★★★★★ 4.6(2,781 reviews)11.4 km from hotel~23 min drive
Castle-like 1908 Mint headquarters with guided tours & world's biggest coin & gold bars on display.
Royal Canadian Mint offers visitors a window into Canada's rich cultural heritage. Located 11.4 km from Adam's Airport Inn (23 minutes by car), it's worth the slightly longer drive for culture enthusiasts.
A helpful tip: most national museums in Ottawa offer free admission on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 PM — a great way to experience the collection without the weekend crowds.
Quick Info
Duration1–1.5 hours (guided tour is 45 minutes)
Cost$8–22 per person (adults $22, seniors $18, children 5–17 $8, under 5 free)
Best TimeWeekday mornings for the smallest tour groups. Book online to guarantee your preferred time slot.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
23 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 23 minutes by car. Paid street parking.
Why Guests Love This
The Royal Canadian Mint on Sussex Drive is one of Ottawa’s most distinctive attractions — a castle-like 1908 building where Canada’s commemorative coins, medals, and gold bullion are produced. The guided tour takes visitors through the production process, from raw metal to finished product, and includes the chance to hold a genuine gold bar worth over a million dollars. Families and international visitors find it particularly memorable. The location on Sussex Drive, steps from the National Gallery and the Byward Market, makes it easy to combine with a half-day of downtown sightseeing, about 25 minutes from Adam’s Airport Inn.
Do I need to book a tour at the Royal Canadian Mint in advance?
Strongly recommended. Tours are guided and run on a fixed schedule with limited capacity. During summer months (June–August) and school holidays, popular time slots sell out days in advance. Book online through the Mint’s website to guarantee your preferred time. Walk-ins are accepted if space is available.
What do I see on the Royal Canadian Mint tour?
The 45-minute guided tour covers the history of the Mint, the coin and medal production process, and the boutique collection. Highlights include holding a genuine gold bar, viewing the world’s largest gold coin (the 100-kilogram “Big Maple Leaf”), and watching artisans craft commemorative pieces. Photography is not permitted in production areas.
Is the Royal Canadian Mint suitable for children?
Yes. Children aged 5 and up generally enjoy the tour, especially holding the gold bar and seeing the enormous coins. The tour pace is brisk enough to keep younger visitors engaged. Children under 5 are admitted free but may find the guided format less engaging. The gift shop has coin-themed souvenirs that children appreciate.
Is there parking at the Royal Canadian Mint?
There is no dedicated visitor parking lot at the Mint. Paid street parking is available on Sussex Drive and surrounding streets. The closest parking garage is at 70 Clarence Street in the Byward Market, about a 5-minute walk. On weekdays, metered spots on Sussex are the most convenient option.
How do I get to the Royal Canadian Mint from Ottawa Airport?
The Royal Canadian Mint at 320 Sussex Drive is approximately 14 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive about 25 minutes via the Airport Parkway and Highway 417, exiting at King Edward Avenue toward Sussex Drive. Paid parking is available on-street and in nearby Byward Market garages.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 23 minutes from Royal Canadian Mint. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
