When you think of a money museum, you probably don’t imagine kids having a great time. But the Bank of Canada Museum in downtown Ottawa flips that idea on its head. It’s colorful, hands-on, and surprisingly fun for families, and the best part is that it’s completely free.
Inside, kids can design their own bank notes, play interactive games, and even take part in a scavenger hunt that ends with a small prize. For parents, it’s an easy outing to pair with other Ottawa attractions, and because the visit only takes about an hour, it won’t drain your schedule or your energy.
A Quick Look at the Museum’s Story
The Bank of Canada Museum first opened its doors in 1980, but it got a major makeover in 2017. The goal of the redesign was to take a subject that most people think of as dry, money and economics, and turn it into something interactive and approachable. Instead of just looking at old coins and bank notes behind glass, visitors are now encouraged to touch, play, and explore through games, digital screens, and hands-on activities.
The museum is tucked inside the Bank of Canada building on Wellington Street, right in downtown Ottawa and only a few minutes’ walk from Parliament Hill. From the outside, the building looks pretty serious, but once you step into the museum you’ll find bright displays, open spaces, and staff who are used to welcoming families.
What makes it stand out is that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The exhibits are laid out in a way that invites short attention spans to engage, learn a little, and then move on to the next activity. That balance of learning and fun is what keeps kids interested, and what makes parents pleasantly surprised that a money museum ends up being a highlight of the trip.
What Kids Will Enjoy Most
This is where the Bank of Canada Museum really shines. Instead of long displays that kids might walk past, the exhibits are designed to be interactive and playful. Children can design their own bank notes on touchscreens, test their decision-making in games about spending and saving, and explore colorful displays that explain the history of money in ways that actually make sense.
Families can pick up scavenger hunt sheets to keep kids engaged, and children can even earn a small gift once they complete it.
One of the biggest hits for families is the scavenger hunt. Kids pick up a sheet of questions at the front desk and explore the museum looking for answers. If they complete it, they get a small prize at the end, a simple but clever way to keep them engaged all the way through. Parents love it too, since it encourages kids to read, think, and explore the exhibits without feeling like homework.
The best part is that everything is low-stress. The museum is not huge, so you can explore at your own pace and let kids lead the way. Whether they’re fascinated by the history of coins or just want to “win” the scavenger hunt, there’s plenty here to keep them happy for around an hour.
Practical Info for Families
- Location: The Bank of Canada Museum is right downtown at 30 Bank Street, with its entrance on the corner of Bank and Wellington. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from Parliament Hill, so it’s easy to combine with other attractions.
- Admission: Free for everyone, no tickets needed.
- Hours: Hours can vary, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit, but the museum is generally open most days except Mondays and holidays.
- Facilities: Washrooms and baby-changing stations are available. There are no food services inside, but plenty of cafés and restaurants are nearby.
- Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Website: https://www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca/
Plan to spend about 45–60 minutes inside, though if your kids dive into every activity (and want to finish the scavenger hunt), you may stay a little longer.
Is It Worth Adding to Your Ottawa Itinerary?
Antique “National” cash register on display.
Absolutely. The Bank of Canada Museum is one of those pleasant surprises that ends up being a highlight of a family trip. It’s free, it’s interactive, and it doesn’t take up your whole day. Kids get to play, explore, and even win a prize through the scavenger hunt, while parents enjoy an outing that’s both educational and easy to manage.
Because it’s small, it’s the kind of place you can slip into between bigger attractions like Parliament Hill or the ByWard Market. It’s also a great option if you need something indoors on a hot or rainy day. For families visiting Ottawa, it’s an easy yes — short, fun, and memorable without costing a dime.
Beaver Frugal
I’m all about stretching a dollar until it snaps. Whether it’s hunting down cheap eats, snagging flight deals, or finding free things to do in every city, I make budget travel feel like first class, minus the legroom, of course.
