Ottawa Tourism granted special “unofficial museum” status to dozens of Ottawa festivals, restaurants, concert venues, and attractions as a way to shine a light on some of the city’s cultural hidden gems.
The Unofficial Museums campaign aims to attract travellers to Ottawa by celebrating culture and creativity in Canada’s capital, all year long.
DON’T MISS THIS DEAL – To sweeten the pot even further, the 3rd Night on Us offer encourages visitors to stay longer and save. Book a three or more night stay at a participating Ottawa hotel before October 10, 2022, and the third night is on Ottawa Tourism.
“Seven of Canada’s nine national museums are found in Ottawa, along with dozens of other notable museums and galleries,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “We’re proud of our museums! They’re among the best in the world. By granting museum status to 76 grassroots institutions this summer, we’re showing the world the range of cultural experiences that Canada’s capital has to offer, and signaling to the world that Ottawa is ready for visitors.”
The newly anointed unofficial museums include:
Camp Fortune Mountain Pipe Coaster Museum of Twists and Turns –
Twist and turn down an exhilarating 1km long monorail and feel the wind in your hair as you zip down the summer slopes of Camp Fortune at speeds of up to 40km/hr. Mountain Coaster https://campfortune.com/
Museum of Critters Little Rays Nature Centre –
Take a selfie with a sloth or come face-to-face with a reptile at this exotic animal rescue in rural Ottawa. Learn about reptiles, spiders, mammals and birds at North America’s most diverse animal outreach and education program. Little Ray’s Nature Centre https://www.littlerays.org
The Unofficial Museum of Brunches & Haircuts –
Come out of this restaurant feeling refreshed – with a full stomach after a delectable brunch and a new haircut! Headquarters http://hqottawa.com/
Museum of Flour Power, Watson’s Mill –
Visit this 1860’s flour mill on the shores of the Rideau River for a tour, to buy fresh flour or to attend special events such as yoga, afternoon tea, whiskey tastings and paranormal experiences. (Photo: Maureen McPhee) Watson’s Mill https://watsonsmill.com/
Farinella Museum of Pizza by the Metre –
Authentic Italian woodfired pizzas are the name of the game at Farinella in Little Italy. Come hungry and with friends, as their tasty pies are only sold by the meter and half-meter. Save room for some authentic Italian gelato after your feast, it’s some of the best in town. Farinella https://www.farinellaeats.com/
Museum of Vintage Finds –
613flea market brings together artists and designers with independent boutiques, food merchants, and vintage apparel vendors. There’s always something new, from handcrafted items to old treasures. 613Flea Market https://www.613flea.ca/
| “Opening 76 museums in a day is an ambitious undertaking but we’re an ambitious city,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “Tourism is a critical economic driver for Ottawa, and after a two-year disruption for restaurants, the arts, and live concerts, this is a big step towards recovery in our community. “Ottawa has so much to offer in the way of arts, food, and music. This is our way of celebrating and giving back to those who work in the tourism industry and bring vibrancy to our amazing city,” said Mayor Watson. “We never expected our café to become a museum—let alone the Unofficial Museum of Croffles,” said Elias Ali, co-owner of First Bite Treats. The Unofficial Museum of Not Knowing the Difference Between a Cortado And a Flat White Need a pick me up? These local coffee roasters have been in the bean biz since 1998 ensuring that each cup is ethically sourced and organically grown. Equator Coffee Roasters https://equator.ca/pages/almonte-cafe |
“We’re delighted to participate in this celebration of Ottawa’s people and businesses…”
For more Museums and interesting places – visit https://ottawatourism.ca/en/unofficialmuseums#