Ethan BrownWelcome to Bank of Canada Museum
Inside the Bank of Canada Museum, it’s like you’re diving into a treasure chest, but instead of gold and jewels, it’s jam-packed with cool money facts and Canada’s economic tales.
It’s where you’ll walk through the history (canadian museum of history) of money—from barter trade to Bitcoin—and actually find it fun!
You’ve got interactive exhibits where you can pretend to play the big bank boss, make those tough economic decisions, and even try to keep inflation from skyrocketing, all without risking your own cash.
Things to Know
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +1 613-782-8914
Ticket Prices: Free
Where is the Bank of Canada Museum?
The Bank of Canada Museum is smack dab in the heart of Ottawa, just a stone’s throw away from Parliament Hill.
It’s nestled at 30 Bank Street, which is super easy to find because it practically rubs shoulders with some of the city’s big shots and iconic landmarks.
If you find yourself wandering around Wellington Street, you’re pretty much there. Just look for the sleek glass entrance peeking out like a crystal from the ground—that’s your gateway to becoming a money wizard for the day!
How to Get to Ottawa’s Bank of Canada Museum
Closest subway stop: If you want to ride the rails, aim for the O-Train and hop on the Confederation Line, which you’ll be jumping off at Parliament Station.
From there, it’s a breeze—just trot on over a couple of blocks, and you’ll be at the museum’s doorstep before you know it.
Closest bus stop: Now, if the bus is more your jam, keep an eye out for routes like the 9, 14, or 4 that cruise through downtown Ottawa. You’ll want to pull the cord for a stop on Bank Street, right around the intersection with Wellington; you can’t miss it.
What to Do and See in Bank of Canada Museum
Create your avatar and nickname
In the Bank of Canada Museum, there’s this fun feature where you can create your own avatar and nickname. It’s right at the entrance and super easy to spot!
You basically get to design a digital version of yourself and give it a quirky nickname. This isn’t just for kicks, though; your avatar actually follows you around during your visit, popping up on screens and making the whole experience feel more personalised.
Also, you should keep an eye out for how your avatar interacts with different exhibits—it can be pretty amusing!
Explore 400 artefacts on a giant touch wall
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The museum’s giant touch wall is absolutely mind-blowing. We’re talking about a massive interactive wall that displays around 400 artefacts from the museum’s collection.
This thing is not only huge but also super intuitive. You can scroll through, zoom in, and learn more about each artefact just by touching it.
What I love is that you can find everything from old-school banknotes to modern monetary gadgets. Make sure you check out the rare coin collection on the wall; it’s a highlight for sure!
Enjoy a captivating multimedia show
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The multimedia show is something you don’t want to miss. It takes place in this cosy auditorium inside the museum and combines lights, sounds, and visuals to tell the history of Canadian currency.
It’s pretty captivating and a great way to chill for a bit after exploring. The show runs every half hour, so it’s easy to catch.
Just look out for the part about the evolution of banknote design—it’s fascinating and gives you a glimpse into some real artistic elements.
Gauge future spending in Zone 2
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If you’re hitting the Bank of Canada Museum, toss on your future-telling hat when you step into Zone 2. It’s like a crystal ball for your finances with this interactive game that lets you guess future spending trends.
Honestly, it’s a blast! You’ll make predictions about housing, education, and more.
You’ll also come across the giant touchscreen here—it’s not just cool to look at; it shows how your choices could affect things down the line.
Learn economic history in Zone 3
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Zone 3 is where it feels like you’ve time-travelled back to the earliest days of Canada’s economy. Here, you’ll walk through stories of trade from way back when furs were the hot commodity all the way to digital currency today.
The historical timelines here are super detailed, so you’re bound to walk out a bit of a history buff. One thing you’ve got to see is the trade bead exhibit; it’s a small detail, but it tells such a vivid story about the barter system.
Design your bank note in Zone 5
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Now, in Zone 5, this is where you should get your creative juices flowing because you’ll be designing your own banknote. It’s hands-on fun, and you don’t have to be an artist to dig this.
You’ll choose everything—the colours, images, and symbols—to create something that feels super Canadian. And before you leave, make sure to print a digital copy of your design to show off to your friends.
Where to Eat and Drink near Bank of Canada Museum
Sansotei Ramen
Address: 153 Bank St.
Phone: +1 613 695 1718
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Good to know: Ideal for casual dining and late-night eats
Sansotei Ramen at Bank Street is the go-to spot if you’re craving some legit ramen. They’ve got a range of flavorful broths like tonkotsu, spicy tantan, and tomato ramen all just kind of different.
If you’re into toppings, their pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots are a must-try. Just don’t forget to pair your ramen with some gyoza or zangi (Hokkaido style fried chicken) to level up your meal.
