The Ottawa Art Gallery was established in 1980. Since then, the Gallery's permanent collection has grown to over 1000 works of art including paintings, sculptures, photographs, graphic art, and new media. This gallery tells the past and present history of Ottawa and surrounding communities through art, including Aboriginal art, while bringing together local artists.
Admission is free. A daycare, also free, is available at certain times.
The Ottawa Art Gallery is located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
The University of Ottawa
Near the Art Gallery, the University of Ottawa, founded in 1848, is one of the best in the world and is closely linked to the history of Ottawa. The entire central building was destroyed by a violent fire. Then it was rebuilt based on the plans of a New York architect, Von Herbulis.
It is also one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in Canada. Its classical Greek architectural style, monolithic columns, and ornaments give it a very special look.
The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual (French-English) university in the world. It welcomes thousands of students from all walks of life each year and offers programs that are both high-quality and cutting-edge.
BaladoDiscovery offers a distinct historic tour of its oldest buildings. See Tour of the Historic Quad of the University of Ottawa.
A Former Prison Turned into an Inn
Visit the former Carleton County Jail in Ottawa. Designed in 1862, it is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in North America.
The prison is now an inn, the Saintlo Ottawa Jail, where the rooms are actually the old cells.
Tip: Before going to bed, make sure your door is locked from the inside…
Ghost Tours and Haunted Walks
What if some of Ottawa's buildings were haunted?
The best way to find out is to join one of the walks organized by The Haunted Walk, a company that will show you Canada's capital from a unique and funny perspective.
You will discover the classic stories of the city and its region, as well as some of the remarkable and potentially haunted sites, such as the ByTown Museum, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, and the Ottawa High School. These walks are accessible to young and old alike.
Laurier House
In the same area, Laurier House is a national historic site. It is the former residence of two of Canada's greatest prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier who led from 1896 to 1911, and William Lyon Mackenzie King who led from 1921 to 1926, 1926 to 1930, and 1935 to 1948.
It is in this Second Empire home that the Canada of today was shaped for nearly 50 years, as it still shines today.
During your visit, you will discover a true sanctuary, almost intact, which houses the works of art and the personal objects of these two great men.