The Canadian Museum of History is a national institution documenting the human history of Canada, located in Gatineau, Quebec. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
To skip the details and just book tickets, head this way.
This guide was updated in March 2026 and reflects the current $24 adult admission price and the mandatory timed-entry ticketing system, resolving out-of-date entry information found in older guides.
Quick facts about Canadian Museum of History
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | 09:00 to 17:00 (Fri-Wed), 09:00 to 19:00 (Thu). |
| Ticket prices | Adult $24, Senior $22, Student $19, Child (2-12) $17, Family $65. |
| Address | 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada. |
| Nearest public transport or parking | OC Transpo and STO bus stops; On-site underground car park. |
| Typical time needed to visit | 3 to 4 hours. |
Canadian Museum of History opening hours
Canadian Museum of History opening hours run from 09:00 to 17:00 from Friday through to Wednesday. On Thursdays, the museum extends its hours, operating from 09:00 to 19:00 and offering free general admission during these final two hours.
The facility maintains these core hours throughout the year. It remains open on most public holidays, including Canada Day on 1 July, when it operates on extended hours from 09:00 to 19:00.
Why book tickets for the Canadian Museum of History?
- 🏛️ Canada’s Most Visited Museum: Explore the nation’s premier cultural institution, housed in a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Douglas Cardinal.
- 🎭 The Grand Hall: Stand in awe of the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, set against a massive wall of windows overlooking Parliament Hill.
- 🍁 Comprehensive History: Journey through the Canadian History Hall, which spans over 15,000 years of human history, from the earliest inhabitants to the present day.
- 🧒 Canadian Children’s Museum: Includes access to one of the country’s most popular family attractions, featuring interactive “Great Adventure” stations for kids.
- 🎥 CINE+ Theater Access: Enhance your visit with the option to see spectacular 3D and giant-screen films that bring history and nature to life (extra fee may apply).
Canadian Museum of History ticket prices
A standard adult ticket to the Canadian Museum of History costs $24, while a senior ticket (ages 65 and over) is $22, and a student ticket (ages 13 to 17) is $19. Children aged two to 12 enter for $17, and infants under two enter for free. A family ticket covering up to six people (maximum two adults) is available for $65.
Booking online is advised if you want your preferred time slot.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to the Canadian Museum of History
To get to the Canadian Museum of History, visitors should travel to Laurier Street in Gatineau, situated directly across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill. The museum is easily reached by crossing the Alexandra Bridge from downtown Ottawa on foot, by bicycle, or by car.
For public transport, both the OC Transpo (Ottawa) and STO (Gatineau) bus networks service the immediate area. During the summer months, a commercial river taxi operates between the Ottawa Locks and the museum’s riverside dock.
Parking at the Canadian Museum of History
There is dedicated on-site parking at the Canadian Museum of History located in an underground garage beneath the facility. The automated car park operates from 09:00 to 21:00 daily and costs $2 per half hour, capped at a daily maximum of $18.
The garage has a maximum vehicle clearance height of 1.93 metres. Four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are available on level P1, which require the FLO mobile application to use.
How long to spend at the Canadian Museum of History
Visitors typically need three to four hours to walk through the main exhibition halls and the dedicated children’s area. Because the campus is vast, allocating half a day ensures you can view the historical collections without rushing.
Adding a documentary film screening at the on-site CINÉ+ theatre or taking a meal break at the Panorama Café will extend the visit to a full day.
Accessibility at the Canadian Museum of History
The entire facility is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts connecting all four levels and ramps installed throughout the exhibition spaces. Manual wheelchairs and motorised scooters are permitted, and courtesy wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the information desk.
Designated accessible parking spaces are located on level P1 of the underground garage. The museum also provides ear defenders for visitors with sensory processing needs, and an induction loop system is fitted within the CINÉ+ theatre.
Inside / what to see at the Canadian Museum of History
The Grand Hall forms the architectural centre of the museum, featuring a curving, six-storey glass wall overlooking the Ottawa River. It houses a large indoor collection of totem poles and explores the history and cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Coast.
The Canadian History Hall spans three distinct galleries, tracing the history of Canada from the dawn of human habitation through to the modern era using thousands of authentic artefacts.
The First Peoples Hall documents the history, diversity, and contributions of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The gallery features traditional garments, contemporary art, and historical documents.
The Canadian Stamp Collection is a specialised gallery displaying every postage stamp ever issued by the Canadian government. The space details the history of the postal service and the engraving processes used.
The Canadian Children’s Museum is a hands-on space housed within the main building. It allows younger visitors to navigate tactile environments, including a brightly coloured replica bus and international market stalls.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit between 17:00 and 19:00 on a Thursday to take advantage of the free general admission period. |
| Crowds | The museum is busiest during the summer peak and on public holidays; arrive before 10:00 for the quietest experience. |
| Layout | The facility is spread across four large levels; obtain a physical map to ensure you do not miss the lower-floor galleries. |
| Entry process | All visitors, regardless of age or free entry eligibility, must secure a timed-entry ticket either online or at the box office. |
| On-site logistics | Large backpacks and full-length umbrellas are prohibited in the galleries and must be left at the complimentary coat check. |
Frequently asked questions about the Canadian Museum of History
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Canadian Museum of History suitable for children? | Yes, the facility houses the dedicated, interactive Canadian Children’s Museum. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Canadian Museum of History? | Advance booking is highly recommended to secure your preferred timed-entry slot, though walk-up tickets are available. |
| Is the Canadian Museum of History open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open every Sunday year-round from 09:00 to 17:00. |
| Are bags allowed at the Canadian Museum of History? | Small day bags and diaper bags are allowed, but large luggage and backpacks must be checked. |
Things to do near the Canadian Museum of History
- Canadian War Museum: A national museum located across the river in Ottawa, detailing Canada’s military history.
- National Gallery of Canada: A major art museum featuring Canadian, Indigenous, and international works.
- Parliament Hill: The seat of Canada’s federal government, offering guided tours of the historic legislative buildings.
- Royal Canadian Mint: An attraction in Ottawa offering guided tours of the facility where commemorative coins are produced.
- ByWard Market: A historic public market precinct featuring food tours, artisan stalls, and numerous restaurants.
More Quebec travel
Other Quebec travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A complete guide to visiting Montmorency Falls near Quebec City.
- Watching black bears in Duchesnay Forest near Quebec City.
- Exploring the French influence on North America in Quebec City.
- Why Montreal is Canada’s best city.
- A visitor guide to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.