The Greek Souvlaki Shack
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Address: 258 Bank St.
Phone: +1 613 695 1185
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Good to know: Great for a quick meal
If you need a quick Greek fix, The Greek Souvlaki Shack serves up authentic Greek dishes that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
You’ve got to try their souvlaki skewer, gyro, and spanakopita; aside from being tasty, they’re what people rave about.
They also whip up a mean Greek salad that’s bursting with freshness. And oh, their baklava is a sweet ending you shouldn’t miss.
Grounded Kitchen, Coffee & Bar
Address: 100 Gloucester St.
Phone: +1 613 567 1234
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Good to know: Ideal for coffee aficionados and brunch enthusiasts
Grounded Kitchen, Coffee & Bar at Gloucester is perfect if you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a good meal and a cuppa. They offer an eclectic menu featuring items like the BBQ bowl, chicken sandwich,crispy brussels and kale caesar.
Plus, their coffee game is strong, with a variety of craft coffees and teas to choose from. Beyond coffees and teas, they also have a selection of wines, beers and cocktails that are worth checking out.
The Rowan
Address: 915 Bank St.
Phone: +1 613 780 9292
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Good to know: Great for date nights and special occasions
If you’re craving a bit of everything, then the Rowan crafts some of the best gastropub fare around. Expect to come across their diverse menu, which includes smoked salmon, pork belly or tofu tacos, frittatas, steak, and fries, all available for breakfast and brunch.
For dinner, they also have BBQ mackerel, pineapple and pork belly, pork chops, and striploin steak on offer.
They also have a curated selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails to wash down your meal. It’s really a nice spot to unwind and enjoy good food and drinks.
Chez Lucien
Address: 137 Murray St.
Phone: +1 613 241 3533
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Good to know: Great for group or intimate meal
Chez Lucien is a true gem when it comes to burgers and beers. Here, you can dive into their juicy burgers like the Chez Lucien burger, complete with caramelised onions and mushrooms, or the grilled salmon sandwich.
Beyond burgers, they also have grilled pork chops, chicken dijon, NY steak, and duck confit.
Moreover, they also serve up some fine craft beers, perfect for chilling out with friends. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere makes it all the more inviting.
Where to Stay near Bank of Canada Museum
Sonder The O’Connor
Address: 377 O’Connor St.
Phone: +1 438 795 6650
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Sonder The O’Connor isn’t your average hotel. First off, the rooms feel more like chic apartments, complete with kitchens that have everything you’d need to whip up a storm.
They’ve got these super comfy beds that are perfect for crashing after a day of exploring, as well as a fitness centre and game room. Plus, their location is just a stone’s throw away from some cool spots downtown.
Alt Hotel Ottawa
Address: 185 Slater St.
Phone: +1 613 691 6882
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
If you’re all about modern vibes and eco-friendly choices, Alt Hotel Ottawa has got your back. Their vibe is all about being green without skimping on comfort.
Think ultra-comfy beds and rooms with stunning views of the city. Plus, they’ve got this really cool lobby and cafe that’s perfect for hanging out or getting some work done.
And you can’t beat being right in the heart of downtown, where all the action is.
reStays Luxury Boutique Hotel
Address: 101 Queen St.
Phone: +1 613 688 6200
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
reStays Luxury Boutique Hotel is where you head when you want to treat yourself. The hotel’s location is prime, right by the Parliament and other key attractions.
Now, their rooms are sleek and stylish, with all the tech gadgets you could ask for. They’ve even got some rooms with balconies, so you can soak up those city views with your morning coffee.
There’s also a sauna, a games room, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre here if you’re looking to get your workout on.
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
Address: 30 Daly Ave.
Phone: +1 613 691 3230
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa at Daly Ave. is like the cool, sophisticated cousin in the hotel family. Their rooms are all about comfort and style, with artwork that adds a unique touch.
They also offer this amazing breakfast that’ll have you rolling out of bed no matter how comfy you are. Plus, they’ve got a fitness centre and meeting spaces if you’re mixing business with pleasure.
Another best part, aside from the hotel being pet-friendly, is that you’re just a short walk from some of Ottawa’s top sights.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Address: 100 Kent St.
Phone: +1 613 238 1122
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is pretty much a hop, skip, and a jump away from all the action. This place boasts some spacious rooms, so you won’t be doing that awkward dance around your suitcase.
They’ve also got Starbucks on-site, an indoor pool, which is perfect for a dip after a day of museum hopping or meetings. Oh, and if you’re bringing the kiddos, they’ll get a kick out of the kid’s zone.
The cherry on top here is probably their rooftop patio, which offers some pretty stellar views of the city. Just keep an eye out on the meal prices; they can be a tad on the high side, so maybe plan some meals out and about.
