Canadian Museum of History: Totem Poles & Children's Museum
Walk through totem poles and centuries of Canadian stories under one roof
Canadian Museum of History admission in Ottawa gives you access to the Canadian History Hall, the Canadian Children's Museum, and special exhibitions inside a building designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal. The museum sits less than five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Children ages 2 and younger enter free; all areas are wheelchair accessible.
2h–3h
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Canadian Museum of History
- Visit Canadian Museum of History
- Discover First Peoples' achievements
- See world's largest totem poles
- Explore Canadian History Hall
- Learn through authentic artifacts
- Enjoy outdoor grounds and views
The Experience
The Canadian Museum of History holds the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles, and the Canadian History Hall is built around them — a signature exhibition that moves through Canada's history from earliest times to the present day using authentic artifacts and stories told from multiple perspectives. The Hall doesn't shy away from darker chapters; it celebrates achievements while exploring the full arc of what shaped the country. You move through at your own pace, reading the personal stories and historical currents that run through each section.
The Canadian Children's Museum occupies its own space inside the building, designed for learning through play — younger visitors can spend time there while adults explore the main galleries, or families can move between both. The outdoor grounds offer views across the National Capital Region, and the architecture itself — designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal — is part of the experience. Admission covers all special exhibitions running during your visit, so what you see depends on the season.
The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout, with accessible transportation options nearby and public transit connections. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Plan for two to three hours to move through the main galleries and the Children's Museum without rushing, though you can spend longer if a particular exhibition holds your attention.
What’s included
- Admission to the Canadian History Hall and the Canadian Children's Museum.
- access to all special exhibitions.
- outdoor grounds and views across the National Capital Region.
Operated by Canadian Museum of History
Is this one for you?The museum is self-paced, so you move through galleries at whatever speed suits you — there's no guide or fixed schedule, and families with young children can split time between the main halls and the Children's Museum without pressure to keep up.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What is the Canadian History Hall like?
The Canadian History Hall is the museum's signature exhibition, moving through Canada's history from earliest times to today through authentic artifacts, personal stories and historical perspectives. It explores both achievements and darker chapters of the past, using the world's largest indoor totem pole collection as a centerpiece.
Can I bring young children, and is there something for them to do?
Yes — children ages 2 and younger enter free, and the Canadian Children's Museum is included with admission. It's designed for learning through play, so younger visitors have their own space while families can also explore the main galleries together.
How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
Two to three hours is typical to move through the main galleries and the Canadian Children's Museum without rushing, though you can stay longer if you want to linger over particular exhibitions or displays.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes — all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller throughout. Transportation options to and from the museum are also wheelchair accessible.
Where is the museum located, and how do I get there?
The Canadian Museum of History is in Ottawa, less than five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Public transportation options are available nearby, and the building is accessible by wheelchair-accessible transit.
What's included in the admission ticket?
Admission includes access to the Canadian History Hall, the Canadian Children's Museum, and any special exhibitions running during your visit. Children ages 2 and younger are free.
Canadian Museum of History: Totem Poles & Children's Museum
2h–3h
from CA$ 29 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.49158 reviews
