Bytown Museum in summer, old stone building

BYTOWN MUSEUM: A perfect place to begin exploring Ottawa

Nestled on the historic Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal, the Bytown Museum brings Ottawa’s past to life.

From the deep roots of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People along the Kichi Sìbì (Ottawa River) to the arrival of the British Military under Lt.-Col. John By in 1826 who worked to build the Rideau Canal and established Bytown – later known as Ottawa, the museum explores the stories of an evolving city and its people.

The Museum, nestled at the Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal, between Parliament Hill and the Chateau Laurier Hotel, is a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It offers offers stunning views, immersive exhibits, and engaging programs that connect history, nature, and community.

Painting of the canal and Bytown in pastel muted colours.

Notice: 

Our website crashed and we have a new site coming June 5th, 2025!

Until then, we only have basic information found below on this temporary site.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

For more info please contact us at communications@bytownmuseum.ca or call 613-234-4750

UPCOMING EVENTS

Spring Reception and Ice Cream Social


Join us on Thursday May 15 from 6pm-7:30pm

Come celebrate our 2025 Opening Day with us from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

Enjoy FREE museum entry, tours, and… ICE CREAM! (we’ve got gluten-free & vegan options too!)

All ages welcome – bring your family, friends & curiosity!


Museum Members Only Event: Annual General Meeting

You’re invited to our Annual General Meeting, taking place on the same day, May 15, 2025.
We’ll have a special reception and AGM on the 3rd floor from 5:30-6:30pm.


Exhibitions

Explore the stories of Bytown and Ottawa’s rich cultural heritage, past and present, through our Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions.

Capital Healers: Ottawa’s Health Care Story

May 2024 – November 2025

Capital Healers, through a series of biographical and institutional sketches, explores and sheds light on the people, organizations, and events that helped shape health care in Ottawa from time immemorial, through the construction of the Rideau Canal and the early days of Bytown, to the opening of the Ottawa Civic Hospital in 1924. This early history laid the foundation for Ottawa becoming home today to some of the nation’s leading health care institutions.


Permanent Gallery

Our gallery recounts the history of the area that would become Ottawa. Since time immemorial, the Anishinàbe Algonquin People lived and hunted in the territory surrounding the Kichi Sìbì (the Great River), now known as the Ottawa River Valley.

Our Permanent Gallery exhibition is presented in English, French, and Anishnabemowin.

In 1826, British engineers under Lt.-Col. John By built the Rideau Canal, sparking the rise of Bytown. The booming timber trade turned it into a global lumber hub, infamous for its rowdy shantymen and violent reputation. In less than thirty years, Bytown evolved into the City of Ottawa; changing its name, its character, and its reputation, and eventually becoming a thriving capital city.

BECOME A MEMBER

Colonel By in the gallery

Unlock unlimited access to history! As a museum member, you’ll enjoy year-round opportunities to connect with Ottawa’s past—whether in person or online. Your membership comes with exclusive perks, including free admission, special discounts at our Boutique and Café, and VIP invitations to exhibition openings and members-only events.

Your membership is more than just benefits, it’s a commitment to keeping history alive. By joining, you help ensure the Bytown Museum remains a vibrant, welcoming space where Ottawa’s stories are shared and celebrated.

Be part of our story – become a member today!
Email info@bytownmuseum.ca to sign up!

GROUP TOURS AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Whether for adults, school groups, seniors, families, kids or for young adults, the BYTOWN MUSEUM can accommodate groups of 10 or more with a sizeable amount of theme-oriented group tours specifically designed to educate and entertain.

Customizable tours are available.

To book your tour or require further booking, please complete this reservation form: Group Tour & Program Registration Form – 2024

For more information please contact 613 234-4570 x 226 or bookings@bytownmuseum.ca

BECOME A DONOR

Be part of something extraordinary. Your donation is a gift as well as an investment in preserving and sharing Ottawa’s rich history for generations to come. With your support, we bring history to life through dynamic and accessible exhibitions, hands-on educational programs, and inspiring community events and activities for diverse audiences.

Every dollar you give fuels discovery, learning and engagement. Whether you choose to contribute monthly, annually or with a one-time gift, you play a vital role in shaping the future of our museum.

Join us in making history – donate today.