The view once you walk in! Can't believe this has been in Brantford my whole life!
1 / 10

Canadian Military Heritage Museum

4.8
·188 reviews·Brantford, Canada

A volunteer-run museum showcasing Canada's military history with rare artifacts, vehicles, and aircraft displays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturdays & Sundays

Museum is open

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
The view once you walk in! Can't believe this has been in Brantford my whole life!

Canadian Military Heritage Museum

Best Time

Saturdays & Sundays

Museum is open

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A volunteer-run museum showcasing Canada's military history with rare artifacts, vehicles, and aircraft displays.

4.8
(188 reviews)

"Utterly fascinating museum! Tremendous, friendly and highly knowledgeable staff."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Hours are limited to Saturdays & Sundays. Always verify on their website! :calendar:

🚗 GPS Can Be Tricky

Drive to the end of the lot on Greenwich St for the actual entrance. :round_pushpin:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rare Small Arms Collection

Rare Small Arms Collection

Discover an impressive array of rare and unusual firearms, a must-see for any history enthusiast.

WW1 German Trench Mortar

WW1 German Trench Mortar

Marvel at a unique wooden German trench mortar from World War I, a testament to wartime ingenuity.

Vintage Aircraft Displays

Vintage Aircraft Displays

Look up to see amazing built-to-scale vintage aircraft suspended from the ceiling, adding a dramatic element to the exhibits .

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Volunteer-Run Gem

This museum is entirely volunteer-run, meaning hours can vary. Always check their website for the most up-to-date opening times before you visit. Donations are crucial for upkeep and expansion of their impressive collection.Reddit

Navigating to the Entrance

GPS can sometimes be tricky. If directed to the northern corner of Mohawk & Greenwich, keep driving down Greenwich for about a kilometer to find the actual museum entrance at the other end of the lot.Reddit

Best Times

When
Saturdays & Sundays
Why
Museum is open
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Two of my favourites from the Canadian Military Heritage Museum in Brantford, Ontario. #reel #reels #history #ontario #canada #museum #igreels
the_tattooed_historian
19 likes • 467 views

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Hours are limited to Saturdays & Sundays. Always verify on their website! Reddit :calendar:

🚗 GPS Can Be Tricky

Drive to the end of the lot on Greenwich St for the actual entrance. Reddit :round_pushpin:

Visit the Canadian Military Heritage Museum (347 Greenwich Street), an impressive volunteer-run museum which honours, preserves, and displays Canada’s rich military heritage with a special focus on Brantford, County of Brant, and Six Nations of the Grand River. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays in November from noon to 4 p.m. Donations are gratefully accepted.
tourismbrantford
30 likes • 1.4K views
Spent a fascinating night last night at the Canadian Military Heritage museum in Brantford. I have never been there before. They have some great pieces there - and are always looking for volunteers to help run the museum if you have time to spare. CBC war history correspondent and best selling author Tim Cook came from Ottawa to deliver a fascinating look at the liberation of the Netherlands by C...
joni_west
5 likes • 194 views

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Volunteers are eager to share stories and teach you about Canadian history. Reddit :handshake:

💖 Support This Volunteer Gem

Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support the museum. Reddit :heart:

reddit.com

Can anybody remember what this lot used to be?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Hours Before You Go

Hours are limited to Saturdays & Sundays. Always verify on their website! Reddit :calendar:

🚗 GPS Can Be Tricky

Drive to the end of the lot on Greenwich St for the actual entrance. Reddit :round_pushpin:

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

Volunteers are eager to share stories and teach you about Canadian history. Reddit :handshake:

💖 Support This Volunteer Gem

Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support the museum. Reddit :heart:

✈️ Look Up for Aircraft

Don't miss the impressive scale models of vintage aircraft suspended from the ceiling! Reddit :airplane:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(188 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Canadian Military Heritage Museum for its extensive and fascinating collection of military artifacts, from rare weapons to vintage aircraft. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer staff are frequently highlighted as a major asset, making the experience both educational and personal. While admission is free, donations are crucial for its upkeep.

"Utterly fascinating museum! It's entirely volunteer run as I understand it, but very well laid out, with great displays illuminating Canada's involvement in war. Tremendous, friendly and highly knowledgeable staff. The small arms collection has a number of rare and unusual weapons you don't see too often. There's also a WW1 wooden(!) German trench mortar and a German naval battery rangefinder.

Plenty of free parking...and speaking of - admission is also free! But you're more than welcome to donate whatever you wish to help support this great museum. I certainly did."

