See tanks, artillery pieces and a fighter jet and learn about Canada's military history when you visit the Canadian War Museum. Through art, photographs, personal stories, medals and uniforms, understand more about the human cost of conflict.
Much of the museum’s vast collection is spread across four chronological galleries. Go to the first gallery to see tomahawks, bows, arrows and other artifacts that cover the history of conflicts in Canada up until 1885.
Find out what life was like in World War I trenches when you tour the second gallery. Here you can also discover little known military strategies that were adopted during the South African War and World War I. They include the use of animals to carry supplies and messages.
At the gallery devoted to World War II, look over the black armored Mercedes-Benz limousine that chauffeured Adolf Hitler during parades. Then step into the fourth gallery which concentrates on the Cold War, peacekeeping and recent battles.
Visit the Memorial Hall which features just one artifact, the headstone of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Every Remembrance Day it is illuminated by daylight to mark the hour when hostilities officially ended in 1918.
When you leave the museum, spend a few moments looking over its architecture. The vegetation-covered roof, which slopes towards the Peace Tower, represents nature’s ability to renew after times of war. If you understand Morse code, you may recognize that the arrangement of the windows spells out "Lest we forget" in Canadian and French.
The Canadian War Museum is about a 5-minute walk away from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. You can also arrive by public transport and there is metered covered parking for cars.
The museum is open daily, but closes for some holidays. Opening times vary across the seasons, so look at the museum's website before your visit. The admission fee includes access to permanent and special exhibitions and there are reductions for seniors, students and children. General admission is free on Thursday evenings.
