Canadian
Museum of Nature

Ottawa is proud to be home to The Canadian Museum of Nature. The Museum of Nature is one of our favourite places to bring the kids.

The Museum just recently underwent a major renovation. We visited shortly after the renovations were complete and we had an amazing time. Even though their website says you only need 2-3 hours for a reasonably complete visit of the Museum, we stayed much longer and we could have even stayed from open to close. The kids loved every part of it.

What is your favourite exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Nature? I would have assumed my children would have preferred the Water Gallery or the Mammal Gallery but much to my surprise, their favourite place was the Bird Gallery. There were so many interactive displays (including matching birds to their songs), they could have spent the entire day up there.

Location:
240 McLeod Street
At the corner of McLeod and Metcalfe
On foot it is about 20 minutes south of Parliament Hill
Telephone: 613-566-4700
TTY: 613-566-4770
Toll Free: 1-800-263-4433
TTY: 1-866-600-8801
www.nature.ca

Here is some information about the Museum that you will find useful if you are going to plan a visit:

Hours

Regular Hours (Sep 6 – Apr 30)
Tuesday to Sunday: 9am-5pm
Thursdays: 9am-8pm
Closed Mondays except Thanksgiving, Boxing Day, January 2, Family Day (Ontario), Mondays during spring break in Quebec & Onatrio, Easter Monday
Closes early on Christmas Eve
Closed on Christmas Day and January 9-13 (annual maintenance)

Summer Hours (May 1 – Sep 3)
Daily: 9am-6pm
Thursdays, Fridays: 9am-8pm

Just in case some of the above dates change, please call ahead to confirm the opening times.

Parking

Paid parking is available on the Museum’s grounds. Parking fills up quickly though.

Parking Rates
$2.50 per half hour
Maximum of $12 per day
After 4:30pm, pay a flat rate of $5

You can also park on the street (metered parking) or in private parking lots close by.

Admission

Adults (18-64): $10
Students (13+): $8
Seniors (65+): $8
Children (4-12):$6
Tiny Tot (3 and younger): Free
Family (min 1 child age 17 and younger, max 5 people, max 3 adults): $25

Free Admission
Thursday evenings: 5-8pm
Earth Day
International Museum Day
Canada Day (July 1)
For one person accompanying a person with a disability

Food/Concessions

The Nature Boutique was a must see for our kids. They were promised one small item after we were done at the museum. The Boutique is filled with lovely gift ideas and little treasures for all ages.

The Nature Café offers light lunch dishes and snacks. There are also eating areas around the Museum if you want to bring your own food.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a place you don’t want to miss while visiting Ottawa. If you live here and you have never been, we highly recommend a trip downtown to witness this spectacular museum for yourself.

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