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
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 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 100,000sq 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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4.5
1,334 reviews
Excellent
883
Very good
375
Average
53
Poor
20
Terrible
3
Pamela M
Toronto, Canada149 contributions
Unique, informative experience you can't get anywhere else
Jul. 2021
Take the Guided Tour - worth the extra money, as they will provide all the information you need, with a good flow of each floor and in an order that makes sense. And you can go back and tour anything you want to explore longer on your own afterwards.
Very interesting history and so amazingly preserved. There is also a ham radio demonstration where volunteers who are ham radio enthusiasts come in to use morse code to correspond with people around the world.
If history is your thing - especially Canadian history - this is a place you won't want to miss when in the Ottawa Region.
Very interesting history and so amazingly preserved. There is also a ham radio demonstration where volunteers who are ham radio enthusiasts come in to use morse code to correspond with people around the world.
If history is your thing - especially Canadian history - this is a place you won't want to miss when in the Ottawa Region.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig A
Toronto, Canada99 contributions
Like a time machine
Aug. 2021 • Solo
Like a time machine preserved. Take the guided tour the guide will answer all your questions. Pretty cool the way they have preserved the rooms with equipment from the various years.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MrsMopette
Gatineau, Canada24 contributions
Great visit with the grandchildren
Jul. 2021
We had our two granddaughters (9 and 10) and had a very good time going through the bunkers. It is a great experience for kids to discover a part of our past and the equipment that was used many years ago.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
155032Traveller2012
Montreal, Canada111 contributions
Fun day, great tour.
Jul. 2021 • Family
Had a great time learning about Canada's role during the Cold War. Guide Sam was very good, answered all our questions , and explained the rooms and their purpose in detail. We were a group from 8-71 i think the age would be best for those 10 and up but great for history buffs.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Teyla
9 contributions
Great for all ages
Oct. 2020
This is a must see for anyone in the area. We took the free passes from our library and visted the Direfenbunker. Staff is friendly and there is lots to learn.
Written February 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve T
2 contributions
A blast from the past!
Aug. 2020
I haven’t been inside in a long time, and I can’t imagine anything would have changed. I was in a large group and one very large person had difficulty with the steps. It’s also a bit claustrophobic, but well worth a peek into the mindset of the people living in the threat of nuclear destruction. There’s a surprising amount of space in mist areas, and looking at the technology of the times is quite interesting. Our group as a whole really enjoyed the tour, and I look forward to taking my family there.
Written January 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CM M
Ottawa, Canada21 contributions
Been here many times, still amazes me!
Jan. 2020
A great hidden gem in Ottawa. Learn all about the Cold War, and how people would live in a Bunker. Pricey, but the museum pass at Ottawa Public Libraries helps Ottawa residents.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pitlord
subotica6 contributions
Unique and authentic
Dec. 2020
Unique experience. I visited the museum during the pandemic, therefore it was empty which really emphasized experience. Being alone down there really brings you back to the times of the Cold War.
The difference between a normal museum and Diefenbunker is that in a normal museum exhibits are old but the museum building is modern while here, once go in, you are in a totally different world. The corridors are narrow, the rooms are small, everything is authentic.
I probably wouldn't have that same cringe experience if it was crowded with tourists.
The difference between a normal museum and Diefenbunker is that in a normal museum exhibits are old but the museum building is modern while here, once go in, you are in a totally different world. The corridors are narrow, the rooms are small, everything is authentic.
I probably wouldn't have that same cringe experience if it was crowded with tourists.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen D
Ottawa, Canada20 contributions
A must see.
Dec. 2019
This is worth seeing. They built a place underground during the war and it is really neat to see all the work that was put into it at the time.
Written November 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sachin Soman
Toronto, Canada150 contributions
Interesting bunker to visit.
Oct. 2020
Visited in October-2020. Very helpful and friendly staff. I self guided myself for the tour. Staff handed out a detailed map of the place to help myself. Lots of fun facts about cold war and canada's preparedness towards nuclear attacks. Must visit.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
charu9bank
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, Canada28 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:
- Mon - Fri 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Sat - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 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
- (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
- (1.20 km) The Juke Joint Soul Kitchen
- (1.27 km) Ridge Rock Brewing Co.