Ottawa Tourism granted special museum status to dozens of local festivals, restaurants, venues and attractions on June 21. The Unofficial Museums campaign highlights the city’s hidden gems and aims to attract visitors to Ottawa to celebrate creativity and culture year-round.
© Ottawa Tourism
“Seven of Canada’s nine national museums are found in Ottawa, along with dozens of other notable museums and galleries,” said Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “We’re proud of our museums — they rank among the best in the world. By granting museum status to 76 grassroots institutions this summer, we’re showcasing the diversity of cultural experiences the capital offers and signaling that Ottawa is ready to welcome visitors.”
In addition, through Oct. 10, Ottawa’s 3rd Night on Us offer provides travelers who book a stay of three nights or more with a complimentary third night, courtesy of Ottawa Tourism.
© Ottawa Tourism
“Opening 76 museums in a single day is ambitious, but we’re an ambitious city,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “Tourism is a vital economic driver for Ottawa. After two challenging years for restaurants, the arts and live events, this initiative supports recovery and celebrates the people who bring vibrancy to our city.”
Among the newly recognized institutions are playful and community-minded additions: the Unofficial Museum of Croffles at First Bite Treats, marking Ottawa’s inventive union of waffle and croissant; and the Unofficial Museum of Second-Hand Treasures at Highjinx, an antiques and vintage social enterprise whose proceeds support local community programs.
“We never expected our café to become a museum — let alone the Unofficial Museum of Croffles,” said Elias Ali, co-owner of First Bite Treats. “We’re delighted to be part of this celebration of Ottawa’s people and businesses, and we’re looking forward to a great summer.”
The Unofficial Museums campaign brings attention to grassroots creativity across Ottawa, inviting both residents and visitors to explore a wider range of cultural experiences beyond traditional institutions. By recognizing small businesses, pop-up attractions and community projects, Ottawa Tourism hopes to extend the city’s cultural calendar and encourage year-round visits that support local artists, entrepreneurs and cultural workers.
With national museums and an expanding roster of unconventional “museums,” Ottawa positions itself as a destination where heritage, innovation and everyday creativity meet. The initiative reinforces the city’s commitment to tourism recovery while celebrating the unique personalities that make Ottawa’s cultural scene distinct.