Canadian War Museum
Canada's national museum of military history, featuring four chronological galleries, a massive vehicle hall, and the architecturally striking Memorial Hall. Free admission every Thursday 5-7 PM.
Features
About the Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum sits on LeBreton Flats, west of Parliament Hill along the Ottawa River. Opened in its current building in 2005, it is Canada's national museum of military history. The building itself, designed by Raymond Moriyama, is architecturally striking — its jagged roofline is meant to evoke a landscape scarred by war.
What to See
Four permanent galleries trace Canada's military experience chronologically:
- Battleground — Warfare from pre-contact Indigenous conflicts through 1885
- For Crown and Country — The South African War and the First World War
- Forged in Fire — Canada's role in the Second World War
- A Violent Peace — Cold War, peacekeeping, and modern conflicts including Afghanistan
The LeBreton Gallery is a massive hall showcasing tanks, artillery, armoured vehicles, and aircraft. Memorial Hall is a contemplative space where sunlight illuminates the headstone of Canada's Unknown Soldier through a precisely engineered opening at 11 AM on November 11.
Admission
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Adult (18-64) | $22 |
| Senior (65+) | $20 |
| Student (13-17) | $17 |
| Child (2-12) | $15 |
| Family (up to 6, max 2 adults) | $60 |
| Thursday 5-7 PM | Free |
Free admission also on Canada Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Remembrance Day.
Getting There
- By Transit: Pimisi Station (O-Train Line 1) is a 10-minute walk
- By Car: Free parking available on site
- By Bike: On the Ottawa River pathway — bike racks available
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
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Details
Upcoming Events
Canada at War Against Japan, 1941–1945
Sat, May 9
Included with museum admission
Canada’s Unknown Soldier
Sat, May 9
Included with museum admission
Portraits – Stories of Black Canadian Military Service
Sat, May 9
Included with museum admission
Winners of the National Youth Remembrance Contests 2025
Sat, May 9
Included with museum admission
Close to Conflict – Canada and the American Civil War
Fri, May 29
Included with museum admission
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