Museums & galleries
Canadian Museum of Nature
About the Museum
The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national natural history museum, located in Ottawa. Its galleries and public programs are housed in the historic Victoria Memorial Museum Building. Visitors go to explore collections covering paleontology, Canadian wildlife, earth sciences, marine life, and the Arctic environment.
Getting There
Located at the southern edge of central Ottawa, the site is accessible on foot or via public transit from downtown. Walking from the city centre takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Local buses and light rail options take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Time to Spend
Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours to view the permanent galleries. Visitors with children or those interested in temporary exhibitions may want to allocate half a day.
When to Visit
Crowds peak on weekends, school holidays, and rainy days. Visiting on weekday mornings offers a quieter experience. Winter makes for a practical indoor visit during cold weather, whereas summer brings higher tourist numbers.
Nearby Places to Combine
Due to its central position, a visit pairs conveniently with several surrounding areas:
- Centretown (0.5 km): A short walk north with numerous dining spots and shops.
- Golden Triangle (1 km): A neighbourhood bordering the Rideau Canal.
- Old Ottawa East (1 km): Located across the canal for casual neighbourhood walks.
- St. Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa (1 km): A historic 19th-century church located toward downtown.
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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