Canadian War Museum, Ottawa: Hours, Address, Canadian War Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum
4.5
Military Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
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 CA$19.71
All you need to step foot in the door.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,379 within 5 kms
Mill St. Brew Pub
1,062
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • Pub
War Museum
48
8.7 m$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Chez Fatima
511
1 km$$ - $$$ • Moroccan • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern
The Cafe
21
36 m$ • Cafe • Canadian
Art Is In Bakery
385
1 km$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Cafe • Canadian
Bâton Rouge Steakhouse & Bar
925
1 km$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Occo Kitchen
38
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
SuzyQ
234
1.3 km$ • Bakeries • Cafe
Le Cellier
186
1.1 km$$$$ • French • European • Portuguese
Good Eats Cafe
78
1 km$ • Italian • Cafe • International
Attractions
196 within 10 kms
Victoria Island
33
0.2 kmIslands
Canadian Fire Fighters Memorial
6
0.4 kmCemeteries
Supreme Court of Canada
313
1.1 kmGovernment Buildings
Canadian Children's Museum
389
1.5 kmChildren's Museums • History Museums
Parliament Hill and Buildings
9,529
1.6 kmHistoric Sites • Government Buildings
Canadian Museum of History
2,223
1.6 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Peace Tower
1,291
1.7 kmObservation Decks & Towers
Bank of Canada Museum
202
1.3 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
5,273
1.9 kmBodies of Water
National War Memorial
1,024
1.9 kmMonuments & Statues
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
4,566 reviews
Excellent
3,379
Very good
997
Average
148
Poor
27
Terrible
15
Louise D
Stoney Creek, Canada453 contributions
Aug. 2021
Due to Covid restrictions we ordered tickets ahead online for museum entrance. We arrived around noon and were still in the museum when they announced closing time several hours later !We couldn't believe we had stayed so long. The displays and information here are simply amazing and so well done. It is well worth a visit but be prepared to stay a while.
Written January 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AngeloPasto
Montreal, Canada108 contributions
Oct. 2021
I visited the museum with my wife and son and found it to be a great experience. It's truly a world class museum and the staff was wonderful. The exabits are easy to follow and well exhibited. I must visit when in Ottawa.
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lisa D
Toronto, Canada307 contributions
This was my second time at the museum. It is one of my favourites. It is so well-curated. A must see in Ottawa. There was a temporary exhibit about Canadians in WWII which was very good except for one thing. They provide QR codes so that you can read letters and diaries on display BUT....there is no wifi. Zero service....so what is the point of adding QR codes if you can't use them? That was a big disappointment since it is quite difficult to read the hand-written pieces either because of poor lighting or poor penmanship. Boasting wifi reception with routers is a simple solution.
Written December 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
britt77
Dartmouth, Canada315 contributions
Oct. 2021
Considering the subject matter the museum is outstanding and the displays are very informative.
Quite moving.
Quite moving.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roy L
Calgary, Canada6 contributions
Dec. 2021
Prepare to spend lots of time here. Great architectural design that guides you to different sections of the museum.
Written December 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sonia
5 contributions
Nov. 2021
A lot of interesting information about Canada that I had not known before. I would definitely recommend a visit. There is a café in the museum as well if anybody wants a sip of tea or a snack.
Written November 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Yvonne H
Oakville, Canada29 contributions
Nov. 2021
The museum was laid out in a great way - to get a better understanding of each war.
Arrows kept people going in the correct direction.
Arrows kept people going in the correct direction.
Written November 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jen F
Ladysmith, Canada14 contributions
Nov. 2021
The Canadian War Museum was very interesting, sad and uplifting all at the same time. As a daughter to a WWII vet and a mother to two current members I found it very informative and interesting. I have only known the war from the perspective of the British Forces as my father was in the British Army and this museum gave me a perspective that I know little about. The flow is great there are so many interesting artifacts and displays. Give yourself at least three hours to take it all in. Definiately a must see when in Ottawa !
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LegoDad77
Alert, Canada1,351 contributions
Always a must see if you're in Ottawa. Vets get in for free, same with parking. The underground parking is ample.
The museum was extra busy this time, the busiest I've ever seen, however it was my first time there on Remembrance Day.
They had vets all over to talk to, it was very cool!
The gift shop was also full of cool knick-knacks.
There were plenty of tanks I had never seen there before including the Panther and Panzer II.
The museum was extra busy this time, the busiest I've ever seen, however it was my first time there on Remembrance Day.
They had vets all over to talk to, it was very cool!
The gift shop was also full of cool knick-knacks.
There were plenty of tanks I had never seen there before including the Panther and Panzer II.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jesterinoz
Sydney, Australia220 contributions
Oct. 2021
Having been to the Imperial War Museum in London and the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, this is an excellent facility with extensive exhibits. One of the best in the world.
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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, Canada31 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!
James C
Quebec City, Canada
hello i would love to kneow what are the prices for the cafe in the museum ther not on the museum page.
Stephanie F
Ottawa, Canada3 contributions
Hello, we offer a variety of items at the Café: coffee, snacks, drinks, sandwiches, hot meals, grill items and salads. The prices vary and are standard for cafeterias. The meal of the day is usually around $8 plus taxes.
Hope this helps, see you soon!
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$20.20, while a popular guided tour starts around C$47.56 per person. See all 8 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 8 Canadian War Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Canadian War Museum:
- Canadian War Museum Admission (From C$20.20)
- Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour (From C$46.90)
- Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour (From C$97.35)
- Ottawa 1 Day Tour (From C$47.56)
- Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour (From C$76.86)
- Hotels near Canadian War Museum:
- (0.89 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Downtown
- (1.46 km) Alt Hotel Ottawa
- (0.99 km) Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
- (1.11 km) Ottawa Marriott Hotel
- (2.83 km) Auberge The King Edward Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Canadian War Museum:
- (0.01 km) War Museum
- (0.04 km) The Cafe
- (0.46 km) Mill St. Brew Pub
- (0.97 km) Chez Fatima
- (1.25 km) SuzyQ