Byward Market - Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Former Geological Survey of Canada Building
L'Ancien Édiface de la Commission Géologique du Canada
Photographed by Robert Rusaw, July 10, 2026
1. Former Geological Survey of Canada Building Marker
This mid-19th century hotel was remodeled in 1881 as the first Ottawa home of the Geological Survey of Canada. The Survey, established in 1842 to map the country's natural resources, became a federal department in 1877 and was soon moved from Montréal to Ottawa. The discoveries of its scientists were presented to scholars, the mining industry and the public through publications, lectures and exhibitions. The Survey's celebrated museum of natural and human history, which was located in this building until 1911, provided the foundation for Canada's national museums.
Cet hôtel du milieu du XIXe siècle fut réaménagé en 1881 pour recevoir la Commission géologique du Canada à Ottawa. Créée par le gouvernement canadien, en 1842, pour cartographier les ressources naturelles du pays, elle devint un ministère fédéral en 1877 et déménagea peu après de Montréal à Ottawa. Les découvertes de ses scientifiques étaient présentées à des savants, à l'industrie minière et au public dans des publications, des conférences et des expositions. Son célèbre musée d'histoire naturelle et humaine, qui logea dans cet édifice jusqu'en 1911, ouvrit la voie aux musées nationaux du Canada.
Erected 1976 by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Resources • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 45° 25.595′ N, 75° 41.645′ W. Marker is in Ottawa, Ontario. It is in Byward Market - Parliament Hill. It is at the intersection of Sussex Drive and George Street, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Connaught Building / L’Édifice Connaught (within shouting distance of this marker); Mile of History / Le Mille Historique (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Le Droit (about 90 meters away); York Street Millennium Fountain (about 90 meters away); Malak Karsh (about 120 meters away); Café Le Hibou (about 120 meters away); Creating a Capital / Créer une Capitale (about 120 meters away); Jeanne D'Arc Institute / Institut Jeanne d'Arc (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ottawa.
Photographed by Robert Rusaw, July 10, 2026
2. Former Geological Survey of Canada Building Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2026, by Robert Rusaw of Massena, New York. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2026, by Robert Rusaw of Massena, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
