Free museum days and hours in Ottawa: every one checked against the organiser's own page. Updated Sunday, November 15.
Tomorrow, 6 to 8:30 pm
Free reception for the winter exhibitions, with speeches at 6:20 pm and the holiday art sale. Free childcare 6 to 8 pm.
The catch: Register on the event page; email the gallery to book free childcare
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Art Gallery
Thu Nov 19, 5 to 7 pm
General admission is free from 5 to 7 pm. Same again Thu Nov 26.
The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the museum's underground parking is paid
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian War Museum
Thu Nov 19, 5 to 7 pm
General admission is free from 5 to 7 pm in Gatineau. Same again Thu Nov 26.
The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the Napoleon immersive show is not included
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of History
Thu Nov 19, 5 to 8 pm
General admission is free from 5 to 8 pm. Same again Thu Nov 26.
The catch: Everyone needs a ticket, even free ones: book online or get one at the door
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of Nature
Any time a branch is open, while passes are in
With an Ottawa library card you can borrow a pass for free entry to the Museum of Nature, National Gallery, History and War museums, Ingenium museums, Mooney's Bay ski trails, Gatineau Park ski trails and Ontario Parks.
The catch: Passes can't be put on hold: check availability, then pick one up in a branch. One pass at a time, up to 7 days.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library
Thursdays 5 to 7 pm
General admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm, across the river in Gatineau.
The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the Napoleon immersive show is not included
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of History
Thursdays 5 to 8 pm
General admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm: dinosaurs, the mammal and bird galleries, live bugs and the Wild Colour exhibition.
The catch: Everyone needs a ticket, even free ones: book online or get one at the door
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian Museum of Nature
Thursdays 5 to 7 pm
General admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm.
The catch: Reserve a free timed ticket; the museum's underground parking is paid
Checked Nov 15 · Canadian War Museum
Year-round; tour times vary, book online
Tour the Senate building or the House of Commons at West Block, or see the Centre Block immersive show. All free.
The catch: Book a free ticket for each building; House of Commons visitors need government photo ID; East Block tours are summer only
Checked Nov 15 · Visit Canada's Parliament
Daily 10 am to 3 pm until Dec 20; closed Dec 21 to Jan 3, then daily again from Jan 4
A 45-minute guided tour of the Governor General's state rooms and art. The grounds are open 8 am to an hour before sunset.
The catch: Reservation required: send the request form at least 72 hours ahead
Checked Nov 15 · Governor General of Canada: Rideau Hall
Wednesdays to Sundays 4 to 5 pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Admission is free from 4 to 5 pm on days the museum is open. See the barns and animals at the Experimental Farm.
The catch: Parking is paid ($4 an hour)
Checked Nov 15 · Ingenium: Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Wednesdays to Mondays 4 to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Admission is free every day the museum is open from 4 to 5 pm. See the aircraft collection in Rockcliffe.
The catch: Parking is paid ($4 an hour)
Checked Nov 15 · Ingenium: Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Tuesdays to Sundays 4 to 5 pm (closed Mondays)
Admission is free every day the museum is open from 4 to 5 pm. Good for a quick visit with kids.
The catch: Parking is paid ($4 an hour)
Checked Nov 15 · Ingenium: Canada Science and Technology Museum
Tue and Sun 10 am to 6 pm; Wed to Sat 10 am to 9 pm; closed Mondays
Free admission every day it is open, with late hours to 9 pm Wednesday to Saturday.
Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Art Gallery