Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum
4.7
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through personal stories, artwork, photographs and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, as well as the roll Canadians played in them.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
4,663 reviews
Excellent
3,448
Very good
1,015
Average
154
Poor
31
Terrible
15
Jay
Montreal, Canada34 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
I wasn’t sure that I would have enjoyed myself going to the Canadian War Museum because it’s not really my scenery but I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.
We went there early and there was already lots of people roaming the Museum. Once there, I knew I would stay there for longer than I anticipated because there was so much to see and I wanted to take my time to see everything.
Every corner of the Canadian War Museum had something to offer and could be learned about. I went with the mindset that I wasn’t going to like it but I left the Museum feeling grateful that I had the opportunity to visit this place.
I recommend everyone to visit the Canadian War Museum at least one time in your life.
We went there early and there was already lots of people roaming the Museum. Once there, I knew I would stay there for longer than I anticipated because there was so much to see and I wanted to take my time to see everything.
Every corner of the Canadian War Museum had something to offer and could be learned about. I went with the mindset that I wasn’t going to like it but I left the Museum feeling grateful that I had the opportunity to visit this place.
I recommend everyone to visit the Canadian War Museum at least one time in your life.
Written July 11, 2024
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.
siddy666
Montreal, Canada372 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Highly recommended for both Canadians and tourists to visit. Plan to spend a good 4-5 hours
Pros:
Impressive tank & artillery collection on bottom floor; American, German, Soviet, Canadian; one the best I've ever seen
Some remarkable objects on the main floor for history buffs, including one of Hitler's cars, and a sword from the Plains of Abraham,
All exhibit write-ups were very well described both in English and French, along with visuals (videos, images)
Really liked having a veteran volunteer walk around the tank area and field questions (and spark curiosity!) from the visitors
Underground parking lot
Appreciate the fact that washrooms and seating areas were well spaced out throughout the museum
A game area for the young ones who aren't that much interested in war history
Cons:
While taking pictures is allowed, lighting isn't the best for taking photos
A bit pricey especially if you include the $13 parking fee; make sure to maximize your time and viewing :)
While the exhibits are classified based on the time period; they sometimes become too jumbled up to the point of information overload; one suggestion is to prioritize what you want to see and then look at the rest if time permits
Can get quite busy when there are tour groups
Some video demonstrations would help better explain the artifacts in the artillery section
Pros:
Impressive tank & artillery collection on bottom floor; American, German, Soviet, Canadian; one the best I've ever seen
Some remarkable objects on the main floor for history buffs, including one of Hitler's cars, and a sword from the Plains of Abraham,
All exhibit write-ups were very well described both in English and French, along with visuals (videos, images)
Really liked having a veteran volunteer walk around the tank area and field questions (and spark curiosity!) from the visitors
Underground parking lot
Appreciate the fact that washrooms and seating areas were well spaced out throughout the museum
A game area for the young ones who aren't that much interested in war history
Cons:
While taking pictures is allowed, lighting isn't the best for taking photos
A bit pricey especially if you include the $13 parking fee; make sure to maximize your time and viewing :)
While the exhibits are classified based on the time period; they sometimes become too jumbled up to the point of information overload; one suggestion is to prioritize what you want to see and then look at the rest if time permits
Can get quite busy when there are tour groups
Some video demonstrations would help better explain the artifacts in the artillery section
Written September 8, 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
15 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This museum is one of the best museums that I have ever visited. And that includes the Smithsonians and museums in England, France, Germany, Czech Republic. My husband and I spent an entire day there. At end of the day, we had to hurry through a few of the exhibits. This museum explained what we were seeing, as well as offering hands on interactive activities. We are not Canadians. I am only stating this because I don’t want anyone to think that non Canadians wouldn’t get much out of a visit. Everyone, from anywhere in the world, can appreciate and learn from the exhibits in this museum. I wouldn’t recommend it for small children, but anyone over 6 or 7 can enjoy this place.
The cafe in the museum offers freshly made quiches, as well as other items including salads and soups. There is indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a lovely place to refresh oneself without having to leave the museum.
The cafe in the museum offers freshly made quiches, as well as other items including salads and soups. There is indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a lovely place to refresh oneself without having to leave the museum.
Written August 31, 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.
Fatima
Mississauga, Canada98 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Disappointed that we couldn’t visit the museum as planned on July 18. The website said it was closed for a private event till 2pm. The tour bus wouldn’t drop us off as they were told that the museum was closed. By the time we sorted it all out it was too late to take the tour bus back. Better communication with the tour buses would have been great. As out of town guests we don’t have access to own vehicle, I also heard that parking is a problem.
Written July 18, 2024
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.
DrJimmy33982
Fort Myers, FL95 contributions
Apr 2023
Extremely educational, from a thorough Canadian history perspective. Canadian militaries have always found themselves in a "support" role, but have paid the ultimate sacrifice just as much as the parties they are "supporting". The military hardware section is amazing. After being in this museum, I have come to appreciate the efforts Canada has made in promoting world peace, despite having to take up arms to achieve that goal. The world is a better place because of Canada's global efforts. This is a must see museum, regardless of one's viewpoint towards the use of force; both hawks and doves can learn a lot within these four walls.
