Royal Canadian Mint — Attraction in Ottawa

We took a short vacation to Ottawa, and the Royal Canadian Mint was the attraction we were most looking forward to. Unfortunately, the higher the expectation, the greater the disappointment. After our trip, we liked all the attractions except for the Royal Canadian Mint. All the friends who traveled with us felt that the ticket was not worth it for this attraction. Here's why:

Firstly, you can't buy cheap and beautiful commemorative coins for a dollar or two. Because the Mint no longer produces circulating coins, they mostly produce investment and commemorative coins made of gold and silver. The whole tour felt more like a large advertisement where you end up in a queue to buy commemorative coins ranging from dozens to thousands of dollars.

Secondly, the tour experience was very poor.

The number of people in each tour group was too large, making it crowded. Only those at the front could hear the guide, while those at the back could hardly hear anything. The number of visitors per round was twice that of the free tours in the Senate and House of Commons, but the space was only half as wide. The tour involved looking at the factory operations through glass from a distance. You can't see any details, only the videos displayed beside the operations area, which the staff would explain. The visitor center had no seats, and you had to stand for an hour watching videos. For friends studying engineering, the tour would remind you of an engineering internship class, where you stand in a crowd and can hardly see anything while listening to an instructor ramble on about big, dangerous machines. In summary, both young and old visitors will likely be confused. However, parents can bring their children to arouse their interest in mechanical design. Although, whether or not you'd want to inspire an interest in a field that many consider a "money pit" is questionable.

As for suggestions to improve the tour:

Learn from European mints where each visitor can exchange for a $1 or $2 colored commemorative coin, making everyone leave happy and satisfied. Limit the number of people per tour to around 10 so that everyone can see. Add a few seats in the corridor for those who wish to rest. Standing for an hour is too tiring, especially for the elderly and disabled. All other attractions in Ottawa, like the Senate, House of Commons, and National Art Gallery, have ample seating...

The Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa, Ontario, is an iconic institution that showcases the craftsmanship, innovation, and history of Canada's currency and precious metals. Nestled in the capital city, this mint offers a captivating and informative experience that appeals to both numismatists and those interested in the nation's heritage.

The mint's tour offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of coin production. From the initial design stages to the precision manufacturing techniques, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of how coins are created with meticulous attention to detail. The interactive displays and knowledgeable guides provide insights into the minting process, making it an educational experience for people of all ages.

One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to witness the mint's cutting-edge technology in action. The mint's advanced machinery produces coins with remarkable precision, showcasing Canada's commitment to innovation in both design and production. Watching the state-of-the-art equipment in operation is a testament to the Mint's dedication to quality and excellence.

The Royal Canadian Mint is not only a hub of coin production; it's also a showcase of Canada's rich history and culture. The on-site boutique offers an array of collectible coins, making it an ideal destination for coin enthusiasts and those seeking unique souvenirs. The Mint's themed collections often reflect significant moments in Canadian history, providing a tangible connection to the nation's past.

The architecture of the Mint is itself a work of art. The building's stately design and its strategic location overlooking the Ottawa River contribute to a sense of grandeur and importance. The landscaped grounds offer a serene atmosphere that complements the visit, providing an opportunity for reflection and enjoyment.

The Royal Canadian Mint is a testament to Canada's commitment to quality, innovation, and preserving its heritage. It serves as a source of national pride and a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into creating Canada's currency. Whether you're a coin enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the intricate process behind coin production, a visit to the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa is an enriching and memorable experience that offers a unique glimpse into Canada's past...

The tour is not expensive at around $11.75 for a family of four. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. The coins available in the gift shop are amazing just to look at with full colour samples and some that even glow in the dark, all available for sale, all legal tender.

We were there on a Sunday of the August long weekend and for some reason people were working on the machines making coins. Our tour guides could answer any question thrown at them which was quite impressive. The tour was supposed to be only 45 minutes but we were the last group at 4:30 and it ran a little long. Very interesting and patriotic.

(Eg, Canada was the first country to put colour on coins! We're suing Australia who stole this technology and this is why the mint no longer allows pictures to be taken on the tour. The Canadian Mint makes or has made coins for 88 countries, some who don't advertise this fact because of national pride. Ridges are put on the coins to make them last 15 years longer. The rolls of silver we see through the window are worth $300,000 and the same size gold rolls are $30 M. All gold dust is recycled. Some Mint employee managed to steal some of this gold scrap and dust and is now in prison for 25 years. The gold purified at the mint uses superior technology to make it 99.999% pure which is one more decimal place purer than anywhere else. To celebrate this, 5 giant 99.999% gold coins, to represent the 5 nines, were minted and although each was worth over $2.2 M at the time, sold out in 5 minutes over the phone. The one sold to a German guy was stolen and that coin has been melted down making the remaining 4 giant gold coins increase in value. Although the stolen coin was never recovered, the two guys who stole it were caught 3...