Canadian War Museum
Explore Canada's military past through powerful exhibits, immersive displays, and a vast collection of artifacts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer school groups
Canadian War Museum
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Canada's military past through powerful exhibits, immersive displays, and a vast collection of artifacts.
"A must-visit museum in Ottawa! The exhibits are powerful and thoughtfully curated."
🎯 Free Thursday Evenings
Enjoy free admission on Thursdays after 5 PM, but expect larger crowds.
🚗 Parking Garage Entry
Pull close to the garage door for it to open; parking is paid.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World War I Trench
Lower Level
Step into a recreated WWI trench for a visceral understanding of wartime conditions.
Tank and Vehicle Collection
Lower Level
Marvel at an impressive array of tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft from various eras.
Canadian Military History Exhibits
Main Galleries
Explore Canada's military journey from First Peoples' conflicts to modern missions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Thursday Evenings
Enjoy free admission on Thursdays after 5 PM, but expect larger crowds.
🚗 Parking Garage Entry
Pull close to the garage door for it to open; parking is paid.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to see the extensive exhibits.
📚 Used Book Sale
Don't miss the book sale in the back for unique finds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Thursday Evenings
Enjoy free admission on Thursdays after 5 PM, but expect larger crowds.
🚗 Parking Garage Entry
Pull close to the garage door for it to open; parking is paid.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to see the extensive exhibits.
📚 Used Book Sale
Don't miss the book sale in the back for unique finds.
🗣️ Guided Tours
Consider the affordable guided tours for deeper insights.
🧒 Youth & Child Admission
Youth 17 and under are free; check for youth passes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Canadian War Museum for its powerful and thoughtfully curated exhibits, offering a comprehensive look at Canada's military history. The architecture and memorial spaces are deeply moving, and the collection of real artifacts, including tanks and planes, makes it engaging for all ages. While parking and occasional disruptions from school groups can be minor drawbacks, the overall experience is highly recommended.
"A must-visit museum in Ottawa! The exhibits are powerful and thoughtfully curated, covering Canada’s military history from early conflicts to modern missions. The architecture adds to the experience, and the memorial spaces are deeply moving. Great for all ages, with interactive displays and real artifacts like tanks and planes. Allow 2–3 hours for a full visit. Highly recommended!"
Gopinath Sam
"After a little GPS confusion, we found the correct driveway to the Museum, but overshot the parking garage and got stuck behind two school buses who blocked the entire street while the students slowly made their way into the museum. Entering the garage was a bit tricky because you have to pull up very close to the closed door before it opens. (Note: the garage parking is not free, and there is no street parking.)
We paid for our tickets, and the staff person offered us the guided tour at only $5 person, but we decided to go on our own.
In the addition to the students who were rather disruptive, there was another event involving many dignitaries and military officers. Part of the museum was closed for that event but it reopened by the time we were ready to go downstairs.
The exhibits are laid out like sections of a grapefruit around a hub. They start with conflicts between the First Peoples and then the conflicts between the First Peoples and the early settlers. A little attention is given to the Boer Wars and then it was on to the World Wars. As Americans, we were fascinated to see the Canadian perspective. We met one of the military officers who had attended the event, and he told us of his experiences in Cyprus and the Middle East. We learned a lot from him!
Downstairs housed a large collection of military vehicles, all labeled.
An added bonus for us was the used book sale in the back of the museum. We bought several books, some that we'd heard of but are hard to find and a couple that were total finds.
We spent about 4 hours and were satisfied that we'd covered the museum in our areas of interest. Very glad we went."
Jean Rybinski
"The Canadian War Museum is an excellent museum to visit. It takes about three hours to do everything. My favorite part is downstairs, where they have the tanks and armored vehicles. One of my favorite tanks is the Chiefton, which they have and looks really amazing up front in person (picture attached). This museum is usually free on Thursdays from 5 pm to 7 pm. I've been to this museum more than 3 times"
John Nicola
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible by car, with a paid parking garage on-site. Be aware that the garage entrance can be tricky. Public transport is also a good option, with bus routes serving the area. On Canada Day, public transport is free.
Yes, there is a paid parking garage attached to the museum. The entrance requires pulling up very close to the door. Street parking is not available.
Absolutely! Ottawa's public transit system (OCTranspo) serves the museum. It's a convenient way to avoid parking hassles, especially on days with free transit like Canada Day.
The museum is designed to be accessible, with elevators and ramps to navigate between levels. Most exhibits are viewable from a seated position.
