Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum, Carp: Hours, Address, Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
4.5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Visit one of the most unique tourist attractions in Canada! Built to protect top officials of the Canadian government from nuclear attack, this once-secret underground bunker is now a museum & National Historic Site of Canada. Explore over 100,000 sq ft of bunker secrets and relive the experience of the Cold War. With its extraordinary engineering and architectural features, the Diefenbunker is a poignant reminder of one of the most turbulent periods of modern history.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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9 within 5 kms
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,397 reviews
Excellent
932
Very good
386
Average
56
Poor
20
Terrible
4
Stewart T
3 contributions
I was not expecting much. Happy to say I was wrong, Very interesting and worth the drive. Lots of history here. Give yourself 3 hours to really take it in. Then when you leave the outlet stores are close by.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave H
3 contributions
Couples
Our Guide Brian was very knowledgeable and very funny kept the group amused. Learning the history of the Diefenbunker was very informative. I hope that they can keep this place going. This generation should be learning more about our history.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J S
1 contribution
Friends
This was an incredibly interesting tour. Our guide, Graham, was knowledgeable, friendly and made the tour something I can’t stop recommending to friends.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brenda605
Ontario, Canada44 contributions
This museum was very interesting on it’s own, but our guide Brian Jeffrey brought it to life with Witty comments and a wealth of information…unless it was “top secret” ..meaning he didn’t know.
All the guides are excellent…but I hope you get Brian
Guided tours are no extra charge by the way.
All the guides are excellent…but I hope you get Brian
Guided tours are no extra charge by the way.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff R
Carp, Canada345 contributions
Living near the Diefenbunker, you'd think we'd visit it once... and that's it. However the Diefenbunker has become a staple in our events, as there's always something more to see when you visit, and they offer amazing programs.
Our oldest son has been attending their summer Spy Camp for years, for at least two weeks each year. He's always excited for it, to see what Agent-X has done this time, and to find new challenges. Each year he's older and able to learn new things (from not being even able to read the 1st year, to writing codes now), and the staff are absolutely amazing.
Both in camps and other roles, the staff are passionate about the museum and their programs, and you'll have a fantastic experience!
Our oldest son has been attending their summer Spy Camp for years, for at least two weeks each year. He's always excited for it, to see what Agent-X has done this time, and to find new challenges. Each year he's older and able to learn new things (from not being even able to read the 1st year, to writing codes now), and the staff are absolutely amazing.
Both in camps and other roles, the staff are passionate about the museum and their programs, and you'll have a fantastic experience!
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marie X
1 contribution
Friends
The coolest museum I have been to EVER, the best tour EVER. You get to see all the fun and cools things that you are not able to see anywhere else! The tour is very informative and fun! I would super recommend it!
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brooke D
1 contribution
Friends
This was a fabulous experience. we are visiting from Newfoundland and would highly recommend to others. Graham, our tour guide was knowledgeable, kind and funny! he made the tour interesting and kept the audience intrigued, cracking jokes along the way. he was receptive to all questions and even brought myself and the other 2 in my group to another area as my friends father is military personnel. A great tour and facility, highly recommend. Very appreciative of his
time!
time!
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim B
Kanata, Canada2 contributions
Just came back from bringing my grandsons and a few friends on a tour of the Diefenbunker. Our guide, Graham, was EXCELLENT! He shared lots of information that could be understood by a wide variety of age groups, and included a lot of very funny stories. I live in Ottawa and this is my third trip to the Diefenbunker, and I learn something new each time I go. I highly recommend this attraction. Thank you Graham!
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ronald L
2 contributions
Wonderful afternoon spent at the Diefenbunker. The site itself is incredibly fascinating and, unfortunately, topical again. The guided tour with our guide, Graham, was very detailed and our group was fully engaged. ITs a site that is well worth visiting and the town is lovely as well.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Arvid L
Saskatoon, Canada75 contributions
A very interesting and informative visit. Especially enjoyed the 400 and300 levels. The informative displays especially appealed as I lived through and experienced these events. Clearly you have ample room to increase the number of displays on these levels and doing such would certainly enhance the Diefenbunker experience. Some of the rooms would benefit from period furnishings, and the various pieces of equipment stored therein being, at least, arranged in the rooms as they might have been in those years gone by, with some basic labeling to inform younger viewers as to what they are and to what use they were put.
