Bytown Museum Ottawa
Explore Ottawa's origins at the Bytown Museum, housed in the city's oldest stone building on the Rideau Canal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Bytown Museum Ottawa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Ottawa's origins at the Bytown Museum, housed in the city's oldest stone building on the Rideau Canal.
"A must-visit for history buffs, offering a deep dive into Ottawa's past with an excellent audio guide."
🎧 Audio Guide is a Must
Enhance your visit with the 45-minute audio tour that vividly recounts Ottawa's history.
🕰️ Explore All Three Floors
Don't miss exhibits on the upper floors and the unique storage areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rideau Canal Construction
Ground Floor
Discover the monumental effort behind this iconic waterway and its military significance.
Early Ottawa Life
Upper Floors
See artifacts from lumberjacks, navvies, and personal items of local dignitaries.
Ottawa's Oldest Building
Throughout the museum
Explore the historic Commissariat building, dating back to 1827, and its thick stone walls.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Audio Guide is a Must
Enhance your visit with the 45-minute audio tour that vividly recounts Ottawa's history.
🕰️ Explore All Three Floors
Don't miss exhibits on the upper floors and the unique storage areas.
👻 Haunted History Tours
Experience eerie tales after dark with the Haunted Walks program. 
multilingual Audio Guide
The museum offers a 10-language audio guide for a more inclusive experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Audio Guide is a Must
Enhance your visit with the 45-minute audio tour that vividly recounts Ottawa's history.
🕰️ Explore All Three Floors
Don't miss exhibits on the upper floors and the unique storage areas.
👻 Haunted History Tours
Experience eerie tales after dark with the Haunted Walks program.
multilingual Audio Guide
The museum offers a 10-language audio guide for a more inclusive experience.
🛍️ Unique Gift Shop Finds
Discover local art and books, like the Canada Tiny Coloring Books.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bytown Museum for its engaging exhibits on Ottawa's history and the informative audio guide. Many appreciate the reasonable admission prices and the welcoming staff. While some note it's a smaller museum, the depth of information and the historic building itself make it a highly recommended stop for history buffs and families alike.
"I'll admit, I came for the Aircon, but I stayed as this was a great little museum. Really enjoyed seeing all of the exhibits about the history of Ottawa. The signposts are informative and clear, and the museum is well structured and spaced out so it doesn't feel cramped. Very reasonably priced also. Would recommend!!"
Bea D.
"This is a small museum with three floors.
They have some unique local items, including maps of the city showing its growth through the years, old photographs, some artifacts from lumberjacks and navvies, as well as memorabilia from local dignitaries and celebrities of bygone days. I appreciated seeing the personal items from E B Eddy and D'arcy McGee. A visit to the storage area for wine and explosives allows you to see the thickness of the walls of this oldest of Ottawa buildings. (Circa 1827) There are employees to answer questions. Tickets are not expensive, only under 15 for 2 seniors.
Well worth a visit for history buffs!"
Naomi Sherlock-Hubbard
"Such a GREAT and INTERESTING museum!!! We were greeted by a VERY welcoming Beatrice who addressed us both in French and English, providing us with the information we required to make the most of our visit to the museum and offering us the option of using the audio guide, of we were not aware - what a nice bonus to enhance our tour! The museum has SO MANY exhibits and interesting facts that we only viewed one floor and we are anxious to return to see the top floor and explore all the wonders that await us :) Thank you Beatrice for making this visit extra special :)"
Josée
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bytown Museum is located at 1 Canal Ln, Ottawa, ON K1R 5W8, right on the Rideau Canal. It's easily accessible by public transit, with several bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are parking garages in the downtown area.
Yes, the museum is centrally located in downtown Ottawa, making it a great stop before or after visiting Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, or exploring the ByWard Market.
Several paid parking garages are available in the downtown core, including the Ottawa City Hall parking garage and the World Exchange Plaza. Street parking may also be available but can be limited.
Absolutely! If you're staying in the downtown Ottawa area, the museum is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. It's a pleasant stroll along the canal.
