Best Museums in Gatineau

"The National Gallery is a work of art in itself: its striking ensemble of pink granite and glass spires echoes the ornate copper-topped towers of nearby Parliament. Inside, vaulted galleries exhibit predominantly Canadian art, classic and contemporary, including an impressive collection of work by Inuit and other indigenous artists. It's the world's largest Canadian collection, although additional galleries of European and American treasures include several recognizable names and masterpieces. Interpretive panels guide visitors through the nation's history and cultural development."

"The National Gallery of Canada houses our nation's most comprehensive collection of Canadian art, including artwork by Emily Carr, Alex Colville, Tom Thomson, and the Group of Seven. The museum's permanent collection includes over 93,000 works from European, American, Asian, Canadian, and indigenous Canadian artists. The deal: Admission is $16 for adults."

"The National Gallery of Canada* is much more than just an art museum in Ottawa. This Canadian national gallery is home to the country’s best collection of art, especially Canadian and indigenous art. Exhibitions of exquisite artistic expression in this gallery reveal the past, present, and future of art, as well as celebrating its accessibility to the public."

"The Canadian War Museum was built in 1880 and houses a colossal collection of over 50,0000 items that portray all the aspects of the history Canadian Military. The permanent collection includes the stories of the wars fought on Canadian land, the Cold War, the Second World War, the South African War and other operations. The collection of jet aircrafts, motorcycles, tanks and naval weapons are ...Read more"

"Tanks, jet fighters, artillery and art are just some of the impressive items that represent Canada’s war history at the Canadian War Museum. The building’s architecture is based on the theme of regeneration, with energy-efficient features like a green roof, and symbolism like the morse code windows that spell out “Lest We Forget”. In November, the museum hosts special Remembrance events and activities."

"When you think "kids," you may not think the war museum - but the little ones still get a kick out of looking at all the exhibits. And if you have older children, you may all get lost in there reading and exploring!"

"Boasting one of the best natural history collections in the world is the Canadian Museum of Nature which remarkably houses more than fifteen million specimens. Set just a short stroll to the south of the center, its interesting artifacts and exhibits explore over four billion years of the Earth’s history. Originally founded in 1856 in Montreal, the massive museum now occupies a fine Tudor-Gothic Revival-style building which itself is a National Historic Site."

"This is an excellent museum to visit if you’re interested in the natural world and visiting this museum should be high on your list of things to do in Ottawa with kids. The handsome heritage building has wings on four floors packed with museum exhibits like dinosaurs, polar bears, birds and other creatures. If you’ve seen the movie “Night At The Museum”, this is the closest museum in Ottawa to the one in the movie."

"240 McLeod street (at Metcalfe) Ottawa, ON 613-566-4700 TF: 1-800-263-4433 •  TTY: 613-566-4770nature.ca. Canada is all about nature and no trip to Ottawa is complete without a visit to the Canadian Museum of Nature. You will discover all of Canada’s diverse nature under one roof!"

"The Canada Science and Technology Museum examines technology and science from a distinctly Canadian lens—from medical developments to wearable technology. The museum also plays home to a children’s innovation zone with various kid-friendly activities as well as practical resources for parents (like a bottle-warming station and diaper-changing area)."

"The recently refurbished Canada Science and Technology Museum is a favourite for children to visit. It’s a popular spot during the summer months due to all the school groups, and the train ride outside is a particular favourite. The Crazy Kitchen is another favourite, and is one of the original experiences from when the museum first opened in 1967."

"Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like a kid again and be filled with wonder as you visit the impressive exhibits that explore topics like sound, wearable technology, and medicine."

"Canada's Cold War Museum is located outside of Ottawa in a large underground facility that was constructed in the early 1960s to protect important functions of the Canadian government in the event of a nuclear war. This was one of several self-sufficient, shock-resistant, radiation-proof underground shelters built across Canada during the Cold War, as part of Project EASE (Experimental Army Signals Establishments). Political critics coined the nickname "Diefenbunker" in reference to Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who promoted their construction."

"Visit Canada’s Cold War Museum –Diefenbunker. Built between 1959 and 1961, the 100,000 square foot underground bunker,was intended to house 535 Canadian government officials and military officers in the event of a nuclear war. During evenings, this museum transforms into #1 rated escape room in Ottawa. Imagine being locked inside a themed room with only 45 minutes to find clues and solves puzzles in an attempt to find the key before the clock hits zero."

