Ottawa Tourism has granted special museum status to dozens of Ottawa festivals, restaurants, concert venues, and attractions as a way to shine a light on some of the city’s cultural hidden gems. The “Unofficial Museums” campaign – which designated 76 “new” museums in one day (Monday) – aims to attract travellers to Ottawa by celebrating culture and creativity in Canada’s capital, all year long.

At the same time, a “3rd Night on Us” was unveiled to encourage visitors to stay longer and save: if they book a three or more night stay at a participating Ottawa hotel before Oct. 10, 2022, the third night is on Ottawa Tourism.

“Seven of Canada’s nine national museums are found in Ottawa, along with dozens of other notable museums and galleries,” says Ottawa Tourism president and CEO Michael Crockatt. “We’re proud of our museums – they’re among the best in the world. By granting museum status to 76 grassroots institutions this summer, we’re showing the world the range of cultural experiences that Canada’s capital has to offer and signaling to the world that Ottawa is ready for visitors.”

The newly anointed museums include the Unofficial Museum of Croffles (First Bite Treats), where visitors can experience Ottawa’s first-ever union of waffle and croissant, and the Unofficial Museum of Second-Hand Treasures (Highjinx), an antiques and vintage social enterprise shop where proceeds go towards providing food, clothing, and support to those in need within the community.

“Opening 76 museums in a day is an ambitious undertaking but we’re an ambitious city,” says Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “Tourism is a critical economic driver for Ottawa, and after a two-year disruption for restaurants, the arts, and live concerts, this is a big step towards recovery in our community.

“Ottawa has so much to offer in the way of arts, food, and music – this is our way of celebrating and giving back to those who work in the tourism industry and bring vibrancy to our amazing city.”

“We never expected our café to become a museum – let alone the ‘Unofficial Museum of Croffles,’” says Elias Ali, co-owner of First Bite Treats. “We’re delighted to participate in this celebration of Ottawa’s people and businesses. We’re ready for a great summer.”

For more information on the campaign and incentive offer, visit heretoinspire.ca or ottawatourism.ca