By next year, you may be able to experience the view from the Rocky Mountains or the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, without ever leaving Ottawa.

Canada's Centre for Geography and Exploration is moving into the former Canada and the World Pavilion at 50 Sussex Dr., the National Capital Commission announced Monday.

The centre is scheduled to open its doors in 2017, during Canada's 150th birthday celebrations.

"This is going to be a must-see location for tourists who come to Canada's capital," said Alex Trebek, honorary president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, in an interview on CBC Radio's All in a Day.

The centre will use immersive technology, including virtual reality, to transport people to geographic regions across Canada.

"We all know how vast the country is, but very few of us get to see much of it," said John Geiger, chief executive officer of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

"This is a way that we can communicate with people the beauty of our country in a way that's virtually firsthand," Geiger said on All in a Day.

The centre will also house two exhibition spaces and a 210-seat auditorium with screens that can be used for lectures, film screenings, conferences and multimedia events.

In April of 2018, the fully refurbished building will also become the official headquarters of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

"This is the first time in the society's history that it will have a permanent home in a prestigious location," Trebek said.

The NCC breaks ground on the Canada and the World Pavilion in 2000. 0:26

Empty since 2005

The pavilion was built in 2000 as a space to celebrate Canadian achievements in culture, sport, international co-operation and technical innovation, but closed in 2005 due to poor attendance.

The site at 50 Sussex Dr. is considered a key piece of Ottawa real estate.

The NCC has been searching for a suitable tenant to take over the building for the last decade. It built the $5-million glass and stone building to host exhibitions and showcase Canada's role on the international stage.

In 2012, the NCC put out a call for expressions of interest from public and private groups to find a tenant that would support the "significance" of the site.

Overlooking the Rideau Falls, the building also stands alongside a stretch of embassies and federal buildings.