Canada Science and Technology Museum
After a $80-million renovation completed in 2017, the Canada Science and Technology Museum reopened as a thoroughly modern, interactive science centre that happens to sit in south Ottawa — making it the closest major museum to the airport and to Adam's Airport Inn. The transformation was dramatic: what was once a dated collection in a converted bakery warehouse is now a sleek, open-plan facility where nearly everything is meant to be touched, pulled, spun, or tested.
The Crazy Kitchen is the museum's signature experience and has been for decades. You walk into a room that appears level, but the floor is tilted 12 degrees — your brain insists you're standing straight while your body disagrees completely. Adults stumble and laugh as hard as children do. It's a masterclass in how perception works, and it's more disorienting than you'd expect.
The ZOOOM gallery dedicated to innovation and design thinking lets visitors build, test, and iterate on engineering challenges — constructing bridges from limited materials, designing wind-resistant structures, racing vehicles they've assembled. It's structured enough to engage school-age children but open-ended enough to keep teenagers and adults interested. The space exploration hall includes components from the Canadarm program, satellite technology, and interactive exhibits about life aboard the ISS.
The steam locomotive collection outside — visible from the parking lot — includes massive early-20th-century engines that you can walk around and, in some cases, climb aboard. The outdoor technology park also features communications satellites, radar equipment, and maritime technology.
What makes this museum particularly valuable for families is its combination of genuine educational depth with physical interaction. Children don't just read about physics — they experience gravitational forces, build circuits, and watch chemical reactions. And unlike some children's museums that skew very young, the exhibits here engage kids from about age 4 through teenagers.
Quick Info
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
From Adam's Airport Inn, head north on Bank Street and turn right on Lancaster Road, then left on St. Laurent Boulevard. The museum is at 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, about 15 minutes away — one of the quickest museum drives from the hotel. Free parking on site. Bus Route 86 from South Keys station also serves the museum.
Why Guests Love This
Families with children consistently rate this as their favourite Ottawa museum. It's close to our hotel, endlessly interactive, and kids come back buzzing about the Crazy Kitchen and the engineering challenges. We recommend it especially for layover families who want an engaging half-day without a long commute.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Location
Accessibility
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
The sweet spot is ages 4-14. Children under 4 can enjoy the open spaces and some tactile exhibits but won't engage with the interactive challenges. The ZOOOM gallery and Crazy Kitchen appeal to older kids and teenagers. Adults without children will find the exhibits interesting but may complete the museum in under 2 hours.
Yes, genuinely. The room is tilted 12 degrees but decorated to appear level, which creates a powerful conflict between your visual and vestibular systems. Most adults struggle to walk in a straight line and find themselves gripping furniture. If you're prone to motion sickness, take it slowly — the sensation passes quickly once you leave the room.
The outdoor technology park with the steam locomotives is visible from the parking lot and grounds, though some areas may require museum admission to access fully. If you just want to see the trains from outside, you can do that without a ticket. For the full indoor museum experience, admission is required.
Canada Science and Technology Museum is 9.8 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). The easiest route is to stay at Adam's Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal) and drive 13 minutes to Canada Science and Technology Museum. Paid parking lot.
Most national museums in Ottawa offer free admission on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 PM. Check Canada Science and Technology Museum's website to confirm their current free admission schedule.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 13 minutes from Canada Science and Technology Museum. Book direct for the best rate, complimentary breakfast, and up to 14 days of free parking.
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