Museums and Culture

A free 60 minute guided tour of Quebec's Parliament Building, the seat of the National Assembly, offered in English and French. You learn about the building's architecture, its history and how Quebec's democracy works. Tours run Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; reservation is required online or on site, arrive 30 minutes early, and visitors 16 and over need photo ID.

The Catholic cathedral of Ottawa, on Sussex Drive across from the National Gallery, known for its twin spires and richly decorated interior. There is no entrance fee; the cathedral is open for visits Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm and weekends 9 am to 7 pm, but closed to visitors during Mass. Front doors on Sussex are closed for renovation, so use the side entrances on St. Patrick Street and Guigues Avenue.

A free City of Ottawa exhibition space for contemporary art inside O-Train Line 1 Rideau Station, an easy art stop on the way downtown. Free admission through the Sussex and Rideau entrance, open daily during O-Train hours. Wheelchair accessible.

A free gallery inside Ottawa City Hall showing works from the City of Ottawa Art Collection and contemporary exhibitions. Free admission, open daily 9 am to 5 pm except holidays; hours may vary for special events. Wheelchair accessible.

The City of Ottawa's contemporary art gallery inside City Hall, named after photographer Yousuf Karsh and painter Henri Masson, with changing exhibitions by local artists. Free admission, open daily 9 am to 5 pm except holidays. Wheelchair accessible.

Free 45 minute guided tours of the State rooms of Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence, with a fine collection of Canadian art. From October 31 to December 20, 2026 tours run daily 10 am to 3 pm by reservation only (book at least 72 hours ahead); Rideau Hall closes December 21 to January 3. The grounds are open from 8 am until one hour before sunset.

Free 30 minute guided tours of Canada's highest court, now in its temporary home in the restored West Memorial Building while the main building is restored. From September to April, tours run Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm by reservation only. When the Court is in session you can also attend a hearing for free.

A 30 minute exhibition and 360 degree multimedia show that takes you inside Centre Block, the main Parliament Building, while it is closed for rehabilitation. Tickets are free and the experience is open daily; reserve ahead since same day tickets may run out. It is on one wheelchair accessible floor, but includes near darkness, flashing lights and loud sounds.

Free 40 minute guided tours of the House of Commons in West Block, one of the historic buildings on Parliament Hill, with the chance to visit the Room of Remembrance afterwards. Reserve free tickets in advance; visitors 16 and over need government issued photo ID. Tours are not offered while the House is sitting.

Free 30 minute guided tours of Parliament's upper chamber in its temporary home, the beautifully restored former Ottawa train station. Reserve free tickets in advance; arrive 25 minutes early for security screening. Tours are not offered while the Senate is sitting and schedules can change.

The city's municipal art gallery, in a modern building beside the Rideau Canal, showing contemporary and historical art from Ottawa and the region. Admission is always free. Open Tuesday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, closed Mondays.

A working farm museum on the Central Experimental Farm, with cows, horses, goats and exhibits about where our food comes from. Admission is free every day the museum is open between 4 pm and 5 pm. The museum is open 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday to Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.