Finally in 1877, the GSC was assigned as a branch of the Interior Department and, thus, given permanent status and guaranteed continued funding. Employees became civil servants entitled to many benefits and pensions. The price to pay for this status was relocation to Ottawa, the capital. The move was opposed by universities and mining companies in Montreal, but was completed nonetheless in 1881.

As early as 1845, the GSC was directed to organize a museum. A steady growth of collections took place, to which botanical and zoological surveys were added in 1879-89. The combined collections became known as the "Geological and Natural History Survey of Canada," which includes the Haida Indian collection of Dawson from the Queen Charlotte Islands. The museum is now housed in a large limestone building (since 1910) in Ottawa.

The Neptune expedition to the Arctic, led by A.P. Low at the beginning of the 20th century, marks the close of an era for the GSC. In six decades time, the GSC had experienced remarkable growth. It played a dominant role in exploration, mapping, and scientific study of frontier lands. GSC operations had revealed the great diversity of Canadian resources and opened the tremendous geologic history from the oldest Archean crust to Quaternary glaciation.

Following World War II, the GSC was renewed to a leading position in scientific research. A balance was established between basic and applied studies, and development of mineral and energy resources became a national priority. During the 1970s and '80s, concern grew over environmental issues, such as the consequences of acid rain. The GSC also played a prominent role is providing scientific evaluation of Canada's offshore economic zone. In 1986, the Earth Physics Branch of Energy, Mines, and Resources was merged with the GSC, and in the following year the Polar Continental Shelf Project (an Arctic logistics organization) was linked with the GSC (Vodden 1992).

By the late 1980s, the GSC could rightfully claim to be one of the top geological surveys in the world. It employed about 1000 scientists and support staff with an annual budget of more than $C100 million. The GSC began to cooperate more closely with other federal, provincial and territorial surveys, as well as universities and private companies. At the time of its sesquicentennial celebration, the GSC was able to claim the following (Vodden 1992, p. 55).

As the Geological Survey of Canada continues to accept new responsibilities and to develop new areas of expertise, its contribution to the next 150 years of Canada's development should be as important, colorful, and exciting as in the past.

Applied minerals and energy research suffered the greatest cuts; marine geology was severely trimmed also because of its high-cost field logistics. Some programs, such as paleomagnetism and meteorite studies, were deemed better suited for academic research. They were reduced or eliminated. Almost all senior scientists took advantage of early retirement options. By 1998, the GSC staff had been reduced from more than 1000 to about 700, and the annual budget had been cut from $C110 million to around $C60 million, a reduction of 45% (Franklin 1999).

The Geological Survey of Canada began rebuilding in the early 21st century. Cooperative partnerships have been established with other federal agencies, provincial surveys, universities, and some industries. Cost sharing and in-kind support are utilized to a much greater extent than before, as well as funding from the private sector. Major challenges remain, nonetheless, for example support of international and multidisciplinary initiatives in the geosciences. The GSC celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2017, which coincided with Canada's sesquicentennial of Confederation.