Royal Canadian Mint (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Royal Canadian Mint?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples share a guided tour, admire the 1908 architecture, and browse the boutique for keepsakes, creating a compact yet engaging date before nearby ByWard Market dining.
Positives:
- Interactive Experience: You can hold a real gold bar under staff supervision.
- Historic Architecture: The 1908 neoclassical building offers striking details for architecture lovers.
- Central Location: Steps from ByWard Market and Sussex Drive for easy dining after your visit.
Challenges:
- Limited Tour Capacity: Tours fill up fast on weekends and holidays.
- Fixed Language Schedule: English and French tours run on set times—plan for your preferred language slot.
- Seasonal Boutique Hours: Shop hours vary; verify on the Mint’s website before arrival.
What is Royal Canadian Mint?
- A national mint established in 1908 that designs, manufactures and distributes Canada’s circulating and commemorative coinage
- An integrated headquarters for precious metal refining, die-making and advanced minting technologies serving clients worldwide
- A heritage neoclassical complex in downtown Ottawa housing manufacturing facilities and administrative offices essential to Canada’s currency system
What is so special about Royal Canadian Mint for couple trip?
- Join a 45-minute guided tour to see coin production.
- Hold a solid gold bar for an unforgettable photo moment.
- Shop exclusive coins and medals in the on-site boutique.
- Admire and photograph the 1908 neoclassical mint building.
- Combine your visit with a stroll to ByWard Market cafés.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: A 45-minute guided tour plus boutique visit fits within two hours without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Royal Canadian Mint
Guided Mint Tour:
Walk above the production floor to see coin-making steps and hear minting stories.
Tip: Book 48 hours ahead and arrive 10 minutes early to check in.
Hold a Gold Bar:
Under supervision, feel the weight of a solid gold bar.
Tip: This experience is included in the tour—ask your guide for the best photo angle.
Explore the Mint Boutique:
Browse exclusive collector coins, medals, and souvenirs.
Tip: Check current hours online; winter hours may differ from summer.
Photo at the Historic Façade:
Capture the 1908 neoclassical building on Sussex Drive.
Tip: Head there at open or close of day for soft light and fewer people.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Royal Canadian Mint
- Reserve Early: Book your tour slot online at least 48 hours in advance.
- Pair with Market: Combine your visit with brunch or coffee at nearby ByWard Market.
- Arrive Before Opening: Arriving 10 minutes early lets you explore lobby displays before the tour.
Reviews of Royal Canadian Mint
Joe Desourdie
The tour of the mint was okay. You are inside a gallery for the 45 minute tour and are not allowed to take any pictures and it is difficult to see what is going on at times. The only other thing is the gift shop so there is not much to do outside of the tour, which I felt left something to be desired. It did book up fast so I would recommend booking a tour in advance.
Marley Baichulall
What a cool experience! Book in advance and arrive early! This tour was so informative and interesting. I would recommend visiting during the week as there is no coin production on the weekend. Though we didn’t see any actual work being done, the views from above were so fascinating. Seeing rolls of gold and silver in rolls to blanks and the purest coins were amazing. The TV videos were great as i...
Nolan Chamczuk
Oh my gosh... Such a cool place.. it is unique in the whole world with the standards and talents of all the workers and machines. The information presented by the guides is both informative and interesting on all of the processes that the mint does and the history of the mint as well. The tour is an absolute must if you are interested in Canadian coins and collectables and happen to be in Ottawa.
Jim H
What an amazing tour! Quite glad we did it a well worth the admission. The fellow we had doing the tour was personable and knowledgeable. Gave great overviews and shows the process. If we had questions and wanted to get deeper on things (like how it is refined to 5 9s) he gave detailed explanations. Bought the kids a couple 1oz silver investment coins for their souvenir. All in all a great time. N...
MJG
As an avid coin lover, this place has been on my bucket list for years. My late-father and I collected coins for years, from the Royal Canadian Mint. He was never able to make it here but I was so glad I did. I almost wasn't able to get a tour due to some major miscommunication between myself and a lady on the phone about when I should book. An amazing woman by the name of Amber was able to swoop...
When is the best time to visit Royal Canadian Mint (Ottawa, Canada)?
In winter, boutique hours are shorter—verify before you go. Summer tours often show live coin production. Spring and fall bring higher visitor numbers, so book early.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Guided tour tickets (2 Adults) | CAD 24 |
| Souvenir coins | CAD 20 |
| Coffee at ByWard Market | CAD 15 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 59 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Royal Canadian Mint
Address: 320 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8, Canada
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About Royal Canadian Mint
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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