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
Descend into history at one of the most unique tourist attractions in Canada! Originally designed originally designed as the centre for Canada’s defence against nuclear attack, this once-top secret, four-storey underground bunker is now a museum and national historic site. 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 now stands as a testament to the important role that Canada played during a critical period in recent world history.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 5 kms
Attractions
5 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- jimMinneapolis, Minnesota163 contributionsGreat fun for Cold War History buffsThis was a fun, though out of the way, site to see. I did one of the guided tours (same price as normal admission) with Brian, a retired veteran of the Cold War era, who brings a lot a lot of knowledge, personal history, and humor, to his tours. For those who go, I highly recommend timing it to go with him, or one of the other guides. The biggest problem is getting there. It's a bit of a drive from Ottawa, and getting back can be tricky, as there are no public transportation options, aside from on Wednesdays. (for what it is worth, I had better luck getting a return ride with Uber over Lyft). If you are a fan of Cold War History, you will enjoy it. However, if the Cold War isn't your thing, the drive and distance might not make it worthwhile to you.Visited December 2022Written December 13, 2022
- Rosie MOttawa, Canada42 contributionsFamily weekend fun!We took our two grandson’s here on the Sunday of family day weekend. It was pretty busy and I’m really happy we booked a 1:00 guided tour on-line a week before. There were only six of us in the tour and Graham our guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. Our 12-year old grade 7 grandson absolutely loved it. The eight-year old enjoyed the first half but after an hour it got a little too long for him. My husband and I have been here several times over the years. We were happy to introduce the grandkids to this slice of local Canadian history. We’ll be back!Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten February 19, 2023
- Rick B1 contributionGreat experienceWe came to Ottawa for the weekend and visited the Diefenbunker on recommendation of a friend. We had Brian as our tour guide, it was an awesome experience. Brian mixed humor with history lessons to help bring what life in the bunker would have been like. Would suggest that everyone should visit here to learn about this part of Canadian history.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten February 25, 2023
- 4boygrandmaOttawa, Canada7 contributionsExcellent guide, remarkable place.Excellent tour guide who was knowledgeable and engaged both adults and children in our group. An amazing glimpse into a strange part of Canadian history. Well worth paying for the guided tour if possible.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten March 13, 2023
- Kevin BOttawa, Canada1,356 contributionsAwesome Experience!Back for our second visit. Still an awesome place to visit with all sorts of history behind it. Highly recommended for anyone with a desire to learn about our past. So cool to see 60’s technology.Visited March 2023Written March 26, 2023
- Lyndsay TWelland, Canada9 contributionsAmazing & friendly staff who know their stuffWent on a guided tour with Graham this past Sunday and was thoroughly amazed by his extensive knowledge and passion for the bunker. Very incredible learning experience with a great sense of humour to make the historical subject matter fun for people not typically interested in history. Whole staff was incredibly friendly, and the bunker was amazingly well kept, 100% recommend booking the guided tour in advance as you can learn things you wouldn’t have been able to know just by looking around at the descriptions. Location is only a 30 min drive by car from downtown Ottawa- well worth the money as it is an entirely non profit historical site run by people who are passionate about the history.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten April 3, 2023
- Arian A3 contributionsAMAZING TIMEAMAZING TIME!! Highly recommend getting a guided tour with one of the guides. They are very knowledgeable and make the experience that much more engaging, interactive, and interesting. Graham is an awesome guide!!! 5 stars, 10/10 experience, one of the best opportunities to experience an underrated price of Canadiana!!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten April 3, 2023
- Amina F1 contributionAmazing experienceThe experience in this place was amazing. We did a guided tour with Brian J. He was extremely knowledgeable, hilarious, and made the experience a blast. If anyone comes here I suggest doing the guided tour, you will learn things you otherwise wouldn’t. 10/10 experience, thank you Brian.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten April 22, 2023
- cheryl wOntario, Canada27 contributionsBack To The 50's We GoI have been wanting to visit for years. It was worth the wait. If you can imagine a time where war might have been imminent. They had to plan for anything that might happen. Inside is a full surgical unit as it looked back in the day. All the original furniture, machines, computers (which are a hoot) phones are all there. The stair lift wasn't working proper so I rode the original service elevator. You don't necessarily have to like war and this also goes into the history back then in the various countries. Guides are well informed and will make your visit truly great.Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten April 25, 2023
- Alyssa R1 contributionHidden GemHighly recommend this museum! We had a wonderful tour with Graham who shared amazing stories from the Cold War Era! As history nerds this museum checked all the boxes! Will definitely be back for another tour and the escape rooms as well!Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten May 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
1,454 reviews
Excellent
983
Very good
391
Average
56
Poor
20
Terrible
4
travelbob
Ottawa, Canada2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
A brilliant 1 1/2 hour trip back in time to an era that seems like a nightmare in these modern times. Our guide, Graham, was informaive and funny and kept us going through the complex with anecdotes that really made the history come alive. Well worth the visit.
