Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum
4.5
Military Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through personal stories, artwork, photographs and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, as well as the roll Canadians played in them.
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from C$21.00
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,617 reviews
Excellent
3,414
Very good
1,007
Average
153
Poor
29
Terrible
14
Steven L
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Solo
Very informative and interesting! There’s tons of things to learn you could be here for hours, especially if you are a big history and military connoisseur.
I went during a weekday and it was quite slow, so it felt a bit empty. The employees were also not the friendliest for whatever reason.
Overall a good place to visit but you may want to go when it’s a bit livelier or there’s an event going on.
I went during a weekday and it was quite slow, so it felt a bit empty. The employees were also not the friendliest for whatever reason.
Overall a good place to visit but you may want to go when it’s a bit livelier or there’s an event going on.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rtdunne
Ontario, Canada130 contributions
Feb. 2022
Beautiful museum that pays tribute to Canada's past and present military. Exhibits were well presented and available in both languages. There is something for everyone here
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CanadaHumblepie
Canada102 contributions
Dec. 2022
The war museum is an outstanding place to visit. The displays are excellent and current. If you are a Canadian veteran, you and your spouse are admitted free. Highly recommended.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Doug L
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Jan. 2023
It is a great place to visit if you are interested in history. I especially liked the collection of military equipment from 1700 to very recently. It contains the biggest collection of tanks that I have ever seen. The galleries covered about 1600 to present. WW1 and WW2 were very interesting.. Wars after Korea were barely covered and not much interest to me.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kay
Ballyclare, UK8 contributions
This museum is easy to access and the galleries are well laid out and informative. Leave yourself plenty of time as there is a lot of information and fascinating artefacts to take in. A few of the interactive exhibits need fixed, but this didn't take away from the overall experience.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly
2 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Friends
Very detailed. It covers everything from the early days of the vikings in Canada to modern day conflicts. There is old artillery, arts, medals, personal stories. Give yourself hours to get through it and wear comfortable shoes
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jim
Minneapolis, MN157 contributions
Dec. 2022
Interesting review of Canadian history in wars and conflicts around the world.
For me, the most interesting parts were early conflicts, between Britain and France, and the later years, with Canada's involvement in peacekeeping missions with the UN. Personally, I would have enjoyed more on both.
Overall, a very good museum and experience.
For me, the most interesting parts were early conflicts, between Britain and France, and the later years, with Canada's involvement in peacekeeping missions with the UN. Personally, I would have enjoyed more on both.
Overall, a very good museum and experience.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Blair B
70 contributions
Nov. 2022
This was an excellent layout for a museum. The flow of history allowed one to stop in the era of most interest. Truly it would take an entire day to visit and read all of the exhibits. It was an easy walk for our downtown Marriott hotel but be aware winds off the river in November can be chilling and dress warmly. I put I went solo but my sister was with me. She is not a teen, a child or part of a couple so who did you go with category does not work yet is required.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter H
Mississauga, Canada341 contributions
The Canadian War Museum provides a detailed account of Canada’s military past from the early French colonial days to the present. There are lots of artifacts, personal accounts and videos which are on display.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ozart
Salmon Arm, Canada259 contributions
What an interesting experience, we came back a second time as it was so interesting. A few downfalls, they didnt let us or the hop on hop off bus know that their hours had changed after Thanksgiving, we would have gone earlier had we known but had to come back to finish the next day (thus paying twice) Also found the hoards of young people taking and servicing the museum and coffee shop, bored and not interested in interacting or helping the public.
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Candine B
Whitby, Canada5 contributions
Are you allowed to bring a knapsack into the museum?
Stephanie F
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Hello, yes you can bring backpacks into the Museum. We offer a self-serve Coat Check and coin-operated lockers.
Regards,
Stephanie Fortin
Canadian War Museum
If I buy an admission one day and plan on returning the next day or sometime in the next couple of days, do I have to pay again to get in?
mikoland
Oakville, Canada32 contributions
Yes ....
JCG
Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France18 contributions
Je connais.
Ce musée est à voir et en plus le personnel est adorable.
Amor por los viajes
Mexico City, Mexico261 contributions
How many time do you need for stay in this museum?
EasyRider54
Toronto, Canada179 contributions
You only need 3 - 5 hours to see everything in detail. Maybe longer if you are seeing a movie as well.
emmahayley
canada97 contributions
Are the Museums in Ottawa wheelchair and scooter accessible
Thank you
Stephanie F
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Hello, the Canadian War Museum is fully accessible by wheelchair and by scooter. We have elevators throughout the Museum and parking spaces for those using wheelchairs on level P1.
Courtesy wheelchairs, a motorized wheelchair and strollers are available at the Information Desk (subject to availability).
We hope to see you soon!
Thank you,
Stephanie Fortin
Tourism Officer
Canadian War Museum
haligonia
Dartmouth, Canada58 contributions
I'm trying to set an itinerary for a one-day visit to Ottawa. How much time do you recommend I set aside for a visit to the War Museum?
Stephanie F
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Hello, as well advised by John H, you should plan at least 3 to 4 hours to visit. The Museum has five permanent galleries, as well as a special exhibition to visit. Check our website for a list of all programs available the day you plan to visit.
Regards,
Stephanie Fortin
Canadian War Museum
Shar S
4 contributions
Is there a senior rate and can you walk to it from the Byward Market?
Stephanie F
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Hello, the War Museum is located a fairly good walk from the ByWard market. It is however only approximately 10 minutes by car.
The War Museum offers a senior rate of $13.00 plus taxes.
Hope to see you soon!
Anthony K
Wainwright, Canada7 contributions
Looking to visit this coming weekend. That said, I have heard of hidden messages in the museum. Like the small windows on the front of the building spelling something in morse code. Is this true and where do I learn more about the hidden aspects?
Stephanie F
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Thank you for your interest in visiting the Canadian War Museum. The Museum's architectural themes includes various symbolisms and details such as:
-Designed to highlight the theme of regeneration, the Museum emerges slowly from the landscape. Its grass-covered roof
and low profile remind us of nature’s ability to recover from the devastation of war and human conflict.
-Angled walls give visitors a sense of the instability of war.
-The towering Regeneration Hall is pierced with windows depicting the words “Lest we forget / N’oublions jamais” in Morse code.
And many more. To learn more about the architecture of the building, I would suggest your participate in a guided tour (inquire at the Box Office). The tour covers the architectural details and symbolism of the Museum, along with key highlights in the permanent exhibitions.
Hope to see you soon!
Canadian War Museum (Ottawa, Ontario): Hours, Address, Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian War Museum
- Canadian War Museum is open:
- Wed - Wed 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Thu - Thu 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Fri - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Canadian War Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost C$21.52, while a popular guided tour starts around C$6.69 per person. See all 9 Canadian War Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Canadian War Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 9 Canadian War Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Canadian War Museum:
- (0.85 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Downtown
- (0.96 km) Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
- (1.42 km) Alt Hotel Ottawa
- (1.07 km) Ottawa Marriott Hotel
- (0.83 km) Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
- Restaurants near Canadian War Museum:
- (0.08 km) War Museum
- (0.07 km) The Cafe
- (0.40 km) Mill St. Brew Pub
- (0.88 km) Chez Fatima
- (1.37 km) Sansotei Ramen