Canadian Museum of History
Canadian Museum of History
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Experience Canada’s history in exciting new ways. The Canadian Museum of History is a destination of choice in the National Capital Region. An architectural jewel designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, the Museum is less than five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Explore Canada’s rich history and the outstanding achievements of First Peoples. Marvel at the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles. The Canadian History Hall, our signature exhibition, will let you discover the events, personalities and historical currents that have shaped Canada — from time immemorial to the present day.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
2,307 reviews
Excellent
1,438
Very good
571
Average
182
Poor
81
Terrible
35
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Deborah S
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada38 contributions
Aug 2019
This is the National Museum of Canadian History .. our history as we like to share it, full of special artefacts, the aboriginal hall, a great place to get a sense of Canadas evolution. Incidentally, the architecture of the building is very special and was designed by the same Canadian aboriginal architect (Cardinal) who designed the Smithsonian aboriginal museum ..
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toddlerpants
Droitwich, UK946 contributions
Aug 2019
This museum is directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill and the Royal Mint building.
It houses a fantastic display of Totem poles which is the bit that sticks in my mind, the hall is impressive architecture and we liked the view from the balcony the best. I think that this is the largest indoor display of totem poles in the world.
It houses a fantastic display of Totem poles which is the bit that sticks in my mind, the hall is impressive architecture and we liked the view from the balcony the best. I think that this is the largest indoor display of totem poles in the world.
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corihi
Honolulu, HI703 contributions
I enjoyed The Museum of History in Ottawa more than the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto because it focused solely on Canada and wasn’t as overwhelming. My favorite exhibits were the totem poles and house fronts of the First Peoples of the Northwest Coast in the Grand Hall. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of totem poles. I also liked the Canadian stamp collection (yes, postage stamps). I thought the use of stamps was a clever way to chronicle the history of Canada. If you want to learn about Canadian history, check out this museum.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corihi
Honolulu, HI703 contributions
I enjoyed The Museum of History in Ottawa more than the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto because it focused solely on Canada and wasn’t as overwhelming. My favorite exhibits were the totem poles and house fronts of the First Peoples of the Northwest Coast in the Grand Hall. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of totem poles. I also liked the Canadian stamp collection (yes, postage stamps). I thought the use of stamps was a clever way to chronicle the history of Canada. If you want to learn about Canadian history, check out this museum.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh C
Courtenay, Vancouver Island, BC185 contributions
Sep 2022
We walked across the Alexandra Bridge into Gatineau (Hull) and spent five hours at this museum, until our brains were overloaded. It is so well laid-out, doesn't sugar-coat the things that happened here to immigrants and First Nations, and should be seen by anyone going to Ottawa. There are some interactive displays which are fun, and truly imaginative set-ups.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JCruz61
Sao Paulo, SP199 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The museum is huge. We stayed for more than 4 hours and didn't get to see everything we wanted to. The collection is very rich and the environment is very pleasant.
We missed a more detailed map about the floors and the sequence for carrying out the visit.
Audioguides are not available, but I believe if they were, they would make the visits more interesting, especially for “non-Canadians”.
We took a guided tour, however, although it was interesting and the guide was extremely attentive, it was very quick and did not do justice to the story.
Anyway, if you don't know the history of Canada, I recommend that you read a little before going to get acquainted better.
Furthermore, I believe that the most immersive museums that can place you in that moment in history are always more interesting. Unfortunately this is not the case.
Still, I think the visit is worth it.
We missed a more detailed map about the floors and the sequence for carrying out the visit.
Audioguides are not available, but I believe if they were, they would make the visits more interesting, especially for “non-Canadians”.
We took a guided tour, however, although it was interesting and the guide was extremely attentive, it was very quick and did not do justice to the story.
Anyway, if you don't know the history of Canada, I recommend that you read a little before going to get acquainted better.
Furthermore, I believe that the most immersive museums that can place you in that moment in history are always more interesting. Unfortunately this is not the case.
Still, I think the visit is worth it.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YLNS
Rio de Janeiro, RJ53 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
My time was somewhat restricted, so I ended up not being able to enjoy the entire museum, but it would certainly be worth it for the architecture of the facade and the large hall with the totems!!! It also has a great little store.
