Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is both a museum of the nation’s military history and a place of remembrance for those who served in the past and present.

The fantastic displays guide you through the twists and turns of history within a building designed to portray hope and regeneration. Many of the museum’s displays are interactive and life-sized, emphasizing the human experience of war.

The Canadian War Museum highlights defining moments in Canada’s military history with honesty and respect, and the ways in which past events have shaped the nation.

Visit the Canadian War Museum website

Evening photograph of the Canadian War Museum in front of the Ottawa River. — Canadian War Museum | Ottawa Tourism

How to get to Canadian War Museum

Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa

By car: The War Museum is located in the heart of Ottawa on LeBreton Flats. On-site parking is available. Find driving and transit directions online.

By transit: VIA Rail provides regular train service between Toronto and Ottawa. Take OC Transpo to Pimisi Station, then walk seven minutes north to the museum.

By bicycle: Bike racks are available onsite.

Know before you go

All visitors are required to have a timed ticket for entry. Book timed tickets online or through the Call Centre at 1-800-555-5621. If you have not booked in advance, timed admission tickets are available at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission to the museum is free on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., but a timed ticket is required.

A limited number of strollers and wheelchairs are available at no charge. Requests can be made at the Information Desk.

See accessibility features

Things to do at Canadian War Museum

Discover more activities and experiences.

Explore military technology

Showcasing many large military weapons, vehicles and equipment from its extensive collection, the LeBreton Gallery is an open-storage space that tells the human experience of war.

Immerse yourself in history

Learn about Canadian history through the museum’s exhibitions. Special exhibits and galleries cover themes ranging from pre-contact warfare and colonial wars to the present day.

Follow a museum tour

Join a scheduled public tour for an in-depth look at Canadian military history. Program interpreters lead groups through the galleries, making the spaces and stories come to life.

Stop at the gift shop

Commemorate your time at the museum with a souvenir from the gift shop. Explore military models, books, home decor and accessories, plus one-of-a-kind items made by Canadian artisans.

Grab a bite to eat

Stop by The Cafe inside the Canadian War Museum, featuring new and diverse creations by the in-house chef. Feast on fresh salads, creative sandwiches, pizza, poutine, burgers and more.

Discover history from home

Learn about Canada’s military history from your own home. The museum’s online exhibitions cover Canada’s role in the First World War, naval history, Remembrance Day and more.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Explore historic forts and castles in Ontario

Visit the unique collection of heritage castles, historic forts and striking heritage homes in Ontario.

Read moreExplore historic forts and castles in Ontario

Kid-friendly castles, forts and historical jails in Ontario

History comes alive at Ontario’s family-friendly interactive heritage sites.

Read moreKid-friendly castles, forts and historical jails in Ontario

Must-visit museums in Ontario

If you're a cultural enthusiast, here's a selection of "must see" museums to add to your list.

Read moreMust-visit museums in Ontario

The local's guide to Ottawa's ByWard Market 

The ByWard Market has grown into a neighbourhood of indoor and outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment.

Read moreThe local's guide to Ottawa's ByWard Market

Two people ascend the ramp to the rooftop of the Canadian War Museum. — Canadian War Museum | Destination Ontario

Interesting facts about the Canadian War Museum

Designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, the Canadian War Museum is inspired by the idea of regeneration. The building looks like it’s emerging from the earth, and its surrounding landscape is inspired by First World War battlefields. Walking up to the roof, you’ll see grass growing everywhere, representing nature healing the earth.

At the top of the building, a series of small windows representing Morse code letters spell out “Les we forget” in English and French.

Each year at 11:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day, a single window in Memorial Hall illuminates the headstone of the Unknown Solider.

Accessibility Features

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible restaurant

Accessible entrance; adequate manoeuvring room; accessible washroom nearby. Tables with removable chairs and adequate knee clearance. Cafeteria/buffet counters reachable for mobility device users.

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality, and adequate manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Accessible transportation

Accessible public transportation and/or accessible shuttle buses serve the site.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Easy access electrical outlets

At least one electrical outlet within easy reach has clear floor space in front for charging an electric mobility device.

Elevator access

Elevator access to all public floors with adequate manoeuvring room to enter and exit the elevator.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent.

Last updated: November 25, 2024