Ottawa's National Gallery of Canada isn't just a building — it's a national treasure sitting right on the banks of the Ottawa River, its glass towers reflecting the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill. And if you haven't wandered its halls lately, Culture Trip's recent deep-dive into ten of its most notable artworks is a solid reminder of just how extraordinary the collection inside really is.
A Collection That Spans Centuries
The National Gallery holds over 95,000 works spanning Indigenous art, Canadian and international paintings, photography, prints, and contemporary installations. It's one of the most important art museums in North America — and it just happens to be in our backyard.
Culture Trip's curated list highlights pieces that range from haunting Group of Seven landscapes to striking works by Indigenous artists reclaiming their stories on a global stage. If you're an Ottawan who hasn't visited since a school field trip, this is your sign to go back.
Canadian Classics You Can't Miss
The Group of Seven looms large at the National Gallery. Artists like Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, and Tom Thomson helped define what "Canadian art" looked like to the world — big skies, boreal forests, windswept shores. Several of their most iconic canvases live permanently in Ottawa, including Harris's dramatic Lake Superior landscapes that feel almost spiritual in their stark beauty.
Emily Carr's towering forest scenes are another highlight. Her connection to the Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest gave her work a depth and reverence that still resonates powerfully today.
Indigenous Art Takes Centre Stage
In recent years, the National Gallery has made a deliberate effort to elevate Indigenous voices — and it shows. Works by artists like Norval Morrisseau, the so-called "Picasso of the North," sit alongside contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists who are redefining what Canadian art means in the 21st century.
For Ottawa residents, this is especially meaningful. The gallery sits on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory, and its growing Indigenous collection reflects a commitment to honouring that history through art.
International Masterworks Too
Beyond Canadian art, the National Gallery's international collection includes Rembrandt, Rubens, and a remarkable collection of European masters. There's also a permanent installation of Barnett Newman's monumental Voice of Fire — a striking red-and-blue stripe painting that famously sparked national debate when it was purchased for $1.76 million in 1989. It's now considered one of the gallery's crown jewels.
Plan Your Visit
The National Gallery is located at 380 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, steps from the Rideau River and Major's Hill Park. Admission is free on the first Thursday evening of each month, and permanent collection galleries are always free for visitors under 18. Spring is a gorgeous time to visit — pair it with a stroll along the canal or a stop at the nearby ByWard Market.
Whether you're a lifelong art lover or just looking for something meaningful to do on a weekend, the National Gallery is one of Ottawa's most underappreciated day-out options. It's world-class — and it's ours.
Source: Culture Trip — "The National Gallery Of Canada In 10 Notable Artworks"
