Symmes Inn

The Symmes Inn is the oldest surviving building in Aylmer, a solid fieldstone structure built in 1831 that once served travellers crossing the Ottawa River between Upper and Lower Canada. Now a local history museum, it houses exhibits on Aylmer's past as an independent town and on the broader history of the Outaouais region.

The building itself is worth seeing for its construction alone — thick limestone walls, low ceilings, and timber joinery typical of the era. The exhibits are modest but genuine, and the staff are knowledgeable about the neighbourhood's history. It sits at the edge of the marina, making it easy to combine a visit with a walk along the waterfront.

things to do museum sight
A story
John Symmes built this stone inn in 1831 to serve travellers crossing the Ottawa River between Upper and Lower Canada. For decades it was the social hub of Aylmer — a stopping point for politicians, merchants, and settlers moving between the two Canadas. When the ferry service declined, so did the inn; it eventually became a private house before being restored as a museum.