The Bytown Museum tells the story of Ottawa’s first century. Our tale begins in 1826 with the founding of Bytown by Lieutenant-Colonel John By and the workingmen who built the Rideau Canal.

We then turn to the legendary lumberjacks and lumber kings who transformed Bytown into the lumber capital of the world.

The rowdy lumbermen also helped to transform Bytown into one of the most violent places in British North America.

In just thirty years, Bytown evolved into the city of Ottawa. It changed its character and its name, and eventually became a thriving and civilized capital city.

The Museum is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, at the Rideau Canal locks between Parliament Hill and the Château Laurier – one of the most picturesque sites in the city. Join us to explore Exhibits, Programs and Events that showcase our once rough-and-tumble past. Or just grab a coffee at our café and watch the boats go by.