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Exterior of Museum

Plan your visit

Get tickets

Tickets

Admission fees

(Taxes not included)
Admission fees are subject to change without notice.

Adult
$22
(18 to 64 years old)
Student
$17
(13 to 17 years old)
Infant
FREE
(under 2 years old)
Senior
$20
(65 years old and up)
Child
$15
(2 to 12 years old)
Family
$55
(six persons – maximum two adults)
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Canadian Museum of History tickets

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Members get in FREE at all times

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Exhibitions

Step into history

Find out about the many exhibitions that have been designed to educate, inspire and intrigue you.

Explore what’s on view
Hallway and staircase at Canadian Museum of History, located in Ottawa.

Hours

Canadian Museum of History

Family of four looking at totem poles

September 3, 2024 - March 31, 2025 (test)

Monday 9 am to 5:05 pm
Tuesday 9 am to 5:05 pm
Wednesday 9 am to 5:05 pm
Thursday 9 am to 7:05 pm
Friday 9 am to 5:05 pm
Saturday 9 am to 5:05 pm
Sunday 9 am to 5:05 pm
Exceptions
Oct. 8, 2024: 9:15 am to 4:15 pm Nov. 11, 2024: 9:30 am to 6 pm Dec. 24, 2024: 9 am to 2 pm Dec. 25, 2024: Closed Dec. 31, 2024: 9 am to 11:59 pm Jan. 6, 2025: Closed Jan. 7, 2025: Closed Jan. 8, 2025: Closed Jan. 9, 2025: Closed Jan. 10, 2025: Closed Feb. 17, 2025: 9:30 pm to 6 pm

Canadian Children's Museum

The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa offers a wide variety of exhibits for children, including a boat and other toys.

September 3, 2024 - March 31, 2025

Monday 9 am to 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am to 5 pm
Wednesday 9 am to 5 pm
Thursday 9 am to 7 pm
Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
Exceptions
Jan. 6, 2025: Closed Jan. 7, 2025: Closed Jan. 8, 2025: Closed Jan. 9, 2025: Closed Jan. 10, 2025: Closed

Plus icon Special holiday hours - April 18 to 21, 2025

Monday 10 am to 4 pm
Tuesday 12:33 am to 12:33 am
Wednesday 12:33 am to 12:33 am
Thursday 12:33 am to 12:33 am
Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday 10 am to 4 pm

Canadian History Research Centre

Old documents spread out on a table

Access to the Canadian History Research Centre is by appointment only. Please send your request to ResearchCentre@historymuseum.ca.

Call Centre and group reservations

A group of children meet me at the school bus stop near the History Hall, ready to board and head to school.

Our Call Centre is available to take your booking and answer any of your questions. Please call 819-776-7014 or 1-800-555-5621, or email us at: information@historymuseum.ca.

Hours are subject to change. Statutory holidays follow the above hours of operation.

Getting here

Panoramic view of the Canadian Museum of History across the pond

The Canadian Museum of History is located in Gatineau, Quebec, on the banks of the Ottawa River directly opposite Parliament Hill. The Museum is easily accessible from downtown Ottawa by foot, bicycle, public transit, aqua taxi (summer), or car.

Car icon By car

If you have a GPS device, enter the following data: 45.429374,-75.709233 or N45°25.811, W075°42.532, elevation 53m
Or enter our address: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0M8

Train icon By public transit

The Canadian Museum of History is accessible by bus from Ottawa and Gatineau. To reach the Museum by bus, please use the OC Transpo or the Société de transport de l’Outaouais trip planner.

bike icon By foot/bicycle

The Museum is located right on the scenic Voyageurs Pathway. Bike racks are available on the Plaza and close to the Panorama Café terrace.

Boat wheel icon By water

You can get to the Museum by water, thanks to Water Taxi, eh! This eco-friendly water taxi shuttles between the Ottawa Locks jetty (downtown) and the Museum of History, with a stop at Richmond Landing (near the Canadian War Museum). Hop on board for a picturesque ride on the Ottawa River.

Closure of Alexandra Bridge

From October 2, 2023 to Fall 2024

Vehicle access: Vehicles travelling to the Museum from Ottawa will be able to use other interprovincial bridges (Portage Bridge, Chaudière Crossing).

Vehicles travelling to the Museum from Gatineau will not be impacted.

Parking: Underground parking at the Museum will remain accessible.

Pedestrian and cyclist access: One lane on the bridge will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

Accessibility

The Museum makes every effort to ensure that visitors with disabilities will have a satisfying visit.

  • Parking spaces for people using wheelchairs are available on the P1 level.
  • Elevators (with floor numbers in braille) connect all levels of the Museum building, and access ramps are installed where needed.
  • A limited number of wheelchairs (child and adult size), strollers and walkers are available at no charge. Please inquire at the Information desk.
  • We offer free admission to a single attendant accompanying a person with a disability. Call the Museum for details.
  • For more information, please inquire at the Information desk or call 819-776-7000 (TTY for people with hearing disabilities: 819-776-7003).

