So much to experience!
Celebrating Ottawa’s 200th anniversary – the bicentennial of Bytown – wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the bridge from our Nation’s Capital. If you’re thinking, oh, not another museum, you’re in for a fantastic surprise. It’s roots may date back to 1856 but, inside and out, this iconic landmark is anything but boring!
Situated on the edge of the Ottawa River, with a picture-perfect vantage point facing Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History is an architectural wonder designed by noted architect Douglas Cardinal. Grand in stature, the building features intricate curves and symbolic designs evoking the emergence of the North American continent, its form sculpted by the winds, the rivers and the glaciers. The property is vast, spanning 93,000 square metres, and hosts more than 1 million visitors annually, from local residents to international tourists keen to learn about Canada’s rich history and culture, including the outstanding achievements of Indigenous Peoples.
Here are just a few amazing opportunities beckoning you to explore:
The Canadian History Hall
A marvellous melding of interactive experiences, immersive spaces and intriguing displays, the Canadian History Hall takes you on an enlightening journey into the past, as you move through a trio of galleries on two levels, connected by a ramp.
Gallery 1 – Early Canada
Earliest times to 1763. First Peoples create prosperous and vibrant societies and are confronted by newcomers from Europe. Discover the early cultural and natural history of the lands that became Canada. You will see Indigenous objects and learn about their stories, then follow the expansion of the fur trade and the development of colonial New France until its end in the Seven Years’ War.
Gallery 2 – Colonial Canada
1763 to 1914. Explore colonial life in Canada under British rule through Indigenous and European perspectives. Learn about the transition from colony to country and how the project of nation-building reverberated across different communities.
Gallery 3 – Modern Canada
1914 to the present. Canada strives for prosperity, independence and increasing inclusiveness.
Learn how the First and Second World Wars, and the sweeping social changes of the 20th century, affected Canadian society. Discover Indigenous resistance and resurgence in the face of colonial policies such as Canada’s residential school system. Objects on display document celebrated, contested and difficult chapters in Canada’s contemporary history, ranging from sports to popular culture to nationalism and politics.
A new addition to Gallery 3, MUSEO is a digital tour guide. Scan the QR code and chat with the system to learn more about selected items on display.
The Grand Hall
Devoted to Indigenous cultures of Canada’s Pacific Northwest, the Museum’s Grand Hall is a beautiful space, built in the shape of an ocean-going canoe with columns shaped like upright paddles. Stroll along a boardwalk composed of six house fronts, each created by artisans from a different Northwest culture, with thematic exhibitions. The large collection of historic monumental poles and important works of art by Indigenous artists including Bill Reid, Robert Davidson, Beau Dick and Alex Janvier is sure to capture your attention. Overall, this is an inspirational place for peaceful contemplation.
Morning Star – Gambeh Then’
Painted in 1993 by renowned Dene Suline-Saulteaux artist Alex Janvier, assisted by his son Dean, Morning Star adorns a domed ceiling seven storeys above the floor of the Haida Gwaii Salon. Four colourful quadrants illustrate the history of the land in which we live; each representing a different period in Canadian history from an Indigenous perspective. The yellow quadrant reflects the period prior to European contact. Blue depicts contact and a time of turbulence. Red represents the beginnings of Indigenous revival. And white signifies healing and reconciliation.
Reclining seats in the Salon, allow you to look up and appreciate this masterpiece by one of the world’s best-known Indigenous artists.
Napoleon – The Immersive Saga (until January 10, 2027)
Get swept away into an era that changed the world!
Napoleon – The Immersive Saga is a powerful 30-minute virtual reality adventure, transporting visitors through pivotal moments in Napoleon’s life, from the Battle of Austerlitz to his final days on Saint Helena. Using VR headsets, you’ll journey through the Napoleonic saga scene by scene: epic battles, dazzling triumphs, bitter setbacks and private confessions. Hear from the Emperor himself and gain an intimate perspective on one of history’s most influential figures.
Enjoy a fall getaway to the Canadian Museum of History. Visit historymuseum.ca for details.
What’s happening at the Canadian War Museum?
CLOSE TO CONFLICT – CANADA AND THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
A fascinating immersive exhibition, running until February 28, 2027
Today, Canada stands as a proud and independent power, defined by diverse identities, a federal parliamentary system and strong institutions. But surprisingly many of these foundations were forged in response to a war we weren’t officially part of.
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa shares the poignant story in this must-see exhibition. Close to Conflict invites you to explore how the American Civil War set Canadian society, politics and military on a transformative path, and why its legacies still matter today. warmuseum.ca
See the full article in HORIZON’s May 2026 issue. horizontravelmag.com/magazine
