HOURS: Open daily until Jan. 7, then closed Jan. 8 to 12 for annual maintenance and cleaning. Visit nature.ca for more information.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING - Included with museum admission.
Until January 7, 2024, 10 am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, in the Atrium (schedule subject to change). Our science interpreters have gathered some of their favourite things (a specimen, animal or story) from the museum's collection, and are eager to tell you about them. Stop by the interpretation station in the atrium to discover these specially-selected items. Then, grab a scavenger hunt sheet and search for hidden treasures in the galleries. A completed sheet will earn you a little reward (while supplies last).
SPECIAL EXHIBITION – LAST CHANCE TO SEE, On until January 7.
Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest (A special exhibition fee applies in addition to museum admission.)
Venture into the rainforest and meet some of the fascinating animals that live under the canopy. In this exhibition by Little Ray's Nature Centres, see live creatures in their attractive habitats, including snakes, geckos, an iguana, and a two-toed sloth! Learn about biodiversity, ecology, and why rainforest conservation is vital.
SPECIAL TALK and FILM SCREENING, Tues. January 30, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Free admission
Small mammals, big impacts – perspectives on the importance of rodents
Small mammals such as rodents have big impacts on their environments. Get insights from two leading researchers on the importance of these tiny animals. Prof. Fauke Ecke from University of Helsinki will talk about the impacts of wild rodents on human health. Museum researcher Dominique Fauteux will then present his fieldwork on the tundra in Nunavik, studying lemmings to assess impacts of their populations impact on other mammals and birds. A brief film will show Dominique and his team at work in the Arctic. A question period will close the evening. Presentations in English and French with simultaneous translation provided (guests must bring a cell phone and earbuds/headphones to access the translation).
DOCUMENTARY SERIES
The Wild Canadian Year: Winter Included with museum admission.
Captured in stunning 4K ultra-high definition, The Wild Canadian Year showcases the wild inhabitants of Canada through the seasons. Currently in our theatre is Winter, which reveals stories from the harshest time of year, as Canada’s landscapes are transformed by the cruel and dramatic beauty of snow and ice. For all wild animals, it’s a challenge to adapt to winter’s harsh conditions.
Duration: 25 minutes. English screenings: Hourly from 10 am to 3 pm, and until 7 pm on Thursdays (subject to change without notice).
OTHER EXHIBITIONS (included with museum admission)
Wolves! Shapeshifters in a Changing World
Learn about wolf evolution and adaptations through specimens, cultural stories, video and scientific research that highlights studies by museum experts Kamal Khidas, Ph.D., and Danielle Fraser, Ph.D. Eleven stunning, large images by the renowned wildlife and landscape photographer, Michelle Valberg, feature wolves from the Pacific coast and Yellowstone National Park.
Pacific Discovery Tank
Museum interpreter at the tank: Thursday evenings; Saturdays and Sundays 10 am – noon and 1 pm – 4pm. (Daily interpretation during the holiday period).
Encounter live sea stars, sea cucumbers, tentacled anemones and spiky urchins. Our special saltwater tide-pool tank brings a bit of the Pacific coast right to you!
Owls Rendez-Vous
Hooo hooo! See live owls (and a Bald Eagle) up close in specially designed habitats on the museum’s plaza. Stand in awe before a Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, and a Barred Owl. Presented in partnership with Little Ray’s Nature Centres.
Bugs Alive
Leafcutter ants—busy little farmers that work around the clock—are the star attraction in our renewed and permanent exhibition of live insects and arachnids. Tarantulas, Horrid king assassin bugs, millipedes, cockroaches, and death-feigning beetles are also some of the other fascinating species you can examine up close.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
TICKETS: Advance tickets are recommended, and are for a specified entry time. Book now.
The Canadian Museum of Nature is located at 240 McLeod St, Ottawa. Visit nature.ca. Follow the museum on X (twitter.com/museumofnature) and Instagram (museumofnature), and Like us on Facebook. Tel: 613-566-4700.
