Bank of Canada Museum
Discover Canada's economic story through interactive exhibits on money, banking, and finance. A free, engaging museum for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more engagement
Bank of Canada Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more engagement
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Canada's economic story through interactive exhibits on money, banking, and finance. A free, engaging museum for all ages.
"This FREE museum exceeded our expectations!! Not only were the staff friendly and helpful, the museum was curated so well!"
🎯 It's Absolutely FREE! :moneybag:
Admission is completely free, making it a top choice for budget travelers and families looking for free activities in Ottawa.
👟 Stroller-Friendly & Accessible :wheelchair:
The museum is well-organized, clean, and fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Economy Games
Main exhibition floor
Engage with fun, hands-on games that demystify complex economic concepts like inflation and trade.
Global Currency Collection
International Money Display
See fascinating preserved currencies from around the world, including nostalgic notes from India.
Design Your Own Banknote
Craft station
Unleash your creativity by designing your very own unique banknote.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission
Interactive Learning for All Ages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 It's Absolutely FREE! :moneybag:
Admission is completely free, making it a top choice for budget travelers and families looking for free activities in Ottawa. +2
👟 Stroller-Friendly & Accessible :wheelchair:
The museum is well-organized, clean, and fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
📱 Interactive Fun for All Ages :iphone:
Don't miss the touch-screen games and quizzes that make learning about economics engaging for both kids and adults.
💡 Staff are Super Helpful :star:
Visitors consistently praise the friendly, smiling, and helpful staff who are always willing to assist.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 It's Absolutely FREE! :moneybag:
Admission is completely free, making it a top choice for budget travelers and families looking for free activities in Ottawa. +2
👟 Stroller-Friendly & Accessible :wheelchair:
The museum is well-organized, clean, and fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
📱 Interactive Fun for All Ages :iphone:
Don't miss the touch-screen games and quizzes that make learning about economics engaging for both kids and adults.
💡 Staff are Super Helpful :star:
Visitors consistently praise the friendly, smiling, and helpful staff who are always willing to assist.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time :clock1:
While you can do a quick visit, you could easily spend 5+ hours exploring every exhibit in depth.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bank of Canada Museum as a free, educational, and highly engaging experience for all ages. The interactive exhibits, global currency displays, and helpful staff are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a recommended stop in Ottawa.
"Great place to visit. One floor only but packed with information. Has international money display and a neat interactive game to get you engaged during your visit at the museum!! Highly recommend and best of all it’s FREE!!! Shout out to staff!! All really nice and all smiles, willing to help ☺️"
Carms
"Our visit to the Bank of Canada Museum was a refreshing and educational highlight during our trip to Ottawa. Located just steps from Parliament Hill, this modern, well-curated museum offers deep insights into the history, mechanics, and future of Canada’s economy—making it a must-visit, especially for those with an interest in finance, currency, or global economic systems.
From the moment we entered, the museum impressed us with its interactive displays, rich visuals, and multilingual audio guides. The museum does an excellent job of demystifying complex topics like inflation, trade, employment, and economic planning. Exhibits such as “What a Coin is Worth” and “Engines of the Economy” explain how currency has evolved over time and how national economies are built and sustained.
One of the most nostalgic moments for us was seeing preserved currencies from around the world, including India’s now-discontinued 500 and 1000 rupee notes. It brought back memories and highlighted the global nature of economic history. Other intriguing exhibits included a historic balance scale, antique cash registers, and a beautifully detailed silver teapot with royal engravings symbolizing past presentations or ceremonial use.
The museum also features:
• Large-scale digital maps showing immigration and global trade patterns
• Insights into Canada’s Great Depression, economic recessions, and recovery strategies
• Real-time, forward-looking audio-visual content about Canada’s future economic priorities
• Touch-screen games and quizzes that make the visit engaging for both adults and children
There is also a souvenir shop inside the museum, offering currency-themed memorabilia and educational gifts.
