Royal Canadian Mint (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Royal Canadian Mint?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: School-age kids enjoy giant coins, Olympic medals, and glass-view production, but the 45-minute talk-heavy format offers no hands-on stations and may test shorter attention spans.
Positives:
- Educational Experience: Kids learn how coins are designed and minted in an engaging guided tour.
- Free Young Child Admission: Children under 5 join the tour for free, reducing overall cost.
Challenges:
- Limited Tour Capacity: Small group tours fill up quickly; advance booking is essential.
- No Dedicated Family Room: There is no on-site baby-change or nursing room; plan breaks before or after the visit.
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 with kids?
- Flat-rate family tour covers 2 adults + 2 kids with free entry for under-5s
- Hands-on moment holding a real gold bar thrills kids and adults alike
- Guided 45-minute tour reveals coin production and Olympic medals
- On-site boutique offers exclusive souvenirs and gifts
- Central location near ByWard Market for easy additional activities
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: The 45-minute family tour plus boutique and photo stops fit within 1–2 hours without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Royal Canadian Mint
Family-Rate Guided Tour:
Join a 45-minute guided tour designed for families to see the coin-making floor and Olympic medals.
Tip: Book 48 hours ahead and arrive 15 minutes early; children under 5 ride free on laps.
Hold a Solid Gold Bar:
Under staff supervision, feel the weight of a real gold bar and take a memorable photo.
Tip: Ask the guide for the best lighting and timing during production.
Explore the Mint Boutique:
Browse exclusive collector coins and souvenirs in the on-site gift shop with no entry fee.
Tip: Set a small budget and let each child pick a souvenir under CAD 10.
Photograph the Neoclassical Façade:
Capture the 1908 castle-like building on Sussex Drive before heading to ByWard Market.
Tip: Visit in morning light for best photos, then stroll to nearby cafés.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Royal Canadian Mint
- Book Online Early: Reserve your family tour 2–3 days in advance on the Mint website.
- Visit on Weekdays: Weekday visits have fewer crowds and more flexible tour times.
- Pair with ByWard Market: Combine your visit with a short walk to ByWard Market for snacks and play.
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 summer book tours early as slots fill fast. In winter note boutique hours (Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and enjoy shorter lines on weekdays.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family-Rate Tour (2 adults + 2 kids) | CAD 30 |
| Souvenir coins and tokens | CAD 15 |
| Snacks at ByWard Market | CAD 25 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 70 |
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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