Canada Science and Technology Museum
Discover Canadian innovation through hands-on exhibits, from historic trains to interactive STEAM activities for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Canadian innovation through hands-on exhibits, from historic trains to interactive STEAM activities for all ages.
"This place brought out my inner child; it was fun playing with rockets and imagining cruising across the ocean. 
🎯 Plan for 4-6 Hours
Don't underestimate the size! Allow ample time to explore all exhibits.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crazy Kitchen
Exhibition Hall
Experience a disorienting room that plays with your sense of balance and gravity. A must-see for all ages!
Steam Locomotive Exhibits
Great Hall
Marvel at the sheer scale and power of historic steam locomotives. A truly awe-inspiring display of engineering.
Zoom: Children's Zone
Children's Exhibition Area
A hands-on STEAM dreamscape where kids can unleash their imagination with rock climbing, building, and testing tracks.
Sound and Music Exhibits
Exhibition Hall
Play with fun gadgets and explore the science behind sound and music in this engaging and interactive section.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Navigating the Museum: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for 4-6 Hours
Don't underestimate the size! Allow ample time to explore all exhibits.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing.
📱 Download Museum Map
Easily navigate the one-floor layout and find your favorite exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for 4-6 Hours
Don't underestimate the size! Allow ample time to explore all exhibits.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing.
📱 Download Museum Map
Easily navigate the one-floor layout and find your favorite exhibits.
🧒 Kids Love the Zoom Zone
This interactive area is a huge hit with children.
🆓 Newcomer Free Year Pass
Newcomers to Canada can get a year of free museum access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Canada Science and Technology Museum for its engaging, interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. The museum's spacious, one-floor layout and friendly staff contribute to a positive experience. While some found the cafe options limited, the overall value and educational content make it a highly recommended destination for families and science enthusiasts alike.
"We had a great experience here!
The museum is all on one floor, which makes it easy to get around, and there’s plenty to see and do. There are tons of interesting historical facts, and the open layout means it never feels too crowded. Each exhibit has several items on display, which kept things engaging. There are also lots of interactive features that make it fun and exciting—especially for kids!
The bathrooms were clean, the gift shop was lovely, and the café was nice, with a good selection of snacks and drinks and lots of open seating. The pricing was also very reasonable!
Overall, a really enjoyable visit. I’d definitely recommend it!"
Alina Azmat
"Very fun to walk around and learn about the advancement of the technology we see everyday, the the technology we left behind.
We loved the Sound section with the fun gadgets we could play around with. The Kitchen section felt the most informative and the steam power section was the most fun to walk around due to the absolute scale of the trains.
The building also looks quite nice."
Khuzemah Hassan
"Canada Science and Technology Museum — Family Visit Review
We visited the Canada Science and Technology Museum last weekend with our family, and it was a fantastic experience. The kids had a great time exploring all the interactive exhibits and activities, and the adults enjoyed refreshing their own science and technology knowledge.
The ticket prices were reasonable, and with the Strong Pass, you get additional discounts, which is a nice bonus. At the entrance, after check in, they provided us with maps, and each exhibit room was clearly labeled, making it easy to navigate from one gallery to the next. The museum layout is very intuitive, with rooms connected in a way that lets you flow naturally through the space.
The amount of information and hands-on learning available is incredible — truly a brain gym for kids! There was so much to learn, from basic scientific principles to complex technology concepts, all explained through simple and engaging experiments. This interactive approach really makes science come alive.
There were plenty of activities to keep the kids engaged, including hands-on stations, games, and even demonstrations. Adults will find it equally fascinating, with opportunities to revisit and reconnect with science and tech concepts they might have forgotten.
The museum is quite large, so I would recommend planning for at least 4 to 6 hours, depending on how deeply you want to explore each area. We hadn’t fully planned our time and ended up having to skip the last block of exhibits, so be sure to allow enough time if you want to see everything.
I didn’t notice a dedicated refreshment area or café, so if you have kids who might need a snack break, it’s best to check with the front desk about food and drink options before you start your tour.
Parking was easy, and the staff at the entrance were friendly and patient
Overall, this museum is absolutely worth your time. It’s educational, entertaining, and suitable for all ages. Highly recommend a visit!"
Pradnya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 1867 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa. You can reach it by car, with paid parking available on-site. Public transit is also a convenient option, with several OC Transpo bus routes stopping nearby.
