Latest news with #CanadianMuseumofNature
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Your guide to museums in Ottawa and Gatineau: What's new and where to go
The nation's capital is home to many of the country's major cultural institutions . Whether you're visiting for the first time or grew up in the area, the museums in Ottawa-Gatineau are always worth a visit. You'll find an ever-changing array of temporary exhibitions, plus perennial favourites such as the dinosaur gallery at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Grand Hall of the Canadian Museum of History, not to mention the distinctive architecture of each building. Here's a guide to what's happening at Ottawa museums right now: Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 100 Laurier St., Gatineau; Designed by architect Douglas Cardinal and completed in 1989, the exterior of the 93,000 square-metre institution is distinguished by undulating curves that hug the shores of the Ottawa River across from Parliament Hill. Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the '60s, '70s and '80s This temporary exhibition salutes the explosive growth of pop music in Canada over three decades, from the 1960s to the '80s. Explore the careers of superstars like Leonard Cohen, Rush and Celine Dion, and see some iconic artifacts, from the wedding dress worn by k.d. lang at the 1985 JUNO Awards to lyrics handwritten by Ottawa-born folk music legend, Bruce Cockburn. It's included in regular admission and runs until Jan. 18, 2026. Permanent features to explore: The Canadian Children's Museum; Canadian Stamp Collection; Canadian History Hall; First Peoples Hall; Grand Hall. Also : The Indian Residential School Monument, an 18-foot non-traditional totem pole carved from the truck of a red cedar tree that features the unsmiling faces of 130 children. Located in the Four Seasons Salon on Level 1. Plus: Screenings of family-friendly films at CINÉ+ , a 295-seat movie theatre equipped with a huge, dome-shaped 3D screen. 240 McLeod St.; Canada's natural history museum is housed in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building, an historic castle-like structure made of local sandstone that opened in 1912. It was designed by David Ewart as a counterpart to the Centre Block of the original Parliament Buildings. What's on: The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale This temporary exhibition was inspired by a haunting, made-in-Canada animated short that won an Oscar in 1988. Now it's been expanded and reimagined as an immersive experience that focuses on the biodiversity of a forest. It features an audio guide to each of the 20 science-based zones created by museum staff – plus a life-size, interactive 'tree' that responds to hand motions. Art installations and stories of inspiring tree planters are also included, along with screenings of the original film in French and English. To Oct. 13. Rewilding: Nature meets art in this exhibition of works by 13 Canadian artists from across the country who were selected by the David Suzuki Foundation as winners of its inaugural Rewilding Arts Prize. The artists give a new perspective to biodiversity with pieces that interpret the concept of rewilding, defined as restoring a natural environment to its original, self-sustaining state. Among the projects you'll see are Cole Swanson's 24-carat-gilded insect specimens, Janice Wright Cheney's crocheted representation of a polar bear, and Angela Marsh's tapestries of plant fragments and bubble wrap. To Oct. 20. The Minerals of Mont Saint-Hilaire : The latest addition to the Earth gallery showcases more than 70 specimens from Mont Saint-Hilaire, just east of Montreal, plus a selection of recent acquisitions from the world-class Haineault collection. You will also find out why this small mountain in Quebec has such a high concentration of rare minerals. (Permanent exhibition, included in museum admission). Butterflies in Flight is back by popular demand until Jan. 4, 2026, showcasing a diverse array of live butterflies soaring freely in the Solarium. Symbiosis: A forest-inspired installation led by artist cj fleury that features a grove of trees created from strips of mulberry paper, which are covered in hand-drawn images of woodland fauna and flora. Projected onto the drawings are videos of the Outaouais forest, with an original score from the Juno-winning chamber ensemble Esmerine. To Oct. 13. Our Land, Our Art: Created to shine a spotlight on the northern part of Quebec known as Nunavik, this exhibition juxtaposes digital images with ancient cultural artifacts. Runs to Oct. 14. Permanent galleries to explore: Fossils, Earth, Birds, Arctic, Bugs Alive, Mammals, Water and the Pacific Discovery Tank. 1 Vimy Place; Situated at LeBreton Flats, the institution dedicated to Canada's military history was designed by architect Raymond Moriyama to reflect environmental sustainability. Opened in 2005, one of its most striking exterior features is the 10,684 square-metre 'green' roof, which consists of a self-sustaining ecosystem of tall grasses native to the area. Exhibitions at the Canadian War Museum Last Voices of the Second World War, to Jan. 18. Hear powerful new interviews with some of the last surviving veterans of the war, and their family members, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict. Canada at War Against Japan, 1941–1945, to Aug. 31, 2026. T his exhibition explores Canada's involvement in the war against Japan, including the Battle of Hong Kong, the experiences of prisoners of war, and the forced relocation of Japanese Canadians. Canada's Unknown Soldier . To May 24, 2026. To mark 25 years since the repatriation