A summer adventure in Canada’s capital includes everything from boat cruises on the Rideau Canal to lightshows projected against Parliament Hill and even Haunted Walks through historic neighbourhoods.
No matter what era of Canadian history you are interested in, Ottawa is home to museums and cultural attractions where you can learn something new. Along with the seven national museums chronicling the country’s history and culture, the city is also home to more than 100 unofficial museums — restaurants, activities and festivals that will appeal to your senses — which help to tell the story of the nation and its capital city. To inspire your love of the past, here are a few of the amazing official and unofficial museums showcasing history that you should visit this summer.
Want to see the largest indoor collection of totem poles in the world? Or walk through a hall that takes you on a journey through the country’s history? The most-visited museum in the Ottawa area, the Canadian Museum of History features artifacts and exhibits that offer insight into the people, places and events that helped shape Canada. The museum is also home to the First Peoples Hall, which celebrates the history and cultures of Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and the interactive Canadian Children’s Museum that includes family-fun activities like a maze made from marbles and a colourful Pakistani bus.
With three million documents and artifacts in its collection — including tanks, jet fighters and artworks — the Canadian War Museum chronicles the human side of conflicts. Its exhibits include looks at historic battles in New France, the Cold War and the military experience of Black Canadians from the Niagara region. It is also home to the LeBreton Gallery, which contains an extensive collection of military technology, the Royal Canadian Legion Hall of Honour, and the Memorial Hall, a quiet public space for rest and reflection.
Preserving the scientific and technological history of the nation, the Canada Science and Technology Museum is full of interactive and hands-on exhibits and activities that will delight visitors of all ages. Extensively renovated in 2017, the museum includes cutting-edge technologies, like augmented reality, along with innovations from the past, including giant train locomotives, early Bombardier snowmobiles and even a space satellite from the 1970s. There is even the Crazy Kitchen, an interactive experience all about perceptions and illusions and how they can fool the brain.
Climb onboard and cruise on a fully electric vessel along the Rideau Canal while you learn about the history and commercial significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rideau Canal Cruise lasts approximately 90-minutes and take you from the locks just above the Ottawa River to Dow’s Lake and back. Along the way, guides will regale you with stories about the city’s historic sites and landmarks as you glide past by them.
Once back on land, wander over to ByWard Market, which is located in the heart of the city. First established by Lieutenant Colonel John By in 1826, the market is one of the oldest and largest in Canada and is open 363 days of the year. Spend time browsing its market hall stalls, food stores, restaurants and artisan boutiques that carry local food, hand-crafted clothing, jewellery and souvenirs. This roughly four-square-block area of downtown has something for every visitor.
Continue your shopping experience by searching for treasures at Highjinx, an antique store located on Kent Street. Here you might discover some unique finds that celebrate the history of the city, and the country, intermixed between vintage lamps, dainty teacups and retro clothing. Highjinx is more than just a store, it is also social enterprise that provides food, clothing and support to those in need in the community.
Located in the historic Fairmont Château Laurier, Zoe’s has been an Ottawa gathering spot for decades. Named after the wife of former prime minister Wilfrid Laurier, Lady Zoe, the space was once a concert hall that was renovated into a bar in the 1980s. Enjoy afternoon tea — a local tradition — under the lounge’s ornate chandeliers, order one of its dishes inspired by regional ingredients for dinner, or simply pop in during the evening to enjoy ones of its signature cocktails (try the Lavender Sour made with gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup and egg white). While at Zoe’s, be sure to take time to admire its impressive artwork, which includes images by legendary Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh.
A true escape only minutes from downtown, the estate of Canada's longest-serving prime minister, Mackenzie King, is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing summer afternoon. Located in Gatineau Park, the historic grounds include two of King’s cottages, Kingswood and Moorside, which have been turned into museums, and his picture-perfect gardens complete with ruins. The estate is also the starting point for several hiking and mountain biking trails open from spring into fall.
Each summer, the historic façades of the Parliament Buildings transform into a canvas that comes alive with images and colourful lights — along with music — as part of the show “Northern Lights.” The free, 30-minute multimedia presentation takes you on a journey through Canadian history, from early exploration to the foundation of the country and our modern innovations. The shows take place from early July through Labour Day weekend on Thursdays through Mondays (weather dependent) after sunset.
After experiencing “Northern Lights,” continue your exploration of Ottawa’s history by heading on a lantern-lit walk to learn about the city’s paranormal past. The Haunted Walk operates several guided tours through the capital region where it shares ghost stories near the spots where they are said to have occurred. Stops include the Bytown Museum, the Fairmont Château Laurier and a local high school. The company also offers guided tours of the former Ottawa Jail, the site of the last working gallows in Canada.
