Canadian War Museum

Canada has to be only nation that will apologize after fighting a war with someone. It was especially interesting to hear the Canadian explanation and position of the war of 1812. Very very interesting indeed! They refer to Americans as “INVADERS” in the context of 1812. Very spicy Canada! The Canadian War Museum is stunning, literally world class. Even the museum itself is an architectural wonder. The museum tells the history of every armed conflicted involving Canadian nationals from the colonial days to the modern day. Some of the notable items include Hitlers personal Mercedes limousine, a rare Japanese death balloon, scale recreations of WW1 trenches and an absolutely remarkable heavy armor collection. The tanks, were absolutely amazing. America and Canada today are very close partners, and we’ve fought a lot more as allies than we ever did as enemies. The Canadian War Museum is a fair, balanced, inspirational and sometimes difficult collection of history to visit. But it’s worth visiting.

This is a seriously impressive and comprehensive museum, covering the history of war in Canada from early colonisation up to almost today. There are many very interesting artifacts, insightful texts and many original voices from letters, diaries etc. My only criticism would be that the exhibition is really very big. We spent 3 hours and in the end more or less "raced" through the cold war to today period. So definitely reserve some time if you want to see it all.

The Canadian War Museum is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. It’s not just a museum — it’s a powerful journey through Canada’s history, courage, and sacrifice. The moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels calm yet deeply emotional. The architecture alone tells a story, with every corner designed to make you reflect. Each exhibit is beautifully presented, combining personal stories, photos, artifacts, and multimedia in a way that connects you to the people behind the history. You don’t just learn about wars — you feel what Canadians went through. Couldn’t see The Memorial Hall. It’s also a great place for families; children love seeing the tanks, planes, and interactive displays. The museum is spotless, well-organized, and easy to explore at your own pace. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, always happy to share insights or answer questions. Whether you’re visiting Ottawa or live nearby, this museum is a must-see. It leaves you with a sense of gratitude and pride for those who served and a reminder of how precious peace truly is.

After so many years living in the Ottawa Gatineau area I finally decided to visit this museum. I was very much surprised and impressed because I thought it might be a stale atmosphere because of the theme of the museum. I can honestly say it’s very well set up and very nicely organized. If you’re interested in the history of war, this is the place to come. 👍😎

The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa is truly a must-visit if you’re in the city. It’s a place filled with so much history and information, offering a deep and meaningful look into Canada’s past. The museum is very well-organized and presents our great Canadian history in an engaging way, with exhibits that are both educational and moving. What makes it even better is that it’s enjoyable for the whole family. There are great activities for kids and interactive displays that make learning fun and memorable. Every visit feels like a new experience, there’s always something new to learn, discover, or see. We love coming back here, and each time we leave with a greater appreciation of Canada’s history and the sacrifices made. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Ottawa. ⸻ Do you want me to make it sound more like a short Google review (punchy and casual) or a detailed TripAdvisor-style review (longer, with highlights of exhibits)?

$5 tour is worth doing if you have a short time to visit but definitely could spend a whole day here! The cafe is affordable and the outside patio is a good break from the intense subject matter. The veteran's exhibit is a quiet place to contemplate in between learning about war as well. The building itself is a work of art along with the many pieces inside. Go downstairs to see the Viny Ridge plasters for sure and talk to others to gain insight!

Great spot to visit on a rainy day. The exhibits are really well laid out and walking through them really felt like you were walking through a network of trenches during the First World War. This museum has lots of really interesting artifacts and war paraphernalia. My one critique would be that they should have a bigger more permanent exhibition dedicated to the minority groups that helped in the war efforts. For example “Force 136.” Otherwise, very much worth a visit if your are a history buff! You might want to give yourself half a day for a proper walk through because there is a lot of information.

The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa offers a powerful and immersive look into Canada’s military history, from early conflicts to modern-day missions. Its exhibits are well-designed, combining artifacts, multimedia, and personal stories that make the experience both educational and emotional. Visitors especially enjoy the impressive displays of tanks, aircraft, and weapons, though the museum can feel overwhelming due to its depth and emotional weight. Overall, it’s a must-visit attraction that inspires reflection and appreciation for Canada’s sacrifices and contributions in war... 🇨🇦

Very powerful museum and maybe the best one we have been. We came here about an hour before close on Rememberance Day so only saw the Women and War exhibit and parts of the permanent collection. What is unique is they show various aspects of war from all perspectives including persecuted populations. Highly recommended for all and we hope to see the rest of the museum sometime.

