Best Museums in Ottawa

"Located within the ByWard Market precinct is Canada’s impressive National Gallery, where you can spend hours exploring Canadian, American, Europea and Asian art. Head for the Canadian Gallery for artworks from the New France era during the 18th century, works by pioneering women artists such as Emily Carr and abstract paintings by groups of artists. Famous Canadian artist groups include the Automatistes in Montreal, Painters Eleven in Toronto and Regina Five in Saskatchewan."

"Perhaps the most famous museum in Ottawa Canada, the Canadian War Museum* is known for being Canada’s national museum of military history museum, and one of the most respected museums in the world when it comes to understanding armed conflict. Galleries and exhibitions in the Canada War Museum showcase the military history of the country in personal, national, and international dimensions. This museum is a great place to visit in Ottawa to get a feel for very personal, inspiring, and touching stories."

"Location: 240 McLeod Street, OttawaArchitects: David Ewart (1910) Padolsky, Kuwabara, Gagnon Joint Venture Architects (PKG): Barry Padolsky Associates Inc. Architects, KPMB Architects, and Gagnon Letellier Cyr Ricard Mathieu Architectes (2010). Officially named the Victoria Memorial Museum Building (VMMB), this grand, castle-like structure was designed by chief architect David Ewart in the Scottish Baronial style."

"If prehistoric and iconic Canadian animals are what you’re looking for, the Canadian Museum of Nature is definitely worth a visit!. Located at 240 McLeod Street in Ottawa’s downtown core, this castle-like museum offers everything from gigantic dinosaurs, to insects and spiders, to Canadian bird species and much more. Visit the Mammal Gallery to see impressive specimens such as bears, cougars and bison."

"Once a month, The Canadian Museum of Nature opens its doors at night to live music, dancing and the chance to see all the exhibits. Each month has a new theme and the event runs from 8:00 PM-Midnight."

"The Canada Science and Technology Museum examines technology and science from a distinctly Canadian lens—from medical developments to wearable technology. The museum also plays home to a children’s innovation zone with various kid-friendly activities as well as practical resources for parents (like a bottle-warming station and diaper-changing area)."

"The recently refurbished Canada Science and Technology Museum is a favourite for children to visit. It’s a popular spot during the summer months due to all the school groups, and the train ride outside is a particular favourite. The Crazy Kitchen is another favourite, and is one of the original experiences from when the museum first opened in 1967."

"Canada's Cold War Museum is located outside of Ottawa in a large underground facility that was constructed in the early 1960s to protect important functions of the Canadian government in the event of a nuclear war. This was one of several self-sufficient, shock-resistant, radiation-proof underground shelters built across Canada during the Cold War, as part of Project EASE (Experimental Army Signals Establishments). Political critics coined the nickname "Diefenbunker" in reference to Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who promoted their construction."

"The Diefenbunker was originally built in 1959 as a response to the escalation of the Cold War and was commissioned to act as a safe house for key parliament members in Canada. It was left empty until 1997 when it was turned into a public museum—and it’s well-worth the visit for anyone interested in military history or general survivalism. While the bunker itself is interesting to walk through and explore, the museum is also home to a rotating artist in residence and various visiting exhibitions on the Cold War."

"The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history and one of the world’s most respected museums for the study and understanding of armed conflict. The Museum opened at its new location on the LeBreton Flats site in downtown Ottawa on May 8, 2005. And since it’s opening, this amazing Museum has welcomed approximately over 500,000 visitors every year!"

"Bytown Museum has an intriguing collection of eclectic items, such as a plaster-cast death hand of murdered Father of Confederation, Thomas D’Arcy McGee. Housed in Ottawa’s oldest stone building, the museum takes you on a deep delve of Bytown (Ottawa’s first name), which was a rowdy place where Irish, French, Scots and English engaged in brawls."

"Located directly on the canal, it is a lovely display of the history of Ottawa (formerly known as Bytown). Take a walk through its three stories to view the making of the Ottawa Canal, the war efforts by the people of Ottawa and the indigenous history of the area. Don’t forget to walk through the cafe to see the vault in the back."

"Famous for: Avant Gardiste French Red Ale, Sommerfest German Golden Ale, Rheinwasser Kölsch, Biergarten Blonde Helles, Route 21 Märzen, Husaria Pilsner"

"The name may be a little silly, but it’s not wrong: this daytime-only spot downtown does creative breakfasts, sandwiches, and salads. The menu shuffles frequently but has included herby mushroom melts, spicy peanut beef sandwiches, and a vegan Buffalo cauliflower sandwich."

"Karen was thoughtful when it came to menu options, there was something for everyone. Payment was easy to make online and th..."

"Located in a sunken nook between the Fairmont Château Laurier and the ByWard Market area, Métropolitain’s patio offers some Parisian flair. Gather at a table or cuddle on an outdoor sofa and enjoy the lit-up trees in the evening. Plus, take advantage of discounted menu items during Hill Hour (weekdays, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to close)!"

"This traditional French brasserie is a must-go with a stunning raw bar, wines and cocktails, a mesmerizing charcuterie and cheese board, and tons of French classics. Reopens June 11th.Address: 700 Sussex Dr, OttawaPhone: 613-562-1160Website"