Bytown Museum

Bytown Museum

Follow Bytown Museum

Discover Ottawa's history at this museum in the city's oldest stone building. Learn about the construction of the Rideau Canal, Ottawa's rowdy lumberjack past, the town's selection as Canada's capital and more.

The Bytown Museum tells the city's story through a collection of more than 7,000 Ottawa-related artifacts, including Victorian timepieces, tools used to build the Rideau Canal—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and antique children's toys. Don't miss the stone vault on the first floor, which stored money, supplies and gunpowder during the canal's construction.

Located in a picturesque spot next to the Ottawa Locks, between Parliament Hill and the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel, the museum offers exhibitions, family activities, special events and guided tours. Included with the very affordable admission is an audio guide available in English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese.

More Details

Address
1 Canal Lane Ottawa
Major credit cards accepted
Accessibility: Entry
Partial
Accessibility: Washrooms
Full
Dates & Hours of Operation
The BYTOWN MUSEUM is open all year. WINTER 2018-2019October 8, 2018 to May 9, 2019. Thursday to Monday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. * January 2019: Open by Appointment, call 613-234-4570 x221 to arrange your visit. SUMMER 2019May 10 to October 14, 2019. Open daily: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. free admission after 5 p.m.
Reservations (Large Groups)
Required
Distance to Shaw Centre (km)
1.2
Distance to Parliament Hill (km)
0.5
Distance to airport (km)
17.2
Admission (regular adult price)
10 CAD or less
Student Friendly
Comp policy for the Driver and/or the Escort
Driver only
Group Rates Offered
Maximum Group Size
50

Stay up to date

Stay up to date on upcoming events and ideas to plan your next trip to Ottawa with friends, family or on your own by signing up for the Ottawa Tourism Newsletter.