Bytown Museum
1 Canal Lane, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P6
Ottawa's oldest history museum, housed in the 1827 Commissariat Building at the foot of the Ottawa Locks. Tells the story of how Bytown became Canada's capital, from the construction of the Rideau Canal through the city's transformation into Ottawa.
Features
About the Bytown Museum
The Bytown Museum occupies the oldest stone building in Ottawa — the 1827 Commissariat Building — tucked at the foot of the Ottawa Locks where the Rideau Canal meets the Ottawa River, just below Parliament Hill and Château Laurier.
Built to store supplies for Colonel John By's Rideau Canal project, the building has since served as the heart of a museum chronicling how the rough lumber town of "Bytown" grew into Canada's capital.
What to See
- Permanent Gallery — "Where Ottawa Begins" — Stories from Lt-Col John By and the construction of the Rideau Canal through the First World War
- Temporary Exhibitions — Rotating shows drawing from the museum's collection
- Community Gallery — Space for community groups, embassies, and local artists
Admission
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Adult | $10 |
| Student / Senior | $7 |
| Child (5-12) | $3 |
| Child (4 and under) | Free |
| Family | $23 |
Free admission Thursday evenings 5-8 PM in July and August.
Getting There
- By Foot: From Parliament Hill or ByWard Market, walk down to the canal locks
- OC Transpo: Numerous routes serve Rideau Centre / Wellington Street stops
- Parking: Limited street parking; ByWard Market parking garage is closest
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
Details
Please noteDetails may change.MoreLess
Check the official site before you go. I run 613today independently and am not affiliated with this venue. For current details or questions, contact the venue directly.
See something incorrect? Let me know.
Upcoming Events
You might also like
AttractionCanadian War Museum
Canada's national museum of military history, featuring four chronological galleries, the LeBreton vehicle hall and Memorial Hall. Thursday 5-7 PM admission is free; every visitor needs a timed ticket, including free visitors.
In common: Museum
AttractionNational Gallery of Canada
Canada's premier art museum, housed in a landmark Moshe Safdie glass-and-granite building on Sussex Drive. Home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, plus European masterworks and contemporary pieces — over 93,000 works in total. Free every Thursday evening 5–8 PM.
In common: Museum
AttractionOttawa Art Gallery
Ottawa's municipal art gallery, always free to visit. Features rotating exhibitions of Canadian, local, and international contemporary art. Open late Wednesday through Saturday until 9 PM. Located downtown near the Rideau Centre.
In common: Museum
AttractionCanadian Museum of Nature
Canada's national natural history museum, housed in a landmark Victorian sandstone building. Features dinosaur fossils, a blue whale skeleton, the world's largest display of Canadian birds, and an Arctic gallery. Free general admission Thursday evenings 5-8 PM; tickets required.
In common: Museum
AttractionBank of Canada Museum
Temporarily closed as of October 23, 2026. The Bank of Canada Museum explores economics and monetary history with free regular admission; online learning resources remain available during the closure.
In common: Museum
AttractionCanadian Museum of History
Canada's national museum of human history, located across the river in Gatineau with sweeping views of Parliament Hill. Features the Canadian History Hall, an immersive Canadian Children's Museum, and the Grand Hall with the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Free Thursday evenings 5-7 PM.
In common: Museum
Want to add your place to 613today? It’s free!
Contact Us →