The fam and I came here during a quiet Saturday, and ended up spending the afternoon here. The museum itself is stunning and I love the grand hall when you first walk in. With someone who is sensitive to light, I do enjoy that this museum is on the darker side. They made good use of the space in the museum and split each section into four galleries, plus a room for the special exhibit and a room for the tanks. There are a lot of nooks to check out and I feel like I missed a lot of things, so I may have to take a second trip back. I loved the small nook( I believe in gallery three) that we stumbled upon. We almost walked right past it, but I noticed this shiny red diner seating and grabbed a seat. There was an option to play some oldies music and it was so fun and took us back in time. The fam and I spent a good 20 minutes jamming out to some music and dancing. Of course we had to check out the cafe. They didn't have a lot of prepared items. A couple salads, cookies, typical egg sandwiches. They did have staff to prepare fresh food though like fries, poutine, chicken nuggets. We went with the poutine and it was outstanding to be honest. Tons of cheese curds, perfect chip wagon style fries and a tasty gravy. Plenty for sharing, but I ate most of it myself. The food was pricey, so bring extra snacks if you want to save some $$$. The LRT stops close by, and there is plenty of green space for picnics. I can totally see myself coming back in the Summer.

I liked how museum covered both the ancient wars and the modern wars but kept a nice contrast between them. The ancient wars were depicted with more neutral colors showing some imagined villages, replicas and aboriginal designs while the modern wars were shown in much darker rooms. While the rooms for ancient wars were depicting the conflict, it also brought out the cultural aspects very well which I wanted to see. The modern wars showed the colossal losses and the suffering was depicted to show the gloomy effects. The museum was divided into 4 chambers. It wasn't super huge but you can easily get lost with the way they were designed.

I visited this museum in 2020 Thanksgiving weekend, it was a thrill, the exhibits are well cared for the displays really transport you to a different time. If your looking for an indoor activity to lose yourself...stop in and visit I dare you. In one day you cn get end to end. This place is stroller and wheel chair accessible. It is also age accessible with many washrooms and sitting areas.

This museum is amazing. Divided up nicely, lots of information (lots of reading!!) And good space between exhibits for walking/wheelchair. Especially enjoyed the vehicle exhibit. -1 star for parking. Zero accessible parking above ground as they were doing construction. Hopefully it will improve when they're done.

Totally worth it! The world war 2 has always been of great interest to me. And it was great to see glimpses of it from up-close. The museum has a plethora of artifacts on display. From Nazi artillery guns to simulators used to train aviation pilots during WW II. It houses an extensive collection of arms and ammunitions used during the war. I was also amazed to see the Enigma. But what was even better was the hall lined up with all sorts of armored vehicles, tanks dating back to WWII. This is a place for kids and adults alike. There are a lot of simulation videos to get to understand the times of the war to gain a better perspective. There's also a used bookstore dedicated to war itself and if I heard it correctly, all the books are sold for C$5. Too bad I didn't get a chance to go to the gift shop but that's going to motivate me to visit the museum at least once more.

Very educational and fun experience, although I learned a lot about canadian history in school its still great to visit and keep things fresh in the mind. This place is pretty big and overall I spent 2+ hours just taking my time absorbing all the history. Definitely one of the must go places if you're ever in ottawa!

