Royal Canadian Mint Ottawa

In the heart of Ottawa, nestled among embassies and cultural landmarks along Sussex Drive, stands a building that doesn’t just make money—it makes history. The Royal Canadian Mint Ottawa has been transforming precious metals into iconic Canadian treasures since 1908. And inside its grand stone walls, you’ll discover a world where pure gold, fine silver, and craftsmanship intersect to tell Canada's story, one coin at a time.

 

This isn’t just a mint—it’s a backstage pass to national pride. Whether you’re into collector coins, curious about gold and silver bullion, or simply want to hold a bar of 99.99 pure gold, the experience is as gleaming as the coins themselves.

 

 

What to Know

Unlike its counterpart in Winnipeg, which handles everyday coins, the Ottawa Mint is all about exclusivity and artistry. This is where Canada’s most valuable and visually stunning coins are born—think gold bullion coins, detailed silver coincollections, and intricately designed medals commemorating everything from Queen Elizabeth II to the Canadian maple leaf.

 

Each piece produced here carries exceptional purity—like the 1/10 oz and 1 oz gold maple leaf coin or silver maple leaf coins—crafted with precision and often issued in limited mintage runs. You’ll also get an up-close look at the steps involved in turning blank metal into a gleaming finished coin with sophisticated coin features and security technology.

 

Tours are small-group and intimate, led by knowledgeable guides who blend storytelling with behind-the-scenes access. You’ll walk past artists’ renderings, engraving rooms, and machines hard at work creating the next national masterpiece.

 

How to Get There

The Mint is located at 320 Sussex Drive, a scenic and walkable part of downtown Ottawa surrounded by historic sites like the National Gallery of Canada, Rideau Hall, and the ByWard Market.

 

Getting there:

On foot:

Perfect for those already exploring downtown Ottawa. The Best of Ottawa Walking Tour with Boat Cruise is the best package to book if you want to see The Mint and other hotspots of the city from the Nepean Point to Byward Market

 

By public transit:

Several OC Transpo routes stop within walking distance.

 

By car:

Street parking is available nearby, but fills up fast during peak hours.

Whether you’re planning a full day of sightseeing or popping in between museums, it’s easy to fit the Royal Canadian Mint into your Ottawa itinerary.

 

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall is ideal—when the surrounding city is buzzing with festivals, open-air markets, and patio culture. That said, visiting in winter offers a quieter, more personal experience. The chill outside makes stepping into a warm, glowing vault of gold and silver feel even more magical.

For smaller crowds and more one-on-one time with guides, weekday mornings are your best bet.

 

Highlights & Features

 

Guided Behind-the-Scenes Tours:

Learn how collector coins, fine gold medallions, and silver bullion are crafted from concept to coin.

 

See the World’s First Million-Dollar Coin:

A 100 kg pure gold masterpiece with 99.999% purity—minted right here.

 

Historic Architecture:

Step into the same building where the Mint began over a century ago in 1908.

 

Hold a Gold Bar:

Literally. A 99.99 pure gold bar is available for visitors to touch and lift—it's heavier than you’d expect.

 

On-Site Coin Boutique:

Shop exclusive releases, limited editions, and seasonal gold and silver pieces. You might even spot a polar bear design or a tribute to Canadian landscapes.

 

Interactive Learning Areas:

Explore detailed displays explaining the evolution of coin features, security innovations, and design techniques.

 

Fun Facts

- The Ottawa Mint doesn’t just make coins for Canada—it has struck coins for over 70 countries, including Iceland, Thailand, and the Bahamas.

- In 2007, it created the world’s first million-dollar coin: 100 kg of fine gold with a face value of $1 million and a purity of 99.999%.

- The facility produces both gold maple leaf coins and silver maple leaf coins, two of the most sought-after bullion coins in the world.

- Every product minted here goes through one of the most rigorous quality assurance processes in the world—meaning if you’re holding a Canadian coin marked 99.99% pure, it came from here or was inspired by the standards set in this very building.

 

Conclusion

A visit to the Royal Canadian Mint Ottawa is more than a stop on your sightseeing list—it’s a glimpse into Canada’s meticulous, creative, and symbolic relationship with currency. Where else can you hold a solid gold bar, see a million-dollar coin, and discover how fine silver becomes a national keepsake?

 

For history lovers, curious travelers, and future collectors, it’s an experience that adds more than just shine to your Ottawa tour—it adds meaning.

 

Start planning your visit to this iconic Canadian Mint destination, where every coin tells a story—and every story is worth its weight in gold.