The Canadian Museum of History is a prized cultural institution in Ottawa, acclaimed for its architecture and dedication to human history. Admire its stately Grand Hall and discover its cultural artifacts and historical exhibits. The museum is one of Ottawa’s most popular attractions.
The Canadian Museum of History is housed in an impressive example of modern architecture. Its curved walls mimic the natural forms of a shoreline. Start your visit to the museum in the Grand Hall where you can see the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles. The fabric backdrop, depicting a forest covered in mist, is printed with the biggest colour photograph in the world. Take in views of Parliament Hill through the hall’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The hall also has recreated façades of Indian houses, representative of more than 150 years of Pacific Northwest architecture.
Continue on to the First Peoples Hall where more than 2,000 artifacts belonging to the people of Canada’s First Nations illustrate their cultural and artistic heritage.
In Canada Hall, you can walk along a timeline detailing 1,000 years of Canadian history. Learn about Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic area during the years 1000 to 1885, and Western and Northern Canada from 1885 to the present day. These exhibits lie under a 17-metre (55-foot) domed ceiling. Life-sized tableaus illustrate different styles according to the period. Move on to the Canadian Personalities Hall to learn about the people who shaped Canada into the country it is today.
Let the kids explore the Canadian Children’s Museum, where they can visit reconstructed markets, traditional villages and bookstores, among the many displays. Children and adults alike will enjoy the films displayed on the massive IMAX theatre screen.
Allow for 2 hours to a full day to explore all the exhibits in the Canadian Museum of History. The museum is open daily but opening times change from season to season. Admission includes access to the galleries. The IMAX theatre screenings incur an additional fee.
The museum lies on the banks of the Ottawa River in Gatineau. It’s easily accessible from the centre of the city on foot, using public transport or by car. Pay extra for parking.
