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Canadian Museum of History

100 Laurier Street · Gatineau, QC

Why you should go…

The Canadian Museum of History is Canada's national museum of human history, located on the Ottawa River across from Parliament Hill. Its permanent galleries cover Canadian history, world cultures, and First Peoples heritage, and the building also houses the Canadian Children's Museum. It is open seven days a week year round, closing only on Christmas Day.

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  • #history
  • #culture
  • #family

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 Canadian Museum of History, 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.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Bank of Canada Museum

    Free

    Interactive museum exploring Canadian currency, economic history, and how the economy works, free to enter.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • 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.

    0.8 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.

    0.8 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.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Watson's Mill

    Under $25

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

    14 mi awayMore like this