It is the last surviving Canadian example of what was once a common form of Victorian exhibition hall, and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1983.

The structure was built by the Dominion Bridge Company, and took only two months and CA$75,000 ($3.07 million in 2023 dollars)[2] to complete.

In the First World War, it was the mustering point for Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and it served as a general recruiting centre and the home to the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa and the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards during the Second World War.

City Council agreed to help finance the pavilion's restoration, but the federal and provincial governments refused to assist financially.

In 1991, Ottawa City Council voted to demolish the building rather than pay the full restoration cost.

The fate of the Aberdeen Pavilion became a major issue in the 1991 municipal election, and in 1992, City Council reversed its earlier decision and approved a basic renovation plan that cost CA$5.3 million.

[8] In 2017, as part of the NHL 100 Classic festivities, the Aberdeen Pavilion hosted participation events, exhibits, merchandise vendors and the like.