of Canada's Unknown Soldier, this 18-panel wall display explores the history, legacy and significance of his tomb at the National War Memorial. Invasion! – Canadians and the Battle of Normandy, 1944, to Nov. 17. This panel exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of the epic campaign. Legion National Foundation's Annual Poster and Literary Contest Winners: See the winning entries created by students from across the country. Runs to Oct. 13. Canadian Experience galleries to explore: Early Wars in Canada; The South African and First World Wars; The Second World War; From the Cold War to the Present. Also: The Royal Canadian Legion Hall of Honour; LeBreton Gallery of Military Technology; Memorial Hall; Moriyama Regeneration Hall. 11 Aviation Parkway; Canada's museum of aviation history moved to its current location on a former military air base in 1988. The 8,200 square-metre Reserve Hangar was a later addition, built for storage in 2005 and lending a distinctive flair with its angular shape and reflective metal shell. Permanent exhibitions: Engines: The Power to Fly!; Life in Orbit: The International Space Station; The Story of Human Flight; Canada in Space; Health in Space: Daring to Explore; Eyes on the Skies: Managing Air Traffic Control in Canada; The Cold War. Plus: Book a tour of the Reserve Hangar, where the planes not on display are stored, including a de Havilland D.H. 98 Mosquito B XX and the wing tips of the Avro CF-105 Arrow 2. (Note: The tour is not recommended for children) 901 Prince of Wales Dr.; This working farm-turned-museum is located at the Central Experimental Farm, a national heritage site in the heart of Ottawa, complete with a horse barn, dairy barn, sheep field, poultry house, soil lab, demonstration kitchen and more. Temporary exhibitions: Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life : Learn about the history of the Métis and the bison through storytelling and artwork from the Métis community. The Island In the Middle of Everywhere , To Oct. 6, 2025. Take a remarkable journey to Xwe'etay (pronounced hwe-e-tay), also known as Lasqueti Island, which is part of the Northern Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Permanent exhibitions: Memories are Made in the Kitchen; Discovery Park (outdoor exhibition); Aquaculture: Farming the Waters; Farming for the Future; Sustainable Agricultural Gallery. 1867 St. Laurent Blvd.; The former bakery on St. Laurent Boulevard, which became a museum in the 1960s, was fully revamped in 2017, alongside a state-of-the-art storage facility constructed to protect and showcase Canada's national science and technology collection. What's on: Steam: A World in Motion. Learn how steam power helped shape this country via the museum's collection of locomotive cars and scale models. Other permanent exhibitions to explore: Artifact Alley; Crazy Kitchen+; From Earth to Us; Hidden Worlds; Medical Sensations; Sound by Design; Technology in Our Lives; Wearable Tech; ZOOOM: Children's Innovation Zone; Into the Great Outdoors lsaxberg@ Join us! The Ottawa Citizen is hosting an exclusive food and beverage tasting event where you can try bites from some of the city's best restaurants and sample beverages from breweries and wineries. Meet the chefs and try their signature dishes with members of the Citizen news team. Learn more about Ottawa Citizen Best Restaurants and buy a ticket here .
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Scientists Recover Rare Proteins From 24-Million-Year-Old Rhino Fossil
Scientists have recovered ancient proteins from a fossilised rhinoceros tooth, which is a crucial step in the study of ancient life on Earth. The 21-to 24-million-year-old fossil was found in the Haughton Crater on Nunavut's Devon Island in the 1980s. The proteins were preserved in the tooth's enamel, which acted like a "vault" protecting them over millions of years. Researchers analysed the proteins using a technique called chiral amino acid analysis. Danielle Fraser, the Canadian Museum of Nature's head of paleobiology and one of the research scientists involved in the study, revealed that the proteins are 10 times older than any previously recoverable sample of ancient DNA. The discovery has opened up new possibilities for studying ancient life and evolution, potentially allowing researchers to analyse proteins from even older fossils, including dinosaur fossils. They can also use the analysis to study the evolutionary relationships between different species. The proteins in the rhino fossil are intact in the high Arctic's dry, cold environment, and the hardiness of tooth enamel. Otherwise, ancient DNA does not typically survive beyond one million years. The study, published July 9 in the scientific journal Nature, suggests that proteins can survive for millions of years under the right conditions. The development would help in future research into ancient proteins and their potential to simplify our understanding of evolution. "It's very clear that the Arctic is creating a freezer allowing these proteins in these animals to be preserved over much longer time periods than we would expect. This really extends our ability to understand evolution back much farther than we previously thought," said Fraser. "Humans are the last few milliseconds on that clock right before you hit the 12. And that 23 million years is going to be about five minutes ago." The ancient rhino diverged from other rhinocerotids during the Middle Eocene-Oligocene epoch, around 41-25 million years ago. The two main subfamilies of rhinos, Elasmotheriinae and Rhinocerotinae, diverged more recently than previously believed, around 34-22 million years ago.