Written April 9, 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.
Gardiner W
Vancouver, Canada537 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Who knew? Comprehensive, thought provoking and very much "tell it like it was". Fascinating collections. Particularly liked the historical aspect of the museums offerings....tracing conflict from the earliest days...skirmishes amongst first nations peoples, to contact with European explorers and eventually settlers. And then of course Canada's participation in conflicts over the years...English vs French (the battles of these two great colonial empires), Canadian (comprising English, French and indigenous) with our big neighbour to the south. And then Canadian participation as the loyal British dominion in WW1 and WW2. A lot more history here than most Canadians realize. And if you are a military machinery fan, lots of tanks and armaments to gaze at. You really need 3 -4 hours to do the museum proud..or plan to come back another day. Underground parking ($13..pretty reasonable). The tours I had hoped for not available (staffing shortages) so check first by phone.
Written December 12, 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.
Steven L
Toronto, Canada4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Very informative and interesting! There’s tons of things to learn you could be here for hours, especially if you are a big history and military connoisseur.
I went during a weekday and it was quite slow, so it felt a bit empty. The employees were also not the friendliest for whatever reason.
Overall a good place to visit but you may want to go when it’s a bit livelier or there’s an event going on.
I went during a weekday and it was quite slow, so it felt a bit empty. The employees were also not the friendliest for whatever reason.
Overall a good place to visit but you may want to go when it’s a bit livelier or there’s an event going on.
Written February 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.
KevinFromOttawa
Ottawa, Canada84 contributions
Sep 2021
Historical review of the history of Canada at war from the 1600's to present day. Can get very busy and crowded...you snake through displays along a historical timeline weaving through the displays. THere is a large display of military vehicles downstairs (taks, APC's, howitzers etc....don't miss that)
Written August 25, 2022
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.
Ajaxannie
Ajax80 contributions
Aug 2020
Due to COVID, The museum is not fully open so you have to go online and book tickets (which are free right now).. there was a tank demo outside which was really cool and then there is a half hour tour. Tour groups are less than ten people in size. It was really interesting! And the building architecture is amazing. The architect is Raymond Moriyama. So much thought was put into designing it. My teenaged boys really enjoyed it. Even though we could only see certain areas of the museum on the tour, it was still very good.
Written August 30, 2020
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.
Peter L
Taunton, UK177 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
First class museum. Always interesting to see the views of other players in wars,
especially in respect of wars of the 20th Century. Displays showed that Canadians have been fighting since the English, French and Scots etc, arrived. Museum shows the
sacrifice made by Canadians in WW1 and WW2. Took about three hours for my self
guided tour. Use underground car park for easy access.
especially in respect of wars of the 20th Century. Displays showed that Canadians have been fighting since the English, French and Scots etc, arrived. Museum shows the
sacrifice made by Canadians in WW1 and WW2. Took about three hours for my self
guided tour. Use underground car park for easy access.
Written May 27, 2024
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.
Are you allowed to bring a knapsack into the museum?
Written November 6, 2018
Hello, yes you can bring backpacks into the Museum. We offer a self-serve Coat Check and coin-operated lockers.
Regards,
Stephanie Fortin
Canadian War Museum
Written November 6, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Calgary, Canada
If I buy an admission one day and plan on returning the next day or sometime in the next couple of days, do I have to pay again to get in?
Written August 20, 2018
Je connais.
Ce musée est à voir et en plus le personnel est adorable.
Written May 14, 2018
How many time do you need for stay in this museum?
Written September 13, 2017
You only need 3 - 5 hours to see everything in detail. Maybe longer if you are seeing a movie as well.
Written September 17, 2017
Are the Museums in Ottawa wheelchair and scooter accessible
Thank you
Written May 15, 2017
Hello, the Canadian War Museum is fully accessible by wheelchair and by scooter. We have elevators throughout the Museum and parking spaces for those using wheelchairs on level P1.
Courtesy wheelchairs, a motorized wheelchair and strollers are available at the Information Desk (subject to availability).
We hope to see you soon!
Thank you,
Stephanie Fortin
Tourism Officer
Canadian War Museum
Written May 16, 2017
I'm trying to set an itinerary for a one-day visit to Ottawa. How much time do you recommend I set aside for a visit to the War Museum?
Written February 11, 2017
Hello, as well advised by John H, you should plan at least 3 to 4 hours to visit. The Museum has five permanent galleries, as well as a special exhibition to visit. Check our website for a list of all programs available the day you plan to visit.
Regards,
Stephanie Fortin
Canadian War Museum
Written February 13, 2017
Is there a senior rate and can you walk to it from the Byward Market?
Written October 27, 2016
Hello, the War Museum is located a fairly good walk from the ByWard market. It is however only approximately 10 minutes by car.
The War Museum offers a senior rate of $13.00 plus taxes.
Hope to see you soon!
Written October 27, 2016
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