Written October 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy R
48 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
We weren’t really sure what to expect, but we weren’t disappointed!!! We decided to go on the guided tour, with Graham being our guide. He was really knowledgable but also quite funny. The tour took approx 1.5 hours with the opportunity to look at a few exhibits but I’m not really sure that it was necessary as Graham covered a lot of ground, we were free to have a look around outside on our own - there was a small walking trail.
Positives: All of it !!
Negatives : none really - except a bit more signage to the entrance as you have to walk up the tunnel, and turn right to the ticket office.
Positives: All of it !!
Negatives : none really - except a bit more signage to the entrance as you have to walk up the tunnel, and turn right to the ticket office.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michel T
Montreal, Canada4 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
It is unique. The Diefenbunker is different from any location we ever visited. It's well preserved and well presented. We took a guided tour which was fun, full of interesting facts, anecdotes and humour. Hard to believe in a place that sounds so sinister, but Brian was one of the most amusing and captivating guides ever.
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorenzo el Jefe
Ontario, Canada3,176 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Passed on this quirky but historic site too many times ... so we marked the calendar, and booked the tour.
The 'tour' with super guide Brian Jeffries is time well spent with this passionate, knowledgeable and engaging.
Brian was able to put some real perspective on a very different time.
The display area are great with tons of information.
Overall we did the 'time warp.'
Q-Trip: Book the tour.
Q-Trip: Half day walking Almonte complemented our day out.
The 'tour' with super guide Brian Jeffries is time well spent with this passionate, knowledgeable and engaging.
Brian was able to put some real perspective on a very different time.
The display area are great with tons of information.
Overall we did the 'time warp.'
Q-Trip: Book the tour.
Q-Trip: Half day walking Almonte complemented our day out.
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maximiliano V
Osorno, Chile27 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
We had a Blast!
Awesome experience, we took the guided tour and was worthy every penny, we learn a lot from and got a super close impression of how the atmosphere was while during the Cold War in Canada.
Totally recommended for anyone. Maybe not to interesting for small kids, my 7 yo was a bit tired at some point.
Awesome experience, we took the guided tour and was worthy every penny, we learn a lot from and got a super close impression of how the atmosphere was while during the Cold War in Canada.
Totally recommended for anyone. Maybe not to interesting for small kids, my 7 yo was a bit tired at some point.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canada_Leblanco
Ottawa, Canada14 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
We had a wonderful guided tour by Graham! If you visit, be sure to take the tour as this is the best way to get a good appreciation for the Museum! It is a fascinating piece if our Canadian history, and not from too many years ago!
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry G
191 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
Provides incredible insight to Canada's response to the Cold War. Brian was a great guide, informative and entertaining.
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda S
12 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Having grown up during the Cold War, this museum brought back many memories for me of the time when nuclear attack was a real possibility. Our guide, Graham, was very knowledgeable and also very witty. He offered us a lot of anecdotal information which made the tour especially enjoyable. This is a visit that should not be missed.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hillarych
New York City, NY19 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
We were fortunate to catch a tour, v a self-guided trip with a guide who had worked at the facility in the 1970s. He made the tour amazing with in depth insight and fun stories.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert D
1 contribution
Aug. 2023 • Solo
A good refresher for older Canadians. Afternoon well spent. The hour tour lasted 2 hours. Also a seniors discount.
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
Bournemouth251 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?
Diefenbunker Team
Ottawa, Canada
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, Canada117 contributions
It is a bit of walking. About a good hour tour. Suggest a transport chair so your father would enjoy. Louis.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingDiefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum (Carp, Ontario): Hours, Address, Free, Top-Rated Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor
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
- (0.93 km) Swan At Carp
- (1.06 km) Carp Custom Creamery
- (1.27 km) Ridge Rock Brewing Co.
- (1.08 km) Carp Bakery