CBC
15-07-2025
- Science
- CBC
Proteins from rhino fossil found in Nunavut crater dated to 20 million years
Social Sharing Scientists studying a 21-to 24-million-year-old rhino fossil found in the Haughton Crater on Nunavut's Devon Island say the high Arctic environment preserved the oldest recoverable ancient proteins found so far. The proteins recovered from the rhino tooth, found decades ago, are 10 times older than any previously recoverable sample of ancient DNA, said Danielle Fraser, the Canadian Museum of Nature's head of paleobiology and one of the research scientists involved in the study. The researchers, whose findings were published Wednesday in the journal Nature, say their ability to time stamp the proteins well into "deep time" was made possible with newer technologies, and they say that should encourage future paleontological work in the world's coldest places to gather similarly preserved fossils. Reconstructing evolution was previously limited to four-million-year-old samples and the ancient proteins identified so far reached only into the middle-late miocene, roughly 10 million years ago. Ancient DNA does not typically survive beyond one million years, but the high Arctic's dry, cold environment, and the hardiness of tooth enamel, kept the proteins in the rhino fossil intact. In a lab in Copenhagen, scientists successfully extracted and sequenced data from the proteins inside the tooth, Fraser said. "It's very clear that the Arctic is creating a freezer allowing these proteins in these animals to be preserved over much longer time periods than we would expect. This really extends our ability to understand evolution back much farther than we previously thought," said Fraser. To understand deep time, Fraser says, imagine a clock representing the entire history of the evolution of life on earth. "Humans are the last few milliseconds on that clock right before you hit the 12," she said. "And that 23 million years is going to be about five minutes ago." This scientific study analyzed highly-preserved fossils by looking at their ancient proteins, rather than morphology — what the bones look like compared to each other — to determine an extinct species' evolutionary path. Rhinos once lived across the world, with some debate about whether the species originated in Asia or North America. Ancient DNA science can provide better insight into how and when they evolved, said Fraser. Rhino evolution Modern rhinos are thought to have diverged from other rhinocerotids during the Middle Eocene-Oligocene, between 25 and 41 million years ago. The study's authors say their research supports the divergence of two main subfamilies of rhinos (Elasmotheriinae and Rhinocerotinae), and a bone analysis suggests a more recent split, roughly 22 to 34 million years ago. The unique environment of the Haughton Crater on Devon Island is promising for future studies on preserved proteins, said Fraser. The rhino fossil was collected decades ago by the late Mary Dawson, a vertebrate paleontologist from Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Dawson collected it in 1986 at a time when protein extraction and ancient DNA technology "effectively didn't exist," according to Fraser. Fraser said in recent years, teams working on Devon Island or Ellesmere Island have worked with local community members like Jarloo Kiguktak of Grise Fiord, Nunavut. Kiguktak, an experienced fossil collector, said he joins the researchers on their search for specimens. How did they do it? The study's authors say they sequenced enamel proteins from the rhino fossil and more than 1,000 amino acid chains (peptides), which are the building blocks of proteins. They confirmed the proteins were ancient by matching the signs of age-related damage to expected burial conditions more than 20 million years ago in the Arctic environment, the researchers said. Dental enamel is the hardest material of vertebrates and it protects the proteins from breaking down over time, the research states. Fraser said while paleontology may sometimes be seen as "nerds studying their dinosaurs," these findings allow for reconstruction of molecular patterns. "We are nerds, and we love studying our fossils," she said.