"Why You Need To Go: For a one-of-a-kind experience, you can go underground and explore a gigantic Cold War bunker. The Diefenbunker will have one-way walking paths throughout the museum and reduced capacity, but all the exhibits will be open."

"Bytown Museum has an intriguing collection of eclectic items, such as a plaster-cast death hand of murdered Father of Confederation, Thomas D’Arcy McGee. Housed in Ottawa’s oldest stone building, the museum takes you on a deep delve of Bytown (Ottawa’s first name), which was a rowdy place where Irish, French, Scots and English engaged in brawls."

"After tea, head over to the Bytown Museum. Housed in Ottawa’s oldest stone building located between the Fairmont and Parliament Hill, this quaint, local museum tells the stories of Ottawa’s lumbering past. Here, you can also learn how the Rideau Canal was built (much of it was dug out by hand through the Canadian wilderness)!"

"Elgin Street Diner has been an proud Ottawa institution for over 22 years. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this classic diner serves large portions of timeless breakfast dishes, perfect to set you up for the day ahead or help you recover from the night before. Its all-day menu features omelets, pancakes, French toast and bagels, alongside their famous sandwiches, burgers and their famous poutine."

"A post shared by Nathan (@f0rty.seven) on May 25, 2019 at 6:43am PDT. Voted as the best by many magazines, Elgin Street Diner is a known name among the foodies. Be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night food, the restaurant offers a wide variety of food choices."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user jean francoeur used under CC BY 2.0. Aside from being open 24 hours, in a clubbing hotspot, this diner has great food. The burgers here are fresh and the poutine brings in patrons from all around."

"It seems obvious to say it, but there’s so many cute stalls and areas to explore in the heart of the market. Cobblestone streets and maple syrup treats, what more do you need?. View this post on Instagram"

"Offering a casual Italian dining experience, Mamma Grazzi’s Kitchen is a great spot for dinner with friends or a casual date. Enjoy one of the signature pizza or pasta dishes in the bright interior or al fresco on the patio (located in a beautiful cobblestone courtyard in the ByWard Market). Treat yourself to one of many inventive dishes like jumbo pasta shells stuffed with crab, ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes in a Sambuca cream sauce with fennel and shiitake mushrooms."

"Served in the historic hotel’s Zoé’s Lounge – named one of the best bars in Canada by enRoute magazine – Afternoon Tea features Canadian delicacies from across the country. Sit by the solarium-style windows, select your tea with help from the tea sommelier, and nosh on sweet and savoury treats like mini sandwiches and scones. Reservations recommended."

"Fairmont Château Laurier Mother’s Day offering include Zoe’s Afternoon Tea that features unique pastries, open-faced sandwiches, famous English scones, and a selection of Fairmont curated Lot 35 Teas. They also have dinner kits and heat and serve with individually packed premade meals."

"Zoe's at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is offering Valentine's at Home, available for pick-up Feb. 12, 13 and 14. The Valentine's Dinner at home serves two, at a cost of $189 per couple. For $299 per couple, the menu includes a half bottle of Moet & Chandon."

"Elgin Street Diner has been an proud Ottawa institution for over 22 years. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this classic diner serves large portions of timeless breakfast dishes, perfect to set you up for the day ahead or help you recover from the night before. Its all-day menu features omelets, pancakes, French toast and bagels, alongside their famous sandwiches, burgers and their famous poutine."

"A post shared by Nathan (@f0rty.seven) on May 25, 2019 at 6:43am PDT. Voted as the best by many magazines, Elgin Street Diner is a known name among the foodies. Be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night food, the restaurant offers a wide variety of food choices."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user jean francoeur used under CC BY 2.0. Aside from being open 24 hours, in a clubbing hotspot, this diner has great food. The burgers here are fresh and the poutine brings in patrons from all around."

"Image Source Are you running low on budget but still want to enjoy the lavish nightlife of Ottawa?. Then the Pour Boy Pub is the perfect destination where you should be heading to. A budget friendly Ottawa nightclub, the Pour Boy Pub offers freshly crafted beers at prices as low as $5."

"If you're more of a a hole-in-the-wall type of person, Pour Boy Pub is the place for you. There aren't too many places where you can find craft beer at $5 a pint. In addition to cheap drinks, delicious food here comes at a bargain, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options."

"If you are looking to enjoy the lavish nightlife on a budget, make your way to they Pur Boy Pub. This pub offers freshly brewed beers at a cost of $5. Unlike the other pubs, this is cheaper which also offers a decent menu with delicious dishes a reasonable price."