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and engage with complex historical and societal issues.
Facilitating meaningful encounters with the past and present, museums inspire reflection, dialogue, and a lifelong passion for learning, making them indispensable destinations for travelers seeking intellectual enrichment and cultural immersion.”
5. Canadian Museum of History
Location: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8, Canada
Want to learn about human history? Then it is the perfect spot for you. It is one of Canada’s national museums and among the most visited. It showcases a vast collection of study materials defining the human history of Canada from over 20,000 years. You will find an indoor collection of totem poles, the History Hall, the achievements of the First Peoples, and an exclusive stamp collection.
6. Bytown Museum
Location: 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1L1
If you are keenly interested to learn more about Ottawa and Canada; I would suggest you visit the Bytown Museum. It is one of the most popular museums in Ottawa set in the oldest stone building. The museum displays many artifacts, documents, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and details about the city.
Here, you can also get detailed information about various spots in Ottawa, their origin, and historical evidence. Don’t forget to enjoy watching the International Fireworks competitions there. The museum is set in a beautiful location with locks; people often picnic around these locks.
7. Canada Aviation And Space Museum
Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON, K1K 4R3
You must visit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum which boasts a huge collection of aviation artifacts and highlights the role of Canadians in the development of aviation. Trust me, you will be fascinated with the amazing collection.
Explore the main exhibition hall and learn about Canada’s aeronautical history and growth. It showcases an extensive collection of military and civilian planes, and you will also spot aircraft from several other nations. The museum provides educational programs and virtual field trips to students or interested visitors. Guided tours and interactive displays make it more attractive for kids to visit. A gift shop and refreshments facilities are also available at the museum.
8. Bank of Canada Museum
Location: 30 Bank Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G9
As the name suggests, the Bank of Canada Museum, formerly Canada’s Currency Museum, showcases a vast collection of Canadian and international trade currencies. The museum hosts an extensive collection of currency and related artifacts from the early years. The museum provides an interesting educational experience by defining the Canadian economy through various activities and galleries. It also elaborates on Canada’s role in the world economy.
9. Canadian Museum Of Nature
Location: 240 Rue McLeod, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2R1
Exploring the wonders of nature has always been human’s basic instinct. In Ottawa, the Canadian Museum of Nature gives you a complete exposure to it.
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Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Canadian Museum of Nature. With its natural versatility, the Canadian Museum of Nature excites all its visitors, including adults and children. Behind a glass sheet are birds, butterflies, dinosaurs, volcanoes, mountains, rocks, fossils, and many more. You will love visiting the interactive exhibits and events throughout the year.
- Some of its most special exhibits are Planet Ice, Winged Tapestries, and Owl Rendez-Vous.
- The museum also hosts various engaging galleries, including the Birds Gallery, Water Gallery, Earth Gallery, Fossil Gallery, Pacific Gallery, and more.
- You can also join a class or book a virtual workshop for a learning experience.
We interviewed Giacomo Piva, CMO and Co-founder of Radical Storage, and asked him about the importance of museums for cultural heritage. Here is what he had to say:
“Museums are essential destinations for travelers, especially if you find yourself in a country that you have never visited because you can learn so much—not only about history and art in general but also about the local history and heritage.
In fact, museums are a symbol of the cultural and historical value that the country or the city possesses, and they are a great way to experience it from the local perspective.
Museums create a showcase for local artists and historical events that, otherwise, would not be visible to people from another country. In this way, they create a connection between the local population and the travelers, enriching both parties.
In addition, museums create a sense of community that transcends geographical borders, strengthening cultural identity and engagement, while also creating a sense of global perspective.
Lastly, museums enrich the personal, cultural, and spiritual lives of travelers, giving them new experiences to live and an emotional and cultural heritage to always carry with them.”
10. Ottawa Art Gallery
Location: 10 Daly Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2
For all the art lovers around, I will tell you about this unique museum. Ottawa Art Gallery displays thousands of artworks and encourages people to share their artworks. It is a spot for a cultural meeting where you can interpret and talk about the different arts. You will be overwhelmed by its wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, media art, and photos. Several permanent and temporary exhibitions showcase contemporary art and popular works of renowned artists. You can also become a member to get detailed insights into the museum.
Ottawa is among the favourite destinations in Canada for visitors; it has something for everyone. When you are in the city, you must visit these ten best museums. These amazing museums are among the biggest attractions in Canada, offering visitors and locals full entertainment, fun, and learning experiences.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Saket
