Canadian 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 Thursday evenings 5-8 PM for all.
Features
About the Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature occupies a striking Victorian-era sandstone building at the corner of McLeod and Metcalfe streets, a short walk south of Parliament Hill. Originally built in 1912 as the Victoria Memorial Museum, it received a major modern addition — a glass "lantern" tower — in 2010.
The museum covers the full sweep of natural history, from deep-time geology and dinosaurs to the Arctic ecosystems of today.
Permanent Galleries
- Fossil Gallery — Dinosaur skeletons including a massive Daspletosaurus, plus ancient marine reptiles and early mammals
- Bird Gallery — The world's largest display of Canadian birds, with over 450 species
- Water Gallery — Marine life centrepiece is "Tallulah," a full blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. Also features dolphins, narwhals, sea lions, and walruses
- Mammal Gallery — Life-sized displays of grizzly bears, bison, moose, caribou, and cougars
- Canada Goose Arctic Gallery — The museum's newest permanent gallery, focused on Arctic ecosystems, wildlife, and climate
- Earth Gallery — Minerals, gems, and rocks from across Canada
Admission
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Ages 0-17 | Free |
| Ages 18-24 | $12 |
| Ages 25-64 | $24 |
| Ages 65+ | $19 |
| Thursday 5-8 PM | Free |
Getting There
- By Transit: A 15-minute walk from Parliament Station (O-Train Line 1), or bus routes along Elgin/Metcalfe
- By Car: Paid street parking and nearby lots on McLeod and Metcalfe
- On Foot: A pleasant walk south from Parliament Hill through Confederation Park and along the Rideau Canal
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