World class museum. If you're a military history buff, this is a must see. Visiting the War Museum on Remembrance Day was a moving experience, as well as exciting. Not only seeing all the exhibits in their context, but seeing all the uniformed veteran service men and women brought it all home. In addition, the remembrance ceremony to honor veterans was an emotional moment. The multiple halls cover the involvement of the Canadian Armed Forces from WWI and WWII, through the Cold War and all the way up to the Gulf War and Afghanistan, being a staunch ally to the United States and a strong Commonwealth member of the United Kingdom. The Special Exhibits Hall currently curates an in-depth exhibition of the history of CAF's battles in the last 100 days of WWI to liberate Belgium with many artifacts from that period. Many artifacts and trophies were recovered from past battles including Hitler's staff car and a wrecked German Sturmgeschütz tank destroyer and an M4 Sherman tank from WWII, a Centurion tank and an Iraqi T-72 tank from the Gulf War. The Royal Canadian Navy is also represented with models of historic ships such as Canada's last aircraft carrier, the 1950's era HMCS Bonaventure. After going through all the history galleries, head down to the Lebreton Gallery where you will find one of the largest collections of restored artillery and armored vehicles in the world, most dating from WWII including some rare German tanks like the Panzer II and the Panther. The Royal Canadian Air Force is represented by the CF-101 Voodoo jet fighter from the Cold War era mounted in the middle of the hall. There are a few other airplanes hung from the ceiling, like the Spitfire and a CF-5 Freedom Fighter, but if you really want to see planes, go to the nearby Canada Aviation and Space Museum (see my next review). Getting to the museum is easy via public transportation. Take the 44 bus from downtown or if you want to drive, there is paid parking in the lot. As you enter, the building architecture is mostly stark relief in concrete with sharp oblique angles mixed with the steel and glass of the Lebreton Gallery filling it with natural light. If you make it there on Remembrance Day in November, the entrance fee is waived for all visitors, plus there are many other special activities going on all over the museum.

An incredible improvement to the previous War Museum, this place is amazing! Every educated and socially aware Canadian should strive to visit this place at least once in their lives.

The Canadian War Museum was a location we visited on our elementary school trip, and it's still worth visiting today. I remember on that trip, there was a man impersonating a WW1 soldier that talked to us about the life of a soldier living in the trenches. Following that, we got a tour of the entire place. I found myself much more absorbed in the museum's displays than most of my classmates, though I'll admit that my excitement was from finally getting to see how big these armaments were. Come here if you are interested in modern military vehicles, from tanks to aircraft. Also, come here if you are interested in learning about Canada's military history and involvement in international affairs.

My Dad was a WW2 Veteran for His Majesty's Forces. These men were truly the best of their generation. I was very impressed with this Museum. We need to return. It is massive and impossible to do in one visit. They had a special exhibit going on for the Highlanders. Reminded me of Museums in Scotland (the Gordon Highlanders and the Black Watch Museums respectively). It is an indescribable place. Definitely going to return. I thought of my Dad throughout the visit.

A huge museum where it was impossible to fully explore in 2 hours. If you're a history buff who wants to learn about Canada's involvement in the past wars, this is definitely a place for you. Specific emphasis on Canada's triumphants such as Vimy, Amiens, Netherlands campaign, etc. There's also an area dedicated to many of the tanks used during the wars. I'm not a tank or military person so I'll leave for the experts to judge that, but the variety was certainly amazing. No complaints overall for me. I imagine if I had more time it could be potentially 5-stars.

The Canadian War Museum is a wonder! We honestly need more building like this in Ottawa, the architecture, the Morse Code windows. When one stops and takes a moment to appreciate its ingenuity. The museum itself is a treasure cove, I find myself getting lost with every visits... I usually don't have enough of a visit to go through the entire exhibit, so much informations so much to absorb, so much history. I never get tired of visiting this specific museum, somehow it never get old.. oh and if ever you are looking for a venue to host your next reception, the main hall if pretty awesome

As a visitor from Massachusetts, I was looking for things to do. Finding the Canadian War Museum was the crown jewel for the trip to Ottawa. My wife did not enjoy this at all. She felt that it was too long, we spent too much time here, and was otherwise boring to her. I on the other hand, was like a child let loose in a candy shop, engorging myself not on sweets and chocolates, but on history and soaking in the beautiful sights of war paraphernalia. It was my birthday, and I was putting aside any distaste my wife had for this museum. This was the 'it' factor for the trip to Ottawa. There is way too much to cover with regards to the museum. My favorite section was with regards to World War I, I know the contributions of the Candian Military at Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and the Somme. To see the weapons, uniforms, and supplies were exhilarating. I have been following 'The Great War' on YouTube for the past couple of years, and had become familiar with these things, so to see it in person added a new layer of appreciation. The pre-colonial and colonial section was text-heavy and didn't have a great amount of artifacts. This portion did take a while longer to get through than we wanted. The museum has a natural flow to it, leading you through out the different sections. I thought it was a brilliant set-up. There was just one or two points where it was confusing how to proceed, but otherwise felt fluid, much like a winding river with estuaries, banks, landings, and coves. Last, but certainly not least, Tanks! TANKS! TAAAAANNNNKKKKKKSSSS! There were different military vehicles, naval guns, and tanks available to see. Some were in the museum sections, but most were on the floor as a general display unto their own. It was great to see. I definitely recommend anyone to visit, well worth the visit.