As a family with a young child, we appreciated that the museum was fully stroller-accessible, air-conditioned, and clean with well-organized pathways. I personally would have loved to spend an entire day exploring each exhibit in depth, but with a family schedule to balance, we made the most of a half-day visit.
The Bank of Canada Museum goes far beyond just displaying money. It narrates the story of Canada’s economy, its global connections, and the vital role of trust, governance, and innovation in monetary systems. Whether you’re a history buff, finance professional, student, or curious visitor, this museum delivers a rich and rewarding experience."
Raj Sinha
"This FREE museum exceeded our expectations!! Not only were the staff friendly and helpful, the museum was curated so well! The interactive displays were so fun and very insightful! They had a little 5 minute show about the Bank of Canada which was a nice immersive experience. Overall, would definitely visit them again and really recommend to check out this museum if you’re in the area 💯"
Myra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bank of Canada Museum is conveniently located just steps from Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa. It's easily accessible by public transport, with OC Transpo routes serving the downtown core. Many visitors also walk from nearby attractions.
While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public parking garages are available in the downtown Ottawa area, a short walk from the museum. Consider using these if you're driving.
Yes, the Bank of Canada Museum is often listed as one of the free museums open on Canada Day, making it a popular choice for celebrations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Admission to the Bank of Canada Museum is completely free for all visitors, making it an excellent value for an educational outing. +2
The museum is typically open Thursday through Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events or group visits, it's advisable to check the museum's website for any specific reservation policies.
Yes, the museum is fully accessible, including being stroller-accessible and having well-organized pathways for visitors with mobility needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore interactive exhibits on the history of money, Canada's economy, inflation, and the role of the Bank of Canada. Highlights include designing your own banknote and viewing global currencies. +1
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Kids can enjoy interactive games, treasure hunts, and the 'Design Your Own Banknote' station. They also offer Sensory Sundays for a calmer experience.
A quick visit can take about an hour, but you could easily spend 5+ hours if you want to delve deeply into all the exhibits and interactive elements.
The museum offers multilingual audio guides and has staff available to answer questions, enhancing your understanding of the exhibits.
The museum educates the public about the Bank of Canada's mandate, which includes managing inflation, issuing currency, and promoting a stable financial system for Canada. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a restaurant. However, it is located in downtown Ottawa, surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries offering a wide variety of dining options.
Typically, food and drinks are not permitted inside museum exhibition halls to protect the artifacts and displays. There may be designated areas for consumption, but it's best to check with the museum staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the Bank of Canada Museum, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted to protect exhibits. It's always best to look for signage or ask staff.
The international currency displays, the 'Design Your Own Banknote' station, and the historical artifacts like antique cash registers offer great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to combine fun with education, making complex economic concepts understandable and engaging for younger minds. Plan for at least a couple of hours to let them explore all the hands-on exhibits.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect addition to a day of exploring other free attractions in the city, offering significant educational value and entertainment for zero cost.
🤓 History & Finance Enthusiasts
The detailed exhibits and interactive elements provide a comprehensive understanding of monetary systems and their impact on society, making it a rewarding visit for curious minds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of Canadian Currency
+1Discover the stories behind different denominations and learn about the figures and symbols that have graced Canadian currency over the years. The museum showcases not only physical currency but also the economic principles that underpin its value and circulation. It's a comprehensive look at how money has shaped Canada.
Understanding Canada's Economy
Explore how global economic events impact Canada and understand the strategies the Bank employs to navigate challenges like recessions and promote growth. The museum provides a clear, concise, and often playful introduction to economic principles that affect everyone's daily lives. It's an excellent resource for students and anyone curious about how the country's financial system works.
A Free Gem for Families
Furthermore, the museum is stroller-accessible and provides a clean, safe environment for families. They also host Sensory Sundays, which offer a more relaxed atmosphere with reduced lights and sound, catering to visitors with sensory sensitivities. This thoughtful approach makes the museum a welcoming destination for all families.
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