What's On in October

The museum is now open!

Plan a visit full of activities and discovery at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Special Exhibition

Galleries

Come, be dazzled by our two, brand-new galleries!

The new Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery presents a unique look at the dramatic events that led to the extinction of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals through a 50-million-year slice of time. More than 300 specimens will be showcased, including 36 complete skeletons. Dramatic life-sized dioramas featuring 15 fleshed-out dinosaurs and mammals are a Museum highlight ... among the largest displays of this kind in the world! Walk through a forest among seven dinosaurs locked in confrontation. Or discover some bizarre-looking ancestors of modern day mammals, including a walking whale or the rhino-like Megacerops. Witness an unforgettable special effects film in the Extinction Theatre that highlights the catastrophic asteroid collision on Earth some 65 million years ago.

With its rugged geography and vast unspoiled lands, Canada is home to some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife in the world. In the revitalized Mammal Gallery, you'll witness breathtaking recreations of some of our most treasured animals in their life-challenging habitats. A mother polar bear swipes at an unsuspecting seal that is surfacing at its breathing hole; a majestic grizzly fishes salmon from a stream, two Thinhorn sheep stand surefooted on a steep mountain crest ... just a small sample of the mesmerizing dioramas awaiting your discovery. Many of these settings are one-of-a-kind creations by celebrated Canadian wildlife artist, Clarence Tillenius, and each features a different adaptation theme to enhance your wildlife adventure. Note: For the first few months after the opening, conservators will be working on some of the dioramas.

Hi-Def Movies

Two captivating hi-def nature documentaries are presented in the Discovery Zone. The hi-def cinema is free with museum admission.

The Deep October 20 to December 31
	English showtimes Thursdays: 7:00 p.m. Fridays: 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. French showtimes Thursdays: 6:00 p.m. Fridays: 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Sea Otters: A Laid-Back Life October 20 to December 31
	English showtimes Saturdays and Sundays: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. French showtimes Saturdays and Sundays: 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m.

Programmes for Everyone

Also check our general programmes to learn about ongoing, regular activities.

Only for Members!

DinoRock's musical and theatrical performance explores the world of dinosaurs, and features enchanting creatures like Gabi Gallimimus and many other surprises. Other benefits, including a performance in French by La Comtesse d'Harmonia (Joe Bocan) and special trading cards, are also offered to our members. More information.

Free Lecture

Discovering Canada's Dinosaurs

Monday, October 16: 7:00 p.m.

Join renowned palaeontologist Dr. Peter Dodson (from the University of Pennsylvania) as he takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of dinosaur collecting and research in Canada.

Dodson has done extensive fieldwork in Alberta, the western United States, China and Africa. In 1981, he discovered a new horned dinosaur in Montana.

He has written The Horned Dinosaurs, several children's books, including An Alphabet of Dinosaurs, and numerous publications. Recently he updated his 1990 study, Counting the Dinosaurs: How Many Kinds Were There, suggesting that only 30% of dinosaurs have been discovered.

This lecture comes just four days before the opening of the spectacular Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery, the new home of Nature's beloved dinosaurs.

Light refreshments will be served. Limited paid parking is available. Information: 613.566.4791.

Tours

Walk-Up Tours

Meet up in the gallery and come on a tour of our Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery or our Mammal Gallery. Tour schedule.

Guided and Unguided Tours for Groups

Groups may reserve unguided or guided tours of our galleries.