This is one of the best organized museums I've ever been to. The effort and care into gathering and displaying all those historic artifacts is just amazing. I've been there probably 3-4 times and never quite manage to explore everything. It really takes a lot of your time so plan accordingly. The display room with all tanks, subs, and trucks is a treat all by itself. If you are interested in Canadian military history, this is the place to visit.

I love history museums. I read every label, examine every map, and fall in love with the artifacts and odd factoids. And I loved the Canadian War Museum. The building is beautiful. It's relatively new (2005) and is located on a plain above the Ottawa River. And it's enormous. We spent three hours there and only saw two of the four major sections and we skipped the huge warehouse full of tanks and artillery pieces. The cafeteria was pretty good. For a non-Canadian there's loads to learn about Canada. The museum starts with the Vikings settling in Newfoundland and it continues through Canadian deployment in UN peacekeeping forces and in Afghanistan. The exhibits were well designed and the explanations useful. (I could have used more light or larger font on the smaller labels that were in the shadows. It seemed like the print was gray on a cream background.) The WWI exhibit -- about 1/4 of the museum -- is a standout. I also enjoyed the complicated colonial history and the accounts of failed US attempts to invade Canada in 1775 and again in 1812. (Extra credit to any American who has heard of the Fenians.) The museum doesn't shy away from morally questionable issues like double crossing the Métis, Canadian troops shooting surrendering German soldiers, or the civil trial involving the Canadian commanding general in the First World War. A couple of suggestions to the museum curators: 1. It would have been helpful for this nonCanadian to have more context on how the events in the exhibits tied into larger Canadian history about inter-communal relations, an explanation of who the Métis are, the economic history that the are the background, etc. 2. Population data. What was the population of Canada in 1812, 1914, etc. I googled to find out that Canada's population during WWI was 8 million. That means the number of Canadian troops in the First World War dwarfs the number of American troops as a percentage of the total population. If you are at all interested in history, don't miss the Canadian War Museum. I'll be back to see the sections I missed.

This is an exceptional museum detailing Canada's war history, from before Canada was a nation all the way to the present day. The museum is split into four sections: wars before WWI, WWI, WWII, and wars since WWII. Then there's also a gallery of old tanks and other war machines for you to see and examine up close. The layout is fun and easy to follow - it feels like you're traveling through time as you go through the museum. There are many mini interactive exhibits and replicas (as well as some actual items from the wars), to help you appreciate life as a soldier a bit more. I enjoyed walking through a model trench, trying on a soldier's helmet, and seeing Hitler's car (the real deal). I breezed through the museum since I was short on time, but if you want to read everything, you could easily spend multiple hours here - and learn a ton. Overall, this is a fun and very well-done museum. Even if you're not really into history, I think you'll enjoy the experience. And if you are a war history nut, then prepare to enjoy the highlight of your Ottawa visit!

This place is best described by the word "cool". The Canadian War Museum is a large collection of artifacts from throughout the history of the country's army. Expect to see lots of guns, uniforms, posters. plaques, medals, and much more. However, the crown jewel of this museum is the collection in the basement. That is where they keep all of their vehicles. I am talking about a massive collection of all manner of tanks, planes, bikes, cars, and much more. Even if you are not a war buff, this place is a must if you visit Ottawa.

