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Bank of Canada Museum

30 Bank Street · Ottawa, ON

Why you should go…

The Bank of Canada Museum is an interactive museum in downtown Ottawa operated by Canada's central bank. It houses exhibits on Canadian and world currency alongside hands-on displays about how the economy works. The museum reopened in its current building in 2017, succeeding the former Currency Museum which operated from 1980 to 2013. Admission is free, making it Canada's only free national museum.

  • #museum
  • #history
  • #free
  • #family
  • #interactive

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Bank of Canada Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Parliament Hill Tours

    Free

    Free guided tours of Canada's Parliament Buildings, including the Library of Parliament and Senate chamber.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Lady Dive Tours

    $25–$50

    Amphibious bus-boat tour of Ottawa-Gatineau that drives through downtown streets then splashes into the Ottawa River.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    RentABike Ottawa

    $25–$50

    Bike rental and guided tour shop on the Rideau Canal pathway in downtown Ottawa.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Ottawa Boat Cruise

    $25–$50

    Narrated sightseeing cruises on the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River departing from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Canadian Museum of History

    $25–$50

    Canada's national museum of human history, with galleries on Canadian history, world cultures and Indigenous heritage.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Watson's Mill

    Under $25

    Fully operational 1860s water-powered grist mill and heritage house museum in the village of Manotick.

    13 mi awayMore like this