While not explicitly mentioned, the area around the museum is bike-friendly, and you may find bike racks nearby. Cycling is a great way to explore Ottawa's scenic routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is reasonably priced, with tickets for seniors typically under $15. Check their official website for the most current pricing for adults, seniors, and children.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for special events, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the Bytown Museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, the museum typically offers discounted admission rates for seniors and students. Specific pricing details can be found on their website.
Yes, the Bytown Museum offers an excellent audio guide, available in multiple languages, which provides a comprehensive 45-minute tour of the exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases Ottawa's history from its early days, including exhibits on the Rideau Canal construction, lumberjacks, local dignitaries, and the city's growth. +1
Yes, the museum offers engaging exhibits that can be interesting for children, especially when combined with the audio guide or a family visit.
A typical visit can last from one to two hours, depending on your interest level. The audio guide is about 45 minutes, but you'll want time to explore the exhibits. +1
While the audio guide is the primary guided experience, staff are often available to answer questions. Special events, like the Haunted Walks, offer guided tours.
The museum is housed in an older building, so accessibility may vary. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific information regarding accessibility features.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has a cafe, which is a nice spot to relax and enjoy a coffee or snack after exploring the exhibits.
The museum is located in downtown Ottawa, surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a wide range of cuisines. The ByWard Market is also a short walk away.
Generally, it's best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the exhibit halls. Check with the museum for their specific policy.
Yes, downtown Ottawa and the ByWard Market area offer a variety of restaurants with extensive vegetarian and vegan menus.
Dining prices vary widely. You can find budget-friendly options in the ByWard Market and more upscale dining experiences in the surrounding downtown area.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always check for signage.
The museum's historic architecture, exhibits on Ottawa's past, and its location on the Rideau Canal offer many picturesque opportunities.
Consider capturing the exterior of the historic Commissariat building, the Rideau Canal views from the museum, and interesting artifacts within the exhibits.
Drone usage is typically regulated in urban areas and near historic sites. It's essential to check Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws before flying a drone.
Tripod use might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors or damaging exhibits. It's advisable to inquire with museum staff upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a part of a larger downtown exploration, perhaps combining it with a walk along the Rideau Canal or a visit to a nearby park. The museum's cafe also provides a convenient spot for a snack break. For a more interactive experience, look out for any special family-oriented programming the museum might offer throughout the year.
👻 History & Ghost Enthusiasts
+1Beyond the ghosts, the museum's deep dive into the lives of the navvies, lumberjacks, and early settlers offers a compelling look at the grit and determination that built Ottawa. The detailed exhibits and the informative audio guide will satisfy any history buff's curiosity about the city's foundational years.
📚 Book Lovers & Art Patrons
Local artists also sometimes feature their work at the museum, as seen during events like Colonel By Day, offering a chance to discover and support Ottawa artists.
+1 This makes the museum a delightful stop for anyone interested in the cultural landscape of the city, beyond just its historical artifacts.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Ottawa's Origins
Visitors can explore the construction of the Rideau Canal, a pivotal moment in Ottawa's history, understanding its strategic military importance and the immense human effort involved. The museum also highlights significant events like the Great Fire of 1870 and the development of the ByWard Market, offering a comprehensive narrative of the city's growth. Personal artifacts from notable figures like E.B. Eddy and D'Arcy McGee provide an intimate glimpse into the past.
One of the most engaging aspects is the 45-minute audio guide, which provides a rich, narrative experience, transporting visitors back in time. This guide expertly covers the arrival of settlers on Indigenous lands, the social and economic conditions of the era, and the city's transformation. The museum's commitment to accessibility is further enhanced by its new 10-language audio guide, making Ottawa's history available to a wider audience.
Beyond the Exhibits: Special Experiences
+1During special occasions like Colonel By Day, the museum can host local artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to engage with the community and local talent.
The museum also features a gift shop stocked with unique items, including local art and books, such as the Canada Tiny Coloring Books, making it a great place to find a souvenir or a gift. Furthermore, the museum's location on the Rideau Canal provides opportunities for scenic views and is a starting point for exploring other downtown attractions. The museum's cafe offers a pleasant spot to relax and reflect on the historical journey, complementing the overall visitor experience.
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