If you've driven through Stittsville without stopping at the Goulbourn Museum, you've been missing one of Ottawa's most underrated historic sites.
Located in Stittsville and celebrating the history of the former Goulbourn Township—one of the original townships of the Ottawa area—the museum offers a genuinely engaging experience that works for history buffs and families alike.
What Is the Goulbourn Museum?
The Goulbourn Township was established in 1820 and covers what is now the western part of Ottawa, including Stittsville, Kanata South, and surrounding communities. For over a century it was a distinct rural municipality with its own character, history, and community institutions before being amalgamated into the city of Ottawa.
The Goulbourn Museum preserves and shares that history through exhibits, artifacts, and events that bring the township's past to life.
What to Do There
🔥 Campfire Experiences Gather around an outdoor fire to hear stories of the township's history, early settlers, and rural life in the Ottawa Valley. It's the kind of experiential history that makes a lasting impression, especially for kids.
🏡 Hands-On Activities The museum offers interactive experiences—period crafts, demonstrations, and activities—that let visitors engage with history rather than just observe it.
👨👩👧 Family Events The museum regularly hosts family-friendly events throughout the season. Check their calendar for special programming that goes beyond a standard museum visit.
📸 Historic Property The museum's setting is itself worth the visit—a well-maintained historic property that evokes what rural Goulbourn looked like before the suburban expansion of the late 20th century.
Visiting
📍 Goulbourn Museum Stittsville, Ottawa ☎️ 613-831-2393 🌐 goulbournmuseum.ca
Reservations for events and campfire experiences are recommended. The museum operates seasonally—contact them directly or check the website for current hours and event schedules.
For Ottawa residents who grew up in Stittsville or Kanata South, the Goulbourn Museum offers a direct connection to the place they call home. For newcomers to the west end, it's an accessible introduction to a history that shaped the landscape they live in.