Visitor services

Shopping and dining

Shopping

Gift Shop

Our Gift Shop features a wide variety of Canadian souvenirs, as well as an excellent selection of products related to the themes of the Canadian Children’s Museum and Canadian Museum of History exhibitions. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind items produced by Canadian artisans. Come discover the unique talents of some of Canada’s finest craftspeople!

Shop our Gift Shop online
Monday 9 am to 6 pm
Tuesday 9 am to 6 pm
Wednesday 9 am to 6 pm
Thursday 9 am to 7 pm
Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday 9 am to 6 pm
Exceptions
Apr. 1, 2024: 9 am to 4 pm Aug. 6, 2024: Closed July 22, 2024: 9 am to 1:15 pm

Dining

The Panorama Café

The Panorama Café provides magnificent and unparalleled views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill, inside and on its stunning outside terrace during the summer. Visitors can enjoy healthy snacks, grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, and a selection of hot meals prepared to order from the grill. All products are locally sourced and prepared on site to ensure freshness.

Monday 11 am to 4 pm
Tuesday 11 am to 4 pm
Wednesday 11 am to 4 pm
Thursday 11 am to 4 pm
Friday 11 am to 4 pm
Saturday 11 am to 4 pm
Sunday 11 am to 4 pm
Exceptions
July 22, 2024: 9 am to 1:15 pm Aug. 6, 2024: Closed

Dining

Second Cup

Second Cup offers a diverse menu featuring specialty coffee blends, teas, and seasonal offerings, and caters to a wide range of tastes. The warm and welcoming ambiance, coupled with their dedication to sustainable sourcing, makes Second Cup a popular destination for coffee enthusiasts.

Monday 8 am to 6 pm
Tuesday 8 am to 6 pm
Wednesday 8 am to 6 pm
Thursday 8 am to 7 pm
Friday 8 am to 6 pm
Saturday 8 am to 6 pm
Sunday 8 am to 6 pm
Exceptions
July 22, 2024: 9 am to 1:15 pm Aug. 6, 2024: Closed Aug. 9, 2024: 9:15 am to 1:15 pm
View of the Canadian Museum of History at nightfall.

Tourism information

The Canadian Museum of History is a must-see attraction in Canada’s National Capital Region, located less than five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill.

The Outaouais and Ottawa Region is a destination where culture and nature blend wonderfully. You can discover the country’s history with its national museums, while admiring nature first-hand through parks and cycling trails. This region offers many activities, attractions and festivals for everyone. Planning a trip to the region? Check out the amazing offers from Expérience Outaouais.

During your visit to the Museum, you can also enjoy experiences from our tourism partners on our grounds or nearby.

Interzip Rogers

Interzip Rogers is the world’s first interprovincial zipline. Fly over the Ottawa River from Ottawa to Gatineau.

Visit the Interzip Rogers website

Culture Trail in Downtown Gatineau

The Culture Trail is an urban pathway that connects outdoor artworks, points of interest, and exhibition and entertainment spaces. Discover the public art trail in the heart of downtown Gatineau, starting from the Canadian Museum of History!

Visit the Culture Trail website

Lady Dive Tours

Lady Dive Tours offers guided and hop-on/hop-off tours of the National Capital Region with stops at major attractions, such as the Canadian Museum of History.

Visit the Lady Dive Tours website

Water Taxi, Eh?

Water Taxi, Eh? is an eco-friendly mode of transportation that offers a summer shuttle service between the Canadian Museum of History, the Ottawa dock (located below Parliament Hill) and Richmond Landing (providing access to the Canadian War Museum). The water taxi has universal accessibility and space for bicycles and strollers.

Visit the Water Taxi, Eh? website

Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy

In August, come admire the sky over the Ottawa River as it lights up with pyrotechnic displays.

Visit the Grand Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy website

Riverside Festival

Riverside is Gatineau’s very first festival devoted exclusively to electronic music. Each year in September, the event welcomes world-renowned artists and DJs to a high-octane showcase!

Visit the Festival Riverside website

Visitor policies

The Canadian Museum of History is a national museum open to everyone. Respectful sharing of spaces and resources ensures an enriching experience for all visitors.

Appropriate personal behaviour, decorum, and conduct are required from visitors at all times. This ensures that the entire visiting public is treated with respect, and that every visitor has an equal opportunity to enjoy a meaningful experience. Activities and/or actions inconsistent with Museum values will not be tolerated.

We ask that all visitors follow the guidelines described below.

Security measures

We are introducing additional security measures to enhance the safety and security of our visitors, and of our collections, ensuring that they remain accessible and intact for future generations.

These security measures will include bag verification for visitors to both Museums. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Group visits

Plan your group visit

The Canadian Museum of History is a destination of choice for students and adults traveling in groups. Discover our wide range of experiences for groups of 15 or more.

Learn more about group visits
A group of people at the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, looking at a display of canoes.

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