点评:I'm into coins so have toured a few other mints around the world, and this was not that impressive. For one, they don't actually make any circulating coins here--those are done in Winnipeg. They only mint commemorative coins, and only at certain times. That meant on our tour, most of the machinery was idle so we didn't see much in action. That said, the guide was really nice, cheery, and informative. Each tour group is limited to about a dozen people to keep things manageable on the narrow catwalks over the machinery. Still, I wish I had passed on this and spent my time and money in Ottawa elsewhere.
I also found a few bits odd about the museum. For one, I was told you need to call or email a request (preferablye 2-3 days in advance) for a reservation--you can't just rock up to the window. The other thing that gave me a huge chuckle is that on paying my entry fee they had a difficult time accepting cash! Seems everybody uses cards, and they had to look around for change.
翻译:我对硬币很感兴趣,所以参观过世界各地的其他几家造币厂,但这家造币厂的印象并不深刻。首先,他们实际上并不铸造流通硬币——流通硬币是在温尼伯铸造的。他们只铸造纪念币,而且只在特定时间铸造。这意味着我们参观时,大部分机器都处于闲置状态,所以我们没能看到太多实际运转的景象。不过,导游人很好,很热情,而且知识渊博。每个旅行团的人数限制在12人左右,这样就能方便地通过机器上方狭窄的通道。不过,我还是希望自己当初没有参观这家造币厂,把时间和金钱都花在渥太华的其他地方。
我还发现这家博物馆有些奇怪。首先,他们告诉我需要打电话或发邮件预约(最好提前2-3天)——你不能直接走到窗口。另一件让我大笑的事情是,我付了门票费后,他们竟然不接受现金!似乎每个人都使用卡,他们不得不四处寻找零钱。