Yes, there is a paid parking area available for visitors. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Several OC Transpo bus routes serve the area around the museum, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the OC Transpo website for the most up-to-date route information.
Yes, the museum is largely on one floor, making it very accessible. The layout is designed to be easy to navigate for everyone.
Operating hours can vary, especially around holidays. It's best to check the official Canada Science and Technology Museum website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally reasonable. Look out for potential discounts like the Strong Pass or special promotions. Newcomers to Canada can explore museums for free for a year with the Canoo Pass.
Yes, Narcity Canada mentions that the museum offers free admission from 4 PM to 5 PM daily.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to avoid queues and ensure entry.
Yes, CAA members can save 25% on admission to Ingenium museums, including the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Typically, museums allow re-entry on the same day, but it's best to confirm with the admissions desk upon arrival to be sure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic Crazy Kitchen for a fun disorientation experience, the impressive steam locomotive exhibits in the Great Hall, and the interactive Zoom zone for kids. The sound and music exhibits are also highly engaging. +1
Absolutely! The museum is highly recommended for families. The Zoom zone is a major highlight for children, with numerous hands-on activities. +1
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 4 to 6 hours to fully explore the museum, as there is a vast amount of content and interactive elements.
Yes, the museum is known for its numerous interactive exhibits that make learning fun and engaging for all ages.
You can explore the evolution of technology, from historic steam locomotives to early computing displays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe with a good selection of snacks and drinks, and ample seating. Some visitors felt the options weren't exciting for the price.
It's best to check with the museum's front desk regarding their policy on outside food and beverages. Some museums have designated eating areas.
The museum is located in Ottawa, which offers a wide variety of dining options in nearby neighborhoods. You can find everything from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants.
The cafe typically offers a range of snacks, drinks, and light meal options suitable for a museum visit.
While it offers snacks and drinks, some visitors found the cafe options not exciting enough for a full meal, suggesting it's better for a quick bite.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial purposes. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for signage.
The impressive steam locomotives, the visually striking Crazy Kitchen, and the colorful interactive displays in the Zoom zone offer great photo opportunities.
Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific exhibit restrictions.
The 'Man Who Planted Trees' exhibit, though at the Museum of Nature, is mentioned as visually stunning. Within the Science and Technology Museum, the large-scale exhibits like trains and interactive displays are very photogenic.
Yes, the steam engines are massive and impressive, offering excellent opportunities for striking photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least 4-6 hours to fully experience the museum, as there's a lot to explore. The museum's one-floor layout makes it easy to navigate with strollers and active children. Don't forget to check for any special holiday programming or events that might add extra fun to your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Also, consider purchasing tickets in advance, as sometimes online deals or passes like the Strong Pass can offer savings. While there is a cafe, some reviewers found the food options pricey, so packing your own snacks or planning a meal outside the museum could be a cost-saving strategy.
🤓 Science Enthusiasts
Engage with the interactive displays that explain complex scientific principles in an understandable way. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of how science and technology have shaped Canada and the world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Interactive Exhibits
The Zoom zone is a particular highlight for families, offering a dedicated space for children to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts through play. Activities like rock climbing, building with foam boards, and testing custom-made cars on tracks provide hours of entertainment and learning.
Many visitors rave about the Sound and Music exhibits, where you can play with various gadgets and understand the science behind acoustics. The open layout of the museum ensures that even with many interactive elements, it rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded, allowing for a more personal engagement with each exhibit.
A Journey Through Canadian Innovation
Exhibits often delve into specific areas of Canadian scientific achievement, providing context and historical perspective. This allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity and hard work that has shaped the nation's technological landscape.
Whether you're interested in transportation, communication, or industrial development, the museum offers a comprehensive look at how Canada has contributed to the global scientific and technological community. It’s a place where you can learn about the past and be inspired for the future.
Family Fun and Educational Value
Parents often appreciate the opportunity to refresh their own knowledge and share nostalgic moments with their children, reminiscing about past technologies.
The museum's layout is intuitive, making it easy to navigate with kids, and the staff are frequently noted as being friendly and helpful. Beyond the dedicated children's areas, the entire museum offers a wealth of educational content presented in an accessible and exciting way. It's a 'brain gym' for kids, as one reviewer put it, making complex scientific principles understandable through simple experiments and engaging displays.
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