You get a full war history of Canada. Do a lot enough time to go through all the galleries and permanent exhibits. We spent over two hours and had to sit a few minutes in between as our legs and feet were killing us. Downstairs, their display of war tanks and planes was so breath taking. If you love history and finding out more about our rich Canadian history, this is for you. Otherwise, you may skip it and do something like a river cruise instead :)

I have been here multiple times and am still always humbled when I leave. The displays are excellent and it feels like you're walking through time. As a Canadian who's family has been here for many generations, seeing what my ancestors experienced in such a realistic way is incredible to experience. It makes you appreciate how Canada has come to be the country it is. It's also very good how they include Aboriginals and their culture in their displays, as it lets everyone of all ages learn about them. Also, the tank display at the end is very cool to see. I recommend visiting here to anyone, whether you're with young ones or friends, and whether or not you're from Ottawa.

I really enjoyed this museum. It's educational and interactive. I like how it's so organized and walks you through history, from the beginning of war. It was a long visit, I believe we spent at least 2 hours in it. The museum is clean, and the exhibits are stunning in quality! While you are in the museum, you hear only one thing (aside from other visitors talking), the sounds of war. Very chilling. There were interactive buttons, short movies to watch, music to listen do, during all the different points in history. The layout of the museum is organized and over-all I am very impressed with it. There were a lot of seats to sit on in case you get tired. Lots of clean washrooms as well. Gift shop is also worth going to. Make sure that when you're in Ottawa, make a point to visit this museum. Review 80 of 100

It's a very well-presented museum, but it just didn't really "wow" me in any way. Admission is $12 plus 13% HST. $10 for children, families, students and seniors. Parking meters cost $2.50 per hour. (but it's walking-distance from most of downtown Ottawa). Plan on spending two to four hours to go through the whole place. It's designed rather maze-like, and the exhibits are listed chronologically from Native American battles on up through the Cold War. The exhibits are all very informative, but somewhat dry and boring. There's not a lot of interactive exhibits or displays that really "wow" someone. It's mostly all the stuff you remember from high school history class, with lots of miniature models of battlefields and a few minor artifacts (mostly little things, like knives and clothing, and handguns here and there). Very few "big" exhibits, like tanks and planes and such, but there were a few, though all were "hands-off." There are also the requisite gift shop and small cafe. Also, you can get a combo ticket, for the War Museum and the Civilization Museum for $18, (individually, each one costs $12). I also have to say that it kinda pissed me off that it took 15 minutes to wait in line to buy my admission ticket. (Especially when I was parked at a metered spot!!). They need more than one ticket-seller.

Have you seen Requiem for a Dream? And when people ask you about it you say "It was a really really great movie. Seriously, a brilliant movie. But I didn't enjoy it at all." This is the museum version of Requiem for a Dream. The Hubster is interested in war history, I am not. We came here with only one hour to go through the place, which really isn't enough time to really see everything. You should give yourself at least two or three if you're a slow reader. Any how, the museum is laid out incredibly well. You don't need to back track at all, and it takes you through all the wars Canada was involved in from the 1800s to present times. The museum is chock full of actual pieces, photos, stories, videos, dioramas, etc. Everything is written and explained really beautifully (read: not boringly) and I really enjoyed their use of fonts. That's right, I actually admired the use of fonts in a museum. That's their level of detail. There's also a huge area with tanks and other military vehicles from all the years past. This is an incredibly comprehensive museum. That being said, I've never left a museum so emotionally devastated and exhausted. This place does the complete opposite of celebrating war (to my relief). Instead, it goes into great detail the trials and horrors of war, both on the ground and on the homefront. The exhibits make a huge effort to honour and mourn all the people lost due to war. Both of us admitted to being nearly moved to tears SEVERAL times during our visit. So a large part of me wants to go back because there was clearly tons that I missed, but there's another part of me that isn't sure I can take it emotionally. I guess we'll make that decision next time we visit the city.

Fantastic! Was amazing to be able to walk through and look at all the excellent exhibits. Was very well organized, interesting displays and staff were very helpful. Loved all the tanks, bikes and vehicles at the end of exhibition. You'll want to allow a minimum of 2 hours to just walk through.