I walked from Ottawa, it's about 12/15 minutes from "Maman" (Louise Bourgeois's spider), passing over a bridge with beautiful views.
Tip: I got the free Thursday night ticket (which made it more worth it)
I walked from Ottawa, it's about 12/15 minutes from "Maman" (Louise Bourgeois's spider), passing over a bridge with beautiful views.
Tip: I got the free Thursday night ticket (which made it more worth it)
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mamzelltopi
Dole, France590 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
It takes a good half-day to take a thorough tour of this huge museum that traces the history of Canada from the First Peoples to today. The proposed tour route is very interesting and follows the chronology but the part on the ancient peoples is repeated a little with the exhibition of the ground floor in traditional dwellings. The visit is nevertheless very interesting!
Automatically translated
Written September 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa K
Waterloo, Canada58 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We really enjoyed our day here. Great for young and old alike. Loved all the interactive exhibits. You could easily spend 2 to 3 hours here. Food in the cafeteria was decent as well.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments. We appreciate hearing from visitors and are glad you enjoyed your visit at the Museum of History.
We hope to see you again soon!
Stephanie Fortin
Head, Tourism
Canadian Museum of History
Written January 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah Z
Exeter, UK224 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Came a few years ago when thus was known as the civilization museum, quite a few changes since then. Some really good exhibits but no rhyme or reason to how you move around so you find yourself unable to follow the timeline. Staff very knowledgeable and helpful. Don't use the second cup Cafe though, so expensive for pretty awful fare.
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the exhibit on Jesuits, including tbe handwritten bibles and vestments, still there? If so, is it a permanent exhibit?
Written March 17, 2018
Well I am not sure about it. The best way is looking for it from their website or contact directly for the specific information.
Have fun,
Kaveh H.
Written April 3, 2018
An aerial view shows no parking lot. Is there underground parking? Where is the best place to park.
Written June 10, 2017
Underground parking. I think we paid $13 to stay there all day.
Written July 8, 2017
Good afternoon, in this museum there are improvements intended for people with disabilities? And what exactly is done for them?
Written May 5, 2017
Hello,
The Canadian Museum of History makes every effort to ensure that visitors with disabilities will have a satisfying visit.
We offer the following services:
-Teleprinter (TTY): 819-776-7003.
-Courtesy wheelchairs, a motorized wheelchair and strollers are available at the Coat Check. Subject to availability.
-Parking spaces for those using wheelchairs are available on level P1.
-Elevators (with floor numbers in braille) connect all levels of the Museum building and access ramps are installed where needed.
-Spaces are reserved for wheelchairs in the Theatre and CINÉ+.
-An FM Assistive Listening System is available for all films showing at the CINÉ+.
-Free admission for a single attendant accompanying a person with a disability.
For more information related to our services, please inquire at the Information Desk or call 819-776-7000 / 1-800-555-5621.
We hope you will visit us soon!
Stephanie Fortin
Tourism and Marketing Officer
Canadian Museum of History
Written May 7, 2017
DH and I are trying to set an itinerary for a one-day visit to the NCR. How much time do you recommend we set aside for a visit to the Cdn Museum of History?
Written February 11, 2017
Hello, indeed you can easily spend the entire day in the Museum! We usually recommend at least 3 hours to have time to see the permanent and special exhibitions, and catch a movie at CINÉ+. Visit our website for ongoing programs and exhibitions.
Hope to see you soon!
Stephanie Fortin
Canadian Museum of History
Written February 13, 2017
I have been looking for "the children's museum" in Ottawa. Is this it? I have heard a lot about it but when I search for it, this one come up.
Written February 2, 2016
Hello, the Museum offers indoor parking at the following rates:
Rate: $2.50 per half hour
Daily maximum rate: $12.50
Flat rate from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.: $6.00
Prices are subject to change for special events and festivals.
There is additional parking on streets around the Museum.
Regards,
Stephanie
Canadian Museum of History
Written August 5, 2015
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