Tony S

"Really cool items, vehicles, displays. They even have videos and lots of volunteers who are knowledgeable and willing to teach you about Canadian history. From the war of 1812 to modern day it offers memorabilia on all wars, important figures, and important events"

Harman Pabla

"SUGGESTIONS:
(1) Make sure you check their website for OPEN HOURS......only open SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS.
(2) If your GPS takes you to the northern corner of MOHAWK & GREENWICH all you will see is a sign. KEEP DRIVING to the other end of the empty lot (another kilometre) down GREENWICH to the actual museum.
(3) Although the museum is FREE.....PEASE FEEL FREE to donate an amount which would be required for admission at any other museum. This is a completely VOLUNTEER organization and monies are always needed to maintain the genuine quality it has built up over the years.

I would like to thank all the volunteer staff at the CMHM for establishing, maintaining and continuing to retrieve such valuable and meaningful artifacts for Canada's history. The over 40,000 (???) artifacts are beautifully displayed in a roomy warehouse in an easily followed historical chronology. (Be sure to LOOK UP to see some amazing built-to-scale vintage aircraft!!!)
A special thanks to head honcho Bob Ion, as well as Gerry and Doug for their warm welcome and stories which added a much more meaningful value to my visit."

Doug W

What People Like

Fascinating artifact collection
Knowledgeable volunteer staff
Free admission and parking

What People Dislike

Limited operating hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 347 Greenwich Street in Brantford, Ontario. While GPS might direct you to the northern corner of Mohawk & Greenwich, continue driving down Greenwich Street for about a kilometer to reach the actual museum entrance at the other end of the lot.InstagramReddit There is plenty of free parking available.Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.Reddit

To avoid confusion with GPS, drive to the far end of the empty lot on Greenwich Street. The museum entrance is located there, not at the initial GPS pinpoint.Reddit

The museum is described as a 'roomy warehouse' with 'beautifully displayed' artifacts, suggesting it is generally accessible. However, it's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility details if needed.

The museum is typically open only on Saturdays and Sundays. It is crucial to check their official website for the most current operating hours before planning your visit, as these can change.InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum is free. However, as it is entirely volunteer-run, donations are greatly appreciated and essential for maintaining the museum's quality and exhibits.Reddit

No, tickets are not required as admission is free. However, it's always wise to check the museum's website for any special event ticketing or booking requirements, though this is uncommon for general visits.

Since admission is free, there are no specific discounts. However, the museum relies on donations, so any contribution is welcomed and helps support their mission.Reddit

Absolutely! Donations are highly encouraged and vital for the museum's operation and preservation of artifacts. You can donate whatever amount you feel is appropriate, similar to admission fees at other museums.Reddit

The most impactful ways to support the museum are through donations and by volunteering your time if you have a passion for history and community service.InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum boasts an incredible collection of over 40,000 artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, pictures, vehicles, and memorabilia spanning from the War of 1812 to modern conflicts.Reddit You'll find rare small arms, a WW1 German trench mortar, and a German naval battery rangefinder.Reddit

The museum description mentions guided tours, and many reviews highlight the knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to share stories and provide insights into Canadian military history.Reddit

Yes, it's considered a 'must-see place for kids' by visitors. The displays are well-laid out with good text explanations, and the volunteers are engaging, making history accessible and interesting for younger audiences.Reddit

The staff are entirely volunteers and are consistently praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Canadian military history. They are eager to teach visitors and add significant value to the experience.InstagramReddit

While not explicitly detailed as 'interactive' in the traditional sense, the museum features videos and volunteers who share stories, creating an engaging and informative experience that brings history to life.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside museums for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask a volunteer if you're unsure. Capturing the rare artifacts and displays can make for great memories.Instagram

The rare small arms collection, the WW1 German trench mortar, and the impressive scale models of vintage aircraft suspended from the ceiling are all fantastic subjects for photos.Reddit The detailed uniforms and historical displays also offer great visual appeal.

Typically, flash photography might be restricted to protect delicate artifacts. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways or exhibits while taking pictures.

