City: Ottawa
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Top 8 History Museums in Ottawa, Canada
Canada's capital is a compact, clean, cleverly planned center of culture and politics and a destination for every season. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and turns into the world’s largest skating rink when frozen in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.
Restaurants in Ottawa
1. Canadian War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,545 reviews
The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through personal stories, artwork, photographs and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, as well as the roll Canadians played in them.
Reviewed By Expedition211142 - Victoria, Canada
I spent the better part of 4 hours here visiting the numerous rooms depicting Canada's Military History, watching several short videos, and looking at the 3 dozen or so collection on military vehicles and weapons. This is a must see place in Ottawa when you are there. There is also a nice gift shop for souvenirs.
2. Laurier House National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Entering the former residence of two of Canada’s most important Prime Ministers is like stepping into the inner sanctum of our country’s political history. For over fifty years this Second Empire mansion in downtown Ottawa was at the heart of Canadian political life, serving as the residence of both Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Rt. Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie King. Here they entertained dignitaries and politicians while often conducting the business of state.
Reviewed By klam_chowder8
Were very pleasantly surprised by the engaging staff, who are enthusiastic to share their knowledge and stories of the house and its collection. This wonderfully preserved home is chocked full of an incredible number of authentic artifacts (not replicas) - definitely worth a visit to the residence of two of our Prime Ministers (Sir Wilfred Laurier and Lyon Mackenzie King). The staff let visitors freely browse, but every one we asked a question had very interesting insights to share - take the time to chat with them!
3. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
There's no need to drive more than 30 minutes beyond downtown Ottawa to step back in time at a historic village! Cumberland Heritage Village Museum provides an immersive and educational experience that showcases life in the 1920s and 30s with dozens of heritage and true-to-the-era reproduction buildings. Find a quiet escape, or join us for our special events. Cumberland Heritage Village Museum always offers a unique experience that encourages you to play in the past and make memories for the future.
Reviewed By TrvlnTech
We have had a membership with Cumberland Heritage Museum for a few years now. Our daughter loves the place. They have frequent activities for the kids, and you even get to take arts and crafts made there home with you (homemade barometer, gingerbread cookies at Christmas, etc). Sundays in the summer has model steam trains for the kids to ride. Membership is very affordable for the year. A fun local museum.
4. Bank of Canada Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
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!). The Museum also features artifacts from the National Currency Collection -- the most complete collection of Canadian coins, notes and tokens in the world.
Reviewed By 851vandanak
We visited the museum by chance and were glad that we decided to go there. This place is so interesting and gives a lot of details about commerce and banks in general that we came back wisened! There are numerous displays inside, we saw the largest collection of bank notes of practically all the countries in the world. The tour guide was exceptionally good with her vast knowledge and wit.
5. Bytown Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 242 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the Bytown Museum explores the stories of an evolving city and its residents from the early days of Bytown to present day Ottawa.
Reviewed By christenerz - Offenbach, Germany
We went there on a rainy Saturday afternoon - it wasn't too busy at all. We passed by and my friend who was visiting me was interested in visiting it, so we purchased tickets (only 2$, and includes an audioguide) and learned a lot about the history of Ottawa. I liked the variety of the exhibition, it was a good mix between objects, videos, audio, pictures, maps, etc., and all very interactive as well. A chance for me to learn more about my hometown too! We stayed there about 1 hour. I would love to come back in the future, and would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about the history of Ottawa.
6. Nepean Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
Nepean Museum is a user-friendly facility with full wheelchair accessibility and ample parking. The exhibition gallery showcases the history of Nepean through a series of changing exhibits. The Museum houses a collection of some 15,000 objects in a purpose-built, climatically controlled collections facility. Educational programming is available through Family Zone and Learning Links.The Museum site also boasts two community rooms available for rental. Outdoor facilities include a children’s climbing frame and sandpit, a basketball court and the Doug Froebel Baseball Park.Nepean Museum is entering an exciting phase, revitalizing its community services and redeveloping its exhibition galleries. Visit us on site or contact us to get involved – we’d love to hear your ideas!
7. Osgoode Township Museum
The Osgoode Township Museum is located in Vernon, ON & tells the story of Ottawa’s rural and agricultural heritage, from the early 1800s to present day.
8. Dickinson House Museum
Dickinson House is the gracious home built in 1867 by Moss Kent Dickinson, a founder of the village of Manotick. Dickinson, and his then partner JosephCurrier, had established a milling complex utilizing water power created by the 1858 construction of a new dam in the Rideau River. Their principal business, the still functional grist mill now known as Watson’s Mill, sits facing the museum.
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