Ottawa, Seasoned: Spring/Summer Museums & Galleries

Ottawa is known for its rich history, culture, and national significance, but it’s also a city where the arts and sciences thrive. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, the museums and galleries are worth making time for. Spring and summer add their own vibrancy, with special exhibitions, outdoor events, and even flight experiences you can’t find year-round.

Here's my curated list of must-see museums and galleries to explore during the warmer months.

National Gallery of Canada

Location: 380 Sussex Drive

The National Gallery of Canada is a must-see for both its world-class collections and the stunning architectural beauty of the building itself. The gallery houses an extensive collection of Canadian, Indigenous, Asian, and international art. Notably, it features one of the world's most comprehensive photography collections.

Insider Tip:

This place is massive—you could easily spend multiple days exploring all it has to offer. If you’re pressed for time, focus on the Canadian and Indigenous galleries. And if you need a break, consider dining at the Tavern at the Gallery, an outdoor eatery that opens seasonally and offers a pleasant spot to recharge with a view.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Location: 240 McLeod Street

Housed in a gorgeous castle-like structure, the Canadian Museum of Nature offers everything from dinosaur skeletons and live animal displays to immersive exhibits about the Arctic. It’s a great spot for families or anyone with a love for the natural world.

Seasonal Highlights:

• Rewilding (until September 8, 2025): Featuring works emphasizing nature’s role in communities, curated by the David Suzuki Foundation.
• Our Land, Our Art (until April 14, 2025): Showcasing works by artists from Quebec’s Nunavik region, alongside artifacts from the Avataq Cultural Institute.

Insider Tip:

Check out Nature Nocturne, the museum’s after-hours event where the space transforms into a lively venue with music, dancing, and themed activities.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Location: 11 Aviation Parkway

Located a bit outside the city’s core in Rockcliffe, this museum offers a fascinating dive into Canada’s aviation history. From early flight to modern aerospace technology, there’s plenty to explore. The museum’s interactive displays and cockpit experiences are a hit with visitors of all ages.

Seasonal Highlight:

During the warmer months, you can book vintage biplane flights that offer incredible aerial views of Ottawa.

Insider Tip:

Combine your visit with a picnic at the nearby Rockcliffe Park Pavilion, which provides stunning views of the Ottawa River.

Canadian Museum of History

Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, QC

Just across the river in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History is known for its vast collections that celebrate the country’s diverse history and cultures. It’s home to the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles.

Seasonal Highlight:

• The Witness Blanket (until May 5, 2025): A powerful art installation honouring the resilience of residential school survivors.

Insider Tip:

The Grand Hall offers stunning views of Parliament Hill—making it a picturesque spot for reflection and photos.

Canadian War Museum

Location: 1 Vimy Place

The Canadian War Museum offers a comprehensive look at Canada’s military history through interactive exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts. It’s a thoughtful, sobering experience that’s especially powerful given Ottawa’s role as the nation's capital.

Seasonal Highlight:

• Liberation! Canada and the Netherlands, 1944–1945 (until May 9, 2025): An exhibition commemorating Canada’s role in the liberation of the Netherlands during WWII.

Insider Tip:

Explore the outdoor spaces as well—the museum’s architecture itself is symbolic, with its grass-covered roof providing unique city views.

Honourable Mentions

• Canada Agriculture and Food Museum: Ideal for families, especially during the spring and summer when outdoor displays and farm animals are active.
• Royal Canadian Mint: Not technically a museum, but worth a visit for the guided tours and the chance to hold a solid gold bar.
• Parliament Hill: Tours of the Centre Block are a must-see for history buffs, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a seasonal highlight.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa’s museums and galleries offer a rich tapestry of experiences that blend history, art, science, and culture. Exploring these venues during the spring and summer provides not only educational enrichment but also the chance to experience seasonal exhibitions and outdoor events that make each visit unique.

More of Ottawa’s cultural gems to come—stay tuned for the next post in the series.