Canadian Museum of History
National Museum Of Canada (Crown Corporation) · Gatineau, Quebec
The Canadian Museum of History is Canada's national museum of human history, on the Gatineau (Quebec) bank of the Ottawa River, directly across from Parliament Hill. The curving stone building was designed by the Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal and opened in 1989, shaped to suggest a landscape carved by wind, water and ice. It was called the Canadian Museum of Civilization until 2013. The Grand Hall holds a row of Pacific coast totem poles, among a large indoor collection, set in front of tall windows facing the river. The Canadian History Hall, opened in 2017, tells the country's story across many centuries, and the First Peoples Hall covers Indigenous histories and cultures, including difficult subjects such as residential schools. The Canadian Children's Museum is in the same building. It suits families, school groups and anyone who wants Canadian history in one place. Plan a half day, and remember it is in Quebec, not Ontario.
100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec, J8X 4H2, Canada
The museum is open all year, with longer daily hours in summer and a shorter week, often with one closed weekday, from autumn to spring. Opening time is usually mid-morning and closing late afternoon, with a later close on one evening in some seasons. It may close on a few holidays, including December 25. Special exhibitions and the CINE+ theatre keep their own schedules. Some reduced-price or free periods, often on one evening, have been offered, so confirm what applies. The building is on Eastern Time, the same as Ottawa. Check the museum website the day before, because hours and admission change by season.
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