Canadian Museum of Nature | Ottawa

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a dynamic and family-friendly natural history museum located in Ottawa, dedicated to the natural world of Canada and beyond. It blends science, education, and stunning exhibits in a beautiful heritage building, offering something for visitors of all ages—from dinosaur fans to nature lovers and curious minds.

Overview

Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, Ontario

Established: 1856 (current building opened in 1912)

Architectural Style: Tudor-Gothic (also known as “Scottish Baronial”), with modern glass additions

Also Known As: The “Victoria Memorial Museum Building”

About the Museum

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada’s national natural history museum. It showcases the country’s vast biodiversity, geological wonders, and prehistoric past through engaging and interactive exhibits. The museum combines classic charm with modern updates, including a striking glass tower called the Queens’ Lantern, a newer architectural feature that beautifully complements the historic façade.

Main Galleries and Exhibits

Fossil Gallery

A highlight of the museum, featuring full-size dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and prehistoric sea creatures.

Includes the Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and a massive blue whale fossil.

Visitors learn about mass extinctions, evolution, and paleontology in Canada.

Earth Gallery

Focuses on Canada’s geology and mineral wealth.

Includes displays of precious gems, crystals, and meteorites.

Hands-on exhibits allow guests to touch real rocks and understand tectonic forces.

Mammal Gallery

Life-sized dioramas of Canada’s mammals in natural habitats, from the Arctic tundra to forests and grasslands.

Animals on display include bears, moose, wolves, bison, and mountain goats.

The dioramas are so lifelike that they’re often mistaken for real environments.

Bird Gallery

Displays more than 450 bird specimens, including owls, hawks, seabirds, and songbirds.

Offers insight into migration, nesting, and birdwatching in Canada.

Water Gallery

Features Canada’s freshwater and marine environments.

Includes live fish, jellyfish tanks, touch stations, and a life-sized model of a blue whale heart.

Explores the diversity and importance of aquatic life.

Nature Live Gallery

A hands-on science zone featuring live insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Great for kids and curious minds who want to get close to the creatures.

Temporary Exhibits

Rotating special exhibitions on everything from climate change and Arctic wildlife, to the science of color, bugs, or earthquakes.

These exhibits often include multimedia, interactive elements, and updated scientific research.

Unique Features

Queens’ Lantern: A modern glass tower at the museum’s front entrance, offering panoramic views of Ottawa from its upper levels.

Research and Collections: The museum houses over 14.6 million specimens, including plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and rocks.

Nature Boutique: A gift shop selling nature-themed toys, books, jewelry, and educational kits.

Café: A small café with snacks and drinks—ideal for families on a day visit.

Education and Outreach

Offers school programs, guided tours, science camps, and interactive workshops.

Hosts Nature Nocturne (an after-hours event with music and cocktails for adults).

Online resources include virtual exhibits, video lectures, and digital collections.

Accessibility and Visitor Info

Fully wheelchair-accessible, with elevators and accessible washrooms

Family-friendly with change tables, stroller access, and quiet spaces

Coat check and lockers available

Paid parking on-site or nearby; also accessible by OC Transpo (public transit)

Why Visit?

The Canadian Museum of Nature is not just a place to learn—it’s a space to explore, interact, and be inspired by the natural world. Whether you're watching live jellyfish, standing beside a towering dinosaur, or touching a meteorite from outer space, the museum connects people of all ages to the planet's rich past and present.

Perfect for families, school groups, tourists, or solo visitors wanting to experience the natural history of Canada in an immersive and unforgettable way.