Bytown Museum: Ottawa's Historical Gem

Discover Ottawa's past at the Bytown Museum, nestled on the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Housed in Ottawa's oldest stone building, the Bytown Museum offers a captivating journey through the city's evolution, from its origins as Bytown to its role as Canada's capital. Situated beside the Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the museum provides scenic views and engaging exhibits.

A brief summary to 1 Canal Ln

1 Canal Ln, Ottawa, Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ontario, K1P 5P6, CA

Local tips

Explore the museum's exhibits to learn about Ottawa's early days as Bytown and the construction of the Rideau Canal.
Don't miss the stone vault on the first floor, which once stored money, supplies, and gunpowder during the canal's construction.
Take a stroll along the Rideau Canal Promenade and enjoy the scenic views of the canal and surrounding area.

Getting There

Walking

From Parliament Hill, walk east towards the Rideau Canal. The Bytown Museum is located on the west side of the Ottawa Locks, adjacent to the Fairmont Château Laurier. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

Take the Confederation Line (Line 1) to Parliament Station. Exit the station and walk south towards the Rideau Canal. Turn left and follow the path until you reach Bytown Museum at 1 Canal Ln. OC Transpo bus routes also serve the area, with stops near Laurier Station. From there, transfer to Bus 6 or Bus 7 and ride until the 'Canal' stop. A single fare is around $3.70 CAD.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in downtown Ottawa. A short trip from Parliament Hill or the ByWard Market to the Bytown Museum will typically cost between $10 and $15 CAD, depending on traffic and distance.

Discover more about 1 Canal Ln

The Bytown Museum, located at 1 Canal Lane, is a portal into Ottawa's past, chronicling its transformation from a rough-and-tumble lumber town to the nation's capital. The museum resides in the city's oldest stone building, originally a storehouse and treasury during the Rideau Canal's construction. The museum's exhibits showcase over 7,000 artifacts, including Victorian timepieces, tools used to build the Rideau Canal, and antique children's toys. Visitors can explore the stone vault where money, supplies, and gunpowder were once stored. The museum also delves into the planning and construction of the Rideau Canal, highlighting the contributions of Lieutenant Colonel John By and the thousands of workers, many of whom perished during the challenging project. The Bytown Museum is located next to the Ottawa Locks, offering picturesque views of the Rideau Canal. The Rideau Canal itself has a rich history, constructed in the early 19th century as a military supply route in response to tensions with the United States. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular recreational waterway. Visitors can enjoy walking or cycling along the Rideau Canal Promenade, exploring the locks, and learning about the canal's cultural importance.