Overall a worthwhile visit and one I am glad I did not miss.
Overall a worthwhile visit and one I am glad I did not miss.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We want to visit this museum next week, it is easy to find a taxi take us to downtown?
MicheleOttawa
Ottawa, Canada2 contributions
Is it cold. Wondering what to wear
RParks42
Brampton, Canada17 contributions
Hello, the bunker is indoors, completely underground. The only time you are exposed to outside is entering and leaving, so dress for a walk to your car, but remember it will be hot inside.
Charu G
Oakville, Canada1 contribution
Apart from the 1 hour guided tour , is there more to see in the museum? Ideally how much time should be kept aside for this museum?
BournemouthFan
Bournemouth249 contributions
Hi. We self guided. It took about 2 hours. There is plenty of info around and the map explains the route and where everything is. The tours appeared to miss some bits from what we saw but I am sure the stories make up for that.
asbalance
Ottawa, Ontario
Is it wheelchair accessible? If yes, are you able to visit the whole Diefenbunker on wheelchair?
Yes, for the most part the Bunker is accessible. We have an elevator that can take you to each floor with the assistance of a staff member to operate it. There are a couple of rooms with "lips" that make it difficult for a wheelchair to access (Decontamination showers, CANEX, food storage) but otherwise the museum is accessible. We also have a wheelchair on site if needed. Thank you for your question!
KimfromCanada2012
Kingston, Canada161 contributions
Hi. I am thinking of visiting after Canada Day on July 2 on my way out of town. Will you be open or is this a stat holiday? If you will be open, will the hours be the same or different?
Thanks.
helen182018
Ottawa, Canada8 contributions
It is wheelchair accessible but you’d be able to do one floor as the bunker is spread over 4 floors and I don’t recall it having a lift.
dmthompson2018
Carrying Place, Canada
Is it open year round?
What are the hours of operation and admission charges?
Althea O
carleton place28 contributions
Hi there,
Admission
Adults: $14.00 + HST
Seniors : $13.00 + HST
Students : $10.00 + HST
Youth (6 to 18 years): $8.00 + HST
Family Rate
2 Adults, 5 Youth: $40.00 + HST
Children 5 and under are free!
Parking is always free!
Hours
The temperature in the Diefenbunker is cool so we encourage visitors to dress warmly.
For those visiting with babies and young children
We encourage the use of baby slings or baby carriers as an alternative to strollers. Strollers may be used on each level, but unfortunately visitors with strollers will not have access to the elevator to move between floors.
January and February
Open Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)
Museum hours: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Box Office hours: 10:30am – 3:30pm
March to December
Open Monday to Sunday
Museum hours: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Box Office hours: 10:30am – 3:30pm
Krispy2013
Port Perry, Canada32 contributions
I am a bit claustrophobic...i read small spaces and tight corners. Pls elaborate. Tks!
jameskul
Toronto, Canada1,959 contributions
You won't have a problem. A lot of it is like an office building underground.
DELOSJARDINES
Gatineau, Canada
Is there a cafeteria or eating facility?
Shanir J
Thornhill, Canada30 contributions
No cafeteria but lots of places to eat nearby. We took bottles of water and worked up an appetite by the end of the tour.
Is there a lot of walking? Was thinking of taking my 96 year old father.
Louie L
Langley, Canada115 contributions
It is a bit of walking. About a good hour tour. Suggest a transport chair so your father would enjoy. Louis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
- Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum is open:
- Wed - Fri 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Sat - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum:
- (11.90 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Kanata
- (10.11 km) Brookstreet Hotel
- (8.53 km) Boston T B & B
- (11.97 km) Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa Kanata, an IHG Hotel
- (12.16 km) Fairfield Inn & Suites Ottawa Kanata
- Restaurants near Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum:
- (1.01 km) Alice's Village Cafe
- (1.06 km) Carp Custom Creamery
- (0.93 km) Swan At Carp
- (1.27 km) Ridge Rock Brewing Co.
- (1.08 km) Carp Bakery