I would have given this site a 3 1/2 stars if I could have, based on their facility rentals only; I have not yet been through this museum itself. Although I do have to admit that the entrance is inviting. It's the subject matter that I find hard to deal with, but hey - that's just me! This visit was because our office is looking for a place to hold an event for about 100 people. To do that, you speak to the same people who handle space rentals at the Museum of Civilization (which is my favourite museum in Ottawa!) The Canadian War Museum is slightly less expensive than the Museum of Civilization (we could rent two "atteliers" for $1,000 vs a recently renovated upstairs space at the other museum, which would have cost $1,200). Both museums use the same caterer, which I'm afraid to say is not cheap. But then, catering any event is not cheap these days! And given the occasion, you wouldn't really want to skimp. The space they were proposing for our event would have been sufficient, but we decided not to go with them, even though they are very close to work. This was mostly because of the cost..

This is my personal favourite! It's so amazing here. It's also one of the most interactive museums I've been too. There was so much to do and see! Unfortunately, the day we went, we were rushed. We still saw a lot though! I thought it was very interesting that they had Hitler's car (even though he's a terrible, evil man). Walking through the museum is fun in itself. They have some areas set up like a war zone. The coolest has to be the trench! Very awesome. There's so many good things I could say about this museums, but I don't have all day. So, I'll leave it at it's an awesome museum!!

This museum is absolutely fantastic. The sheer volume of tanks is amazing. My 15 year old son is a history nut and he was left speechless at the exhibits. You'll end in a room full of tanks and be in awww of their size. Great stop for families. Be sure to ask for their family ticket pack if you are a family of four. The gift shop is perfect if you have boys who love plastic soldiers and tanks. Must see!!!!

This is a very moving Museum. All the sights and sounds really get you you when you realize all the deaths that were involved in war. It was really informative to see how Canada has been involved in so many different wars and how we were important to many of them. We got there around 4pm even though they close at 5pm which wasn't enough time to see the whole museum so I recommend you give yourself at least 2 hours to make it through the whole museum.

This is a must see. You will learn so much, but give yourself a few hours to see this museum. Everything is covered from Canada's founders to the war in Afghanistan. I think it's around $20 but money well spent.

This is one of the museums I was interested in visiting, since I've been to various museums akin to this in the US and the UK. So I wanted to get the Canadian perspective since the three countries have been intertwined for hundreds of years. It didn't disappoint. (And I've been fortunate enough to visit some of the most well known museums in the Western Hemisphere). The architecture of the building both outside was linear, felt a bit cold, and militaristic with the sharp points and angles throughout. There were displays here going from the beginnings of Canada up through the War on Terror. It was interesting to see how the War of 1812 is spun depending on what country you are in. Canada depicts is as "you Yanks came across our borders and then we burned down your White House, and we kicked your butt!" Learning about it in school, I had a bit of a different perspective. ;-) Lots of great displays also on WWI and II, and various other conflicts. The equipment displayed, the various video throughout, and the organization of the museum itself were all superb. One of my favorite displays (and I am KICKING MYSELF over NOT taking a picture of it), was talking about famous wartime Canadians in popular culture. And it specifically mentioned Wolverine. Yes, that Wolverine, from the comics. Flipping awesome! Ha ha ha ha ha! But just as horrifyingly exciting was seeing one of Hitler's cars. It is on display in such a way that feels like you are transported back to that time, and it freaked me out a bit. There is a gigantic room filled with old tanks, transport vehicles, etc. from decades ago, which was a very nice finishing touch to my trip here. Would visit again and highly recommend.

We came here after it initially opened a few years ago while visiting family in the area. Parking was relatively easy and we learned about some very interesting facts about Canadian military history. The best part is that we came with me wife's grandfather that served in the Canadian Army and were given his prospective on items he recognized from his past which was amazing. The museum is relatively smaller than those in the US and we were able to get through it in a couple of hours. If you need an indoor activity to do in the winter or on a rainy day, I recommend coming here.

Nice place to check out. Lots for history buffs and kids to see. Some areas the kids (and adults) can climb up feel the actual exhibits. We paid parked on the street for a short walk up. Free for vets and families with your CFone card.

