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All 151 Ottawa Attractions »

Canadian War Museum

1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 1C2, Canada
819-776-7000
Ranked #1 of 98 attractions in Ottawa
4.5 of 5 stars 261 Reviews
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Type: Military Museums, History Museums
Owner description: Discover the military history of Canada through a vast collection of artifacts, moving personal stories, works of art, and unforgettable photography....... more » Owner description: Discover the military history of Canada through a vast collection of artifacts, moving personal stories, works of art, and unforgettable photography. Explore the human conflicts that have shaped Canada, Canadians and the world. With its prize-winning, richly symbolic architecture, the War Museum, provides a spectacular setting for exhibitions, public programs and other events that illustrate the way in which human conflict, in Canada and around the globe, has changed the face of the world. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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261 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    187
    59
    13
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Date Rating
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

This is by far the best museum I’ve visit. I always recommend it to people. There is the war from the early days to WW1, WW2, etc. Well documented. It takes you back in time, is a learning experience that. The lower level with some toys (tanks, cars, planes, etc) you can spend easily an hour only in that level More

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Boston, MA
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

I like museums that don't rely on flashy graphics to catch your interest. The objects are the real focus, but overhead and all around are the brief write-ups to engage you. But really the items are interesting, you don't need the distractions. The trench and bog exhibits would have been more riveting if battle sounds and lighting had been employed.... More

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Toronto, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

The building is interesting, and I knew about the architectural design, especially of the memorial hall near the front entrance, but most visitors wouldn't know that the line in the floor aligns with the sun on November 11th to light the Unknown soldier's headstone, and there was minimal interpretive material about. Loud tourist kids were jumping all over the wall... More

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See 2 more reviews by rebelDi for Ottawa
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012 NEW

See title. So many better museaums in Canada. Does not do Canadian history justice. More

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Toronto
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

This is absolutely one of the best museums we saw. Plan for a full day though as it's easy to spend a full afternoon in WWII alone. Each time I visit I come away having learned so many new things about Canada's involvement in war. The well designed exhibits are visually stunning. And you'll happen upon the unexpected. I was... More

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See 2 more