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Museums & galleries

Canadian Museum of History

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Canadian Museum of History

What It Is

The Canadian Museum of History is a national museum covering Canadian history, culture, and anthropology. Housed in a distinct building designed by Douglas Cardinal, it offers exhibitions on indigenous heritage, historical settlement, and Canada's cultural development.

Getting There

Located across the river from downtown Ottawa, the site is reachable on foot via the Alexandra Bridge in about 15 to 20 minutes. Public buses and taxis from the city centre take roughly 5 to 10 minutes.

Time to Allow

Allow 2 to 3 hours to view the primary exhibition halls. Visitors exploring special displays or traveling with family may want half a day.

When to Go

Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest. The galleries get crowded on weekends, summer afternoons, and school holiday periods. Visiting during warmer months allows for an easy walk across the bridge.

What to Combine It With

You can easily pair a visit with nearby points of interest:

  • Canadian Children's Museum (0.1km): Located inside the same building complex.
  • National Gallery of Canada (0.8km): Situated across the river in central Ottawa.
  • Peace Tower (0.9km): Located on Parliament Hill across the water.
  • Portage Bridge (0.9km): A nearby bridge connecting the two riverbanks.

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Canadian Museum of History

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Canadian Museum of History Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Ottawa 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Ottawa grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Ottawa 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Ottawa grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Canadian Children's Museum

Museums & galleries

Canadian Children's Museum

A children's museum operated under the Canadian Museum of History, offering Canada's largest exhibition space for children under 14 and their guardians. Drawing around 500,000 visitors a year, it makes for a great experience for families traveling together.

0.1 km away
National Gallery of Canada

Museums & galleries

National Gallery of Canada

This is the national art gallery in Ottawa, Canada, home to a wide range of artworks. It's well worth a visit if you're traveling in Ottawa.

0.8 km away
Peace Tower

Views & landmarks

Peace Tower

A bell and clock tower rising from the center of Canada's Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, and one of the country's most iconic landmarks. Its majestic look makes it a popular spot for photos.

0.9 km away
Portage Bridge

Views & landmarks

Portage Bridge

The Portage Bridge spans the Ottawa River, connecting Ottawa, Ontario, with Gatineau, Quebec. Crossing Victoria Island, it offers views of both riverside cities.

0.9 km away
Major's Hill Park

Parks & gardens

Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park sits on a hill in downtown Ottawa where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River. Parliament Hill is visible across the canal, and the National Gallery, ByWard Market and the Fairmont Château Laurier are all nearby, making it a great stop on a downtown walk.

0.9 km away
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Temples & religious sites

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

A Roman Catholic cathedral near Ottawa's Lowertown. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990 in recognition of its historical significance, it's a wonderful place to admire fine cathedral architecture.

1.0 km away