Just yesterday I wanted to see The 2019 World Journalist Photographs. It was a free exhibition. This was my first time in Museum of War. The whole ambience is of course very serious, I felt like walking in a sarcophagus. But the Photo exhibition in itself was just average for me. The pictures were showcased in a rather small room, looking like they were "crowded", visitors had to wait ( personal space) to get a better spot to see the pics. Some spotlights were too bright to see the pictures properly. Quite a few pictures were in upper part of the stands, which made me to lift my head for a few minutes (and my neck did not like it) and try to read the print. Overall it was ok, but comparing to other places with similar exhibition, and considering this was in the capital city of Ottawa, I was a bit disappointed. The descriptions of the pictures were in English and French - good. Hopefully next time l will be more satisfied.

This review is a 5 star, but it's not a happy one. It's a 5 star review for what this museum is, but also because it did exactly what I believe it intends to. Make you think long and hard about all the mistakes and awful things every country has done and had done to it throughout history. Any and every war a Canadian (or British colonist) has been involved in, and some they haven't been in as well.. they are all covered in this one. Comprehensively. It has a way of sucking happiness out of you, but the content just has a way of doing that I guess. There are many amazing displays. Plenty of interactive ones as well. The room that interested me the most was the one with all the vehicles they have collected over the years from the conflicts and otherwise. It's amazing to see some of the things we have sent our men and women out to war in. It's a sobering experience, but a must if you visit Ottawa.

Come on a Thursday night for free entry, and it's open til 8pm then as well. I liked the trench and city simulations which gave a feel of fighting conditions. Also had interesting details such as those about the impact of the war on children and videos of some soldiers who suffered ptsd. For a tourist not knowing much about early Canadian wars, it was also educational to see the portions about these Canadian wars. For those who love seeing war apparatus and paraphernalia this is a gem, featuring tanks and Hitler's car and even uniforms with bullet holes... The special exhibition on the use of air vehicles in war was also unique, featuring stories from both sides of the world wars. The last portion about peacekeepers seemed a bit propaganda-y though and could be more informative/balanced.

This is one of the best and most moving museums I've ever visited. Today was the fourth time I've gone through the Canadian War Museum (each time I have visited Ottawa over the last few years, I've visited the Museum). My favorite sections are the WWI and WWII exhibitions. WWI stuns me with the waste and futility and horror of that war. The re-creations of trench warfare make me feel almost like I was there. The personal stories of the soldiers draw me in and are really heartbreaking. WWII also stuns me, with the horror and cruelty that made it necessary for the allies to wage war against Germany and Japan. I wouldn't say this museum is uplifting. But it tugs at my heart and twists my head around all sorts of questions about humankind and our existence on this planet.

The tactful nature of this museum is really what puts it over the top. Everythign is clean and polished and in working order - there is a tangible sense of respect by all the employees and guides. We bought tickets in advance, not realizing that CF members got in free, but it was easily worth the $13. I had been through once before back in Basic, and not much had changed since then other than an exhibit on Flanders and fighting in Belgium. Having the synthesized smells of chlorine and mustard gas really made the exhibit hit home. All in all the museum does a great job walking visitors through Canada's military history and our part on the global stage. It would have been great to see a little more emphasis on the culture and traditions of the CF as they stand today...regimental histories, etc. But with the space they have, they do an excellent job.

The museum is laid out really well to use all the available space. Hubby was in the military so we went. We took the hop on hop off bus here & spent an 1.5 hours here. Even then we didn't see the 4th exhibit area (Cold War) as we were running out of time. The exhibits are interesting. But after looking at so much of the sad effects of war I got tired of walking around. It can be a bit depressing. I have to say the front lobby of the museum is a great big open space & looks amazing. The cafeteria was underwhelming, which is too bad. All the staff were friendly though.

The War Museum of Canada is a fascinating place, covering Canada's military past, from before its inception to today. In addition to some impressive permanent exhibitions, there are seasonal speciai exhibits that are usually extraordinary. The staff and guides are very friendly, and I would probably suggest to go on a guided tour as the configuration can be a bit confusing, and because there are always different programmes going on from day-to-day. There are a lot of historic collections that any history buff would appreciate. Even my staunchly pacifist friend found this place intriguing!

