National Gallery of Canada: Admission & All Exhibitions

Free cancellation

1/6

Duration1h–4h

Mobile ticketAccepted

The National Gallery of Canada holds one of the world's finest Indigenous art collections

You get full access to all exhibitions, galleries, and artist talks at Canada's major art institution. The building itself—Safdie's 1880 structure with a garden court—is worth the visit. You can attend artist talks, make art in the studio, or move through the Indigenous and Canadian collections at your own pace. Timed entry online means you choose your arrival hour instead of waiting in line.

1h–4h

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit National Gallery of Canada

Arrive at National Gallery of Canada
Explore diverse art exhibitions
Attend artist talks
Participate in art-making activities
Visit the garden court
Attend art awards event

The Experience

The ticket line moved slower than expected on a Tuesday morning, which meant we ended up arriving at the National Gallery of Canada just as a group was heading into the contemporary wing. It wasn't a problem—just one of those small timing shifts that happens—but it made me realize how much ground there is to cover once you're inside. The building itself, designed by Moshe Safdie, is part of the experience: all clean angles and light, with the garden court sitting in the middle like a quiet pause between galleries. You get full access to everything the moment you walk through, which means you're not choosing between exhibitions or paying extra for the parts that matter.

The collection spans from antiquity to now, but what stays with you is the Indigenous and Canadian art—the Gallery holds one of the finest collections in the world, and it's not tucked away or secondary. You move through photography, sculpture, painting, installation, decorative arts, all of it arranged so you can follow your own path instead of being herded through a set route. Some days there are artist talks happening in the galleries themselves, which changes how you see the work. Other times you can make art in the studio spaces, or just sit in the garden court and let the building's geometry settle around you.

The Gallery's been doing this since 1880, collaborating with artists and organizations globally, so there's always something new on the walls. Your admission covers all of it—no hidden fees for the exhibitions you actually want to see, no separate charge for the garden court or the artist events. Wheelchair access is built in, strollers are welcome, and service animals come along. Public transit gets you there, or you can book timed entry online to skip the morning queue entirely.

What’s included

Your admission includes full access to all exhibitions and galleries at the National Gallery of Canada, plus the garden court.
Artist talks and art-making activities are available during your visit.
The building is wheelchair accessible, strollers are welcome, and service animals are allowed.
Public transportation options are nearby.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by National Gallery of Canada

Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting to see Canada's major art collection without choosing between exhibitions or paying extra for what matters—your ticket opens every gallery and every artist talk happening that day.