Vancouver Sun
19-06-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Here's what you can do in Ottawa with the Canada Strong Pass
Under the new Canada Strong Pass, Ottawa might see an uptick in tourists . On Monday morning, Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault said Canadians will have a 'unique opportunity' to explore 'the very best our country has to offer.' 'I'm very happy to see how these initiatives will create momentum across the country,' Guilbeault said at the Canadian Museum of Nature. From June 20 to Sept. 2, 2025, Canada's historic sites and national parks will be free to visit and Via Rail tickets will be 25 per cent cheaper for young adults aged 18 to 24. Children 17 and under can travel for free on Via Rail, accompanied by an adult. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Museums will be offering 50 per cent off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24 and free admission for children 17 and under. No registration or physical pass is required to use the pass. The pass launches on Friday and benefits will be immediately available at parks, museums and on the Via Rail booking site. Here's what you can access and explore in the Ottawa area under the Canada Strong Pass. Laurier House National Historic Site Located in Sandy Hill, this historic site commemorates two of Canada's prime ministers , Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. From 1897 to 1948, the house acted as a central location of political life in Canada. Fort Wellington National Historic Site Originally built in 1838, this structure is one of the 'best preserved nineteenth-century fortifications in Canada' and holds historical and strategic significance from the War of 1812. The fort is located in Prescott, right on the St. Lawrence River, a short drive away from Ottawa. Rideau Canal National Historic Site The Rideau Canal was labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. It transforms into the world's largest skating rink during the wintertime, but you can easily rent a kayak at Dow's Lake and explore the canal that way. Parliament Hill While the Parliament Buildings are not open to the public, the Hill is, and is always worth a quick visit. It's a popular tourist destination and is a symbolic piece of Canadian politics and democracy. Canada Agriculture and Food Museum The national agriculture museum offers exhibitions on Canada's agricultural heritage, and how agriculture science and technology are used to benefit Canadians every day. There are 150 farm animals, including chickens, goats, horses and an alpaca. Canada Aviation and Space Museum More than 130 aircraft and artifacts, including from First and Second World War planes, are housed in this museum. They offer interactive demonstrations and helicopter sightseeing rides right from the museum, fostering a greater appreciation for Canadian aviation history. Canadian Museum of History Located in Gatineau, this national museum houses Canadian anthropological, ethnological and cultural history. It focuses on promoting Canada's heritage and is known for having Canada's largest museum of human history. Canadian Museum of Nature This national classic houses several exhibitions and programs on Canada's impressive natural history, Arctic species and butterfly exhibits . It holds several impressive galleries, including a water gallery, a Pacific Discovery Tank and a large fossil gallery. Canada Science and Technology Museum This museum has a responsibility to preserve Canada's scientific and technological history. It houses more than 150,000 objects, including vintage cars, and includes daily experiments and a steam locomotive hall. Canadian War Museum The war museum covers the country's military history and serves as a place of remembrance and an educational facility. It houses several military holdings, including rare vehicles, uniforms, medals and personal memoirs. National Gallery of Canada Located near the ByWard Market, this art museum is one of the largest museums in North America with more than 93,000 pieces of art. Originally built in 1880, it showcases contemporary, Indigenous and historical art. Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.
17-06-2025
The Canada Strong Pass launches Friday to promote domestic tourism. Here's what it offers
Canadian Culture and Identity Minister Steven Guilbeault announced on Monday morning that the federal government will launch the Canada Strong Pass later this week — a move to promote domestic tourism that makes Canada's historic sites and parks free to visit and rail travel less expensive for young people. Canadians are proud of their country. Canada is strong and it's yours to discover, Guilbeault said at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. The pass, which launches on Friday and ends Sept. 2, doesn't require registration or a physical card. Instead, the benefits will be available upon arrival at parks, national museums and when booking train tickets. Canadians and foreign tourists are eligible. In a news release, Canadian Heritage (new window) said the pass includes free admission for all visitors to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25 per cent discount on camping fees. Canadian Culture and Identity Minister Steven Guilbeault says the Canada Strong Pass isn't a physical document and doesn't require registration. Instead, the benefits will be available upon arrival at national parks and historic sites. Photo: The Canadian Press / Sean Kilpatrick The pass also gives children aged 17 and under free admission to national museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum. For young adults aged 18 to 24, they get a 50 per cent discount. Children aged 17 and under can also travel for free on Via Rail when accompanied by an adult. Young adults aged 18 to 24 get a 25 per cent discount on tickets. Finally, children get free admission to select provincial and territorial museums and galleries, while young adults aged 18 to 24 get a 50 per cent discount. Our federal government makes it easier than ever for families to choose Canada when planning their summer vacation, and to fully enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and that strengthen our country, Guilbeault said. More Canadians exploring Canada The federal government's announcement comes as fewer Canadians travel south to the United States — and some of that travel itch is being redirected back to Canada. In May, Statistics Canada released data that showed return trips by Canadians coming back from the U.S. by air dropped by 19.9 per cent, and return via land borders dropped by a whopping 35.2 per cent compared to April of last year. A truck drives past the passenger entry point at the U.S.-Canada border in Surrey, B.C., on March 4, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press) Photo: (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press) Many Canadians have been opting not to visit the U.S. in recent months for a number of reasons, such as increased scrutiny and risk of detention at the border (new window) , or as a way to boycott the U.S. (new window) given President Donald Trump's trade war threats and talk of annexing Canada. In March, at least eight provinces and territories (new window) shared with CBC News that they've seen increased interest from Canadian tourists in visiting their respective regions. Guilbeault said the pass is about discovering and reconnecting with nature, history and culture of this remarkable country we all share and are proud to call our own. WATCH | Canada Strong Pass includes free and discounted entry to some popular tourist sites — but there are concerns about overwhelming locations: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Government launches Canada Strong Pass to promote tourism The federal government has announced details of the Canada Strong Pass, aimed at promoting domestic tourism. It includes free entry to national parks and conservation areas as well as lower prices for campsites, but there are concerns about further overwhelming locations. Benjamin Lopez Steven (new window) · CBC News