Operating hours can vary, but generally, the museum is open daily. It's always best to check the official Canadian War Museum website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission fees apply, but there are ways to save. Admission is free for children 17 and under, and there are passes for youth aged 18-24 offering discounts. Thursdays after 5 PM offer free admission.
Yes, the museum offers free admission on Thursdays from 5 PM to 7 PM. It's also free on Canada Day for all museums.
While not always strictly necessary, purchasing tickets in advance online can save you time, especially during peak hours or special events. Check their website for online booking options.
Typically, time slot bookings are not required for general admission, but it's advisable to check the museum's website for any specific requirements, especially during busy periods or for special exhibitions.
The Canada Strong Pass offers youth aged 18-24 years old 50% off admission fees to the Canadian War Museum and other participating institutions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the immersive WWI trench walkthrough, the impressive collection of tanks and military vehicles on the lower level, and the comprehensive galleries detailing Canada's military history from its beginnings to modern conflicts.
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore the main exhibits. However, if you're a history buff or particularly interested in military vehicles, you could easily spend 4 hours or more.
Yes, the museum offers guided tours, which can provide deeper insights into the exhibits. They are often available for a small additional fee and are highly recommended by visitors.
Yes, the museum is generally considered good for families. It features interactive displays and real artifacts like tanks and planes that can capture children's interest. However, some exhibits deal with sensitive historical topics.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted. Always check for signage in specific galleries.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum typically has a cafe or bistro on-site where you can purchase snacks, light meals, and beverages. It's a convenient option for a break during your visit.
Outside food and beverages are usually not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
The museum is located in Ottawa, so there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding downtown area offering a variety of cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
The impressive architecture of the building itself, the large military vehicles on display, and the detailed exhibits offer many photographic opportunities. The outdoor areas and the Hall of Honour are also popular.
Tripod use is often restricted in museums to prevent damage to exhibits and to ensure smooth visitor flow. It's best to check the museum's specific photography policy.
Flash photography can damage delicate artifacts and disturb other visitors. It is usually prohibited in most galleries.
Filming for personal use is generally allowed, but commercial filming or media interviews require prior authorization from the museum.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as some exhibits may be dimly lit. A versatile lens that can capture both wide shots of the architecture and close-ups of artifacts would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid large school groups. The museum cafe offers a convenient spot for a family break. The tank and vehicle collection downstairs is a definite highlight for many kids.
🤓 History Buffs & Tank Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable staff or consider a guided tour for in-depth insights. The museum's archives and research facilities also offer avenues for deeper exploration. Allow ample time, as you could easily spend half a day or more delving into the detailed exhibits and collections.
💰 Budget Travelers
While parking is paid, consider using public transport, which is often more economical and convenient. Packing your own snacks to enjoy before or after your visit can also help save money, as museum cafes can be pricey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Canada's Military Heritage
Key exhibits include the First Peoples Gallery, detailing early conflicts and alliances, and the Second World War Gallery, which provides a deep dive into Canada's pivotal role. The museum doesn't shy away from the human cost of war, with poignant displays and memorial spaces designed to evoke reflection. Visitors often highlight the Canadian Expeditionary Force Gallery for its detailed look at World War I.
Beyond the major conflicts, the museum also explores Canada's role in peacekeeping operations and modern military challenges. The Hall of Honour serves as a central, awe-inspiring space, often used for special events and ceremonies, symbolizing remembrance and national pride.
Immersive Exhibits and Artifacts
Downstairs, the tank and vehicle collection is a major draw for many, especially those interested in military hardware. Here you can see everything from World War II tanks like the Chieftain to other armored vehicles and even aircraft. The sheer scale and detail of these machines are impressive, offering a powerful visual representation of military technology through the ages.
Throughout the museum, real artifacts are displayed, including uniforms, weapons, personal letters, and photographs. These items provide intimate glimpses into the lives of those who served, making the historical narratives deeply personal and relatable. The museum's curators have done an excellent job of presenting these objects in a way that is both informative and emotionally resonant.
Architectural Significance and Memorial Spaces
The museum places a strong emphasis on remembrance, featuring several dedicated memorial spaces. The Hall of Honour is a particularly moving area, designed to inspire reflection and respect for those who have served Canada. These spaces are often used for ceremonies and events, underscoring the museum's role as a place of national commemoration.
Visitors often comment on how the building's design enhances the exhibits, creating a sense of both grandeur and solemnity. The interplay of light and shadow, the use of natural materials, and the thoughtful spatial arrangements all contribute to a powerful and memorable visit.
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