I have lived in Ottawa for 5 years and never once visited this museum. It was only after I had moved away and came back for a visit that I finally checked it out. Boy am I glad I did! What a fantastic experience. The exhibits were very informative and surprisingly entertaining. There were tons of things to grab a kid's interest and my friend and I did them all. From building our own airplanes to doing the CSIS quiz there was tons to do. FYI: I would not make a particularly good spy. Overall I think we spend a good 4.5 hours there and didn't even get to finish. The lifelike trench and abandoned buildings in a war zone were a highlight for us. As was Hitler's car. The price was pretty average for big museums, but they do have cheaper days and offer discounts. Even if you aren't big on museums, you should break your rule for this one. Its really quite something and you leave having learned an incredible amount.

Wow, what a museum! The displays are large and complete. I really enjoyed seeing all the artifacts. This is one of the best museums I've ever visited. The uniforms, weapons and photos are fascinating. The personal accounts of the battlefield really draw you in to the experience. We spent three hours wandering through the well-organized displays. This museum showcases our country's history in war --- without glorifying or over-dramatizing it -- and is an interesting (and educational) place to visit.

Visited the Canadian War Museum while exploring Ottawa the other day and I was impressed! The museum guides you through the entire Canadian history of war, starting with the war against the natives. Because of the 100 year celebration of WWI there was a small, but ultimately very interesting exhibit about Flanders (Fighting in Flanders. Gas. Mud. Memory). Coming from Belgium, it was a reawakening with all the horror. Guided by arrows in orange dots you will never get lost through this exhibition that makes you lose track of time. Around every corner lies another historical name, battle or event. This is a very well documented exhibit. I only took the tour, so I can't comment on their IMAX section, but this was definitely the best $13 I spent in Ottawa. Without a doubt a very cheap price to easily fill 2-3 hours of your time.

Of the three big downtown museums (Art, War and Civilization) I think this one is the best. It's exhibits are presented in a logical historical progression with separate room for special exhibits. The collection of war vehicles and artillery downstairs is a real highlight. The exhibits blend artifacts, text, interactive exhibits and media in an excellent way. It is a contrast to the Museum of Civilization, whose upper floors are really dumbed down IMHO. This one balances the information so that kids and adults both have something to see at each display. On top of all else - they have Hitler's car. I would say this and the Houses of Parliament tie for top attraction in Ottawa, though I still need to see the Aviation Museum and Rideau Hall yet.

A very good small scale museum with unusual displays quite different from other war museums I've been to. The toys(tanks, plane, cannons) are all inside. They cover from 1700's to the present and have a very different view of their early military history than we get in the US. The 1812 war display has extraordinary weapons and military items. If you are interested in such items as a part of history, go here.

This is a great place to visit while in Ottawa. It is reasonably priced and actually takes quite a while to get through. If war and battle memorabilia is your thing, I high recommend this museum. Many interesting exhibits, that come along with a a lot of information, you'll definitely come out of there learning something new. It covers key areas that are more well known but also behind the scenes battles and events that aren't part of mainstream knowledge or even school textbooks. Having a visual representation of gear and various artefacts was AMAZING and worth it for that alone. The tank room is a thing of beauty and a MUST SEE! I guess what I enjoyed is that there is a little something for everybody to view. Loved it!

My friend and I visited the War Museum today. The last time that I visited, the museum was at its old location, which was rather small. The current facilities are much more fitting of the size and scope of the collection.

Very informative throughout history. This was a great course in Canadian history as well. I didn't spend as much time in World War II section as I would've liked. I hope to come back later at some point in time. I learned about involvement in conflicts I haven't heard of before.

"A Historic tour" It's a huge museum so plan atleast 3 to 4 hours, a museum about WAR to be this nicely presented. We spent about 3 hours there. The museum is educational and makes you appreciate the exhibits as there is a story connected to all. The Canadian War Museum has 13,000 pieces of art, and approaching the building on the LeBreton flats, you can tell that it needs a building that large to house even a fraction of its collection. The building itself is just a piece of art as it stands on the ground. The museum has a large collection of old motorcycles, transports, tanks, light and heavy artillery, submarine and planes and it makes you live the history. The location is a little further away quite a walk from Parliament Hill but if you like walking it's a pleasant walk or else you will have to drive or take a taxi. Go see it. Make sure you bring your camera.

This is an amazing museum. Enjoyed all of it. We took our time, 3 1/2 hrs... I learned a lot.... Re-learned all that I have forgotten!