A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. Given the indoor setting, a camera with good low-light performance or a lens with a wider aperture can be beneficial. A wide-angle lens might be useful for capturing the scale of the aircraft displays.Instagram

Many visitors share their experiences on social media using hashtags like #CanadianMilitaryHeritageMuseum, #BrantfordHistory, or #MilitaryMuseums. Tagging the museum or local tourism accounts can also increase visibility.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Canadian Military Heritage Museum is a fantastic outing for families. Visitors describe it as a 'must-see place for kids',Reddit thanks to its engaging displays and knowledgeable volunteers who can make history come alive. The museum covers a wide range of Canadian military history, from early conflicts to modern times, offering something to spark interest in all ages. The visual elements, like the vintage aircraft models suspended from the ceiling and the various artifacts, are particularly captivating for younger visitors.Reddit

Practical tips for families include checking the weekend-only operating hours before you go InstagramReddit and being prepared for the museum's location at the end of a large lot on Greenwich Street.Reddit While admission is free, consider making a donation to support this volunteer-run institution.Reddit The friendly and approachable volunteers are happy to answer questions, making it a comfortable and educational experience for children and parents alike.

💖 History Buffs & Enthusiasts

For those with a deep interest in military history, the Canadian Military Heritage Museum is an absolute must-visit. The sheer volume and rarity of the artifacts, including an extensive small arms collection, a unique WW1 German trench mortar, and a German naval battery rangefinder, are exceptional.Reddit The chronological layout allows for a comprehensive understanding of Canada's military evolution, from the War of 1812 through to more recent engagements.Reddit

The museum's volunteer staff are a significant draw for enthusiasts, as they possess deep knowledge and are eager to share detailed insights and stories that go beyond the exhibit labels.InstagramReddit This personal touch elevates the experience from simply viewing artifacts to understanding the human stories behind them. The opportunity to see such a vast collection, entirely curated and maintained by volunteers, is a testament to their dedication and a rare treat for any history aficionado.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Canadian Military Heritage Museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Admission is free, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.Reddit While there's no cost to enter, the museum relies heavily on donations to operate and maintain its impressive collection. Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can, which is a small price to pay for such a rich historical experience.Reddit

Beyond the free entry, the museum offers a wealth of information and engaging displays that provide hours of exploration without spending a dime. The free parking also adds to the cost savings. It's a perfect example of a community-driven initiative offering significant value and historical insight to visitors.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Deep Dive into Canada's Military Past

The Canadian Military Heritage Museum is a treasure trove dedicated to preserving and showcasing Canada's rich military history. Spanning from the War of 1812 to contemporary conflicts, the museum's collection is vast, featuring over 40,000 artifacts. Visitors can expect to see an impressive array of uniforms, weapons, photographs, and vehicles that tell the stories of Canadian service members and pivotal historical events.Reddit The museum's layout is designed to follow a historical chronology, making it easy for visitors to understand the progression of Canada's military involvement.

What truly sets this museum apart is its entirely volunteer-run nature. The passionate and knowledgeable volunteers are the heart of the institution, eager to share their expertise and personal stories, adding a deeply human element to the exhibits.InstagramReddit This community-driven approach ensures that the history is not just displayed but also actively shared and preserved. The museum also features unique items like a WW1 German trench mortar and a German naval battery rangefinder, offering glimpses into specific wartime technologies and conflicts.Reddit

For those interested in aviation history, the museum offers a spectacular display of built-to-scale vintage aircraft suspended from the ceiling. These impressive models add a dynamic visual element to the already engaging exhibits.Reddit The museum's commitment to showcasing diverse aspects of military heritage, from personal artifacts to large-scale displays, makes it a compelling destination for history buffs and families alike. Remember to always check their website for the most current operating hours, as they are typically open only on weekends.InstagramReddit

The Volunteer Spirit: Keeping History Alive

The Canadian Military Heritage Museum thrives because of its dedicated team of volunteers. These individuals are not just staff; they are passionate historians, veterans, and community members committed to preserving Canada's military legacy.InstagramReddit Their willingness to share stories, answer questions, and guide visitors through the extensive collection transforms a visit into an immersive educational experience. Many reviewers specifically mention the warmth and knowledge of the volunteers as a highlight of their visit.Reddit

This volunteer-driven model means that every visit directly contributes to the museum's sustainability. While admission is free, donations are crucial for maintaining the facility, acquiring new artifacts, and supporting the operational costs.Reddit Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can, recognizing the immense effort and passion that goes into keeping this historical gem accessible to the public. The museum also actively seeks new volunteers, offering an opportunity for those interested in history to become actively involved in its preservation.Instagram

The impact of these volunteers extends beyond just guiding tours. They are instrumental in the ongoing work of acquiring, cataloging, and displaying the thousands of artifacts that make the museum so rich. Their dedication ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to learn from and connect with Canada's military past. If you have a passion for history or a desire to contribute to your community, consider reaching out to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum about volunteer opportunities.Instagram

You may also like