Local Guides World
Canadian Museum of Nature
Natural history exhibits in a Scottish baronial-style building, with fossils, insects & dioramas.
240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada

Photos — 97

Reviews — 8

Could not have been more special! We feel so fortunate to have been able to have had our wedding at the Canadian Museum of Nature. From the natural, historic beauty of the event spaces to the incredible attention to detail of the Events & Travelling Exhibitions Assistant, Audrey, we were over (or under in our case) the moon and would highly recommend the museum as a venue for any couple looking for a unique setting for their big day. As a last note, our planning process was made just that much easier with paired fantastic DJ services through Quality Entertainment included in our venue rental costs. Our guests danced the night away with us right until the very last moments and we had several compliments the next day on the playlist of the night.
Muna Hawwa
at 2023 Sep 18
Muna Hawwa
at 2023 Sep 18
I found the Canadian Museum of Nature to be somewhat overrated. While it does have a decent collection of exhibits, I expected more in terms of depth and variety. Additionally, the ticket prices were a bit steep for what was offered. However, the architecture of the building is impressive, and it could be an enjoyable visit for those with a strong interest in natural history.
Jessa Nisbett
at 2023 Sep 05
Jessa Nisbett
at 2023 Sep 05
Wow, what an amazing building, the architecture of the place is stunning. We came back at night to take some night photos.

The good: The price was reasonable for an attraction that realistically would take you an entire day to really take in. The exhibits were interesting and unique. We really enjoyed the Arctic exhibit with the ice presentation that you could interact with. The Owls exhibit was amazing too. We enjoyed everything we looked at.

The bad: Some exhibits had pieces out of order. Their beverage selection in the cafe was meh. We parked at the public parking at the police station area behind the museum as it was the cheapest option.
the5toed sloth
at 2023 Sep 02
the5toed sloth
at 2023 Sep 02
With 5 floors of galleries there are a lot of things to investigate. If you want to do everything you’ll need time. We spent 3 hrs and still didn’t get to 2 floors.

They have a good mix of visual and audio information. Only some hands on learning, which we prefer - some galleries have none and others are much better.

Overall, it’s what you expect of a museum. Lots of walking, reading, and learning. The info they provide is easy to understand and you can go in depth more if you want.

For some things we were already knowledgeable in we wish they shared different information, helped bust myths, or gave more general info to help people understand. We enjoyed the dinos the best as the visual really helps understand scale. Wish they had talked more about all the changes that have been made to our Dino understanding in the last 20 years (between when we were in school and now).
B D
at 2023 Jul 30
B D
at 2023 Jul 30
This is by far the coolest museum in Ottawa.
Probably should have gone during the week, as the place was packed. Doesn't matter though, it was still such an incredible place. Spent over 3 hours wandering the exhibits and was happy to see some of them from childhood are still there!
The building itself is worth the price of admission and take the time to check out the displays on the history of the building at each level of the great lantern.
Jessica Tremblay
at 2023 Jul 02
Jessica Tremblay
at 2023 Jul 02
This museum was fantastic. Spread over 5 floors (including basement), in a historical building. Was beautiful. We gave ourself 2 hours because we thought our 3yr old son wouldn't last longer - but because of all the exhibits and interactive things, we easily could have done 3hours. But if you are just adults.... you need a LOT of time to actually read and appreciate it all.
Under the canopy exhibit was going on while we were there - very cool! Loved seeing the sloth. A few things for kids to take pictures with and sit on.
A great location for owls on the back terrace - my son loved this.
Live insects in the basement are a must see.
Will go again and again.
Leegi Bu
at 2023 Jul 02
Leegi Bu
at 2023 Jul 02
A very well organized museum with tons of displays. On weekends, parking is free on streets around the museum. You can also get an hour of free visit.

Spare around 3+ hours for the visit. Dinosaurs, birds, mammals, earth, sea creatures, bugs, wolves and a lot more to explore.

Overall, a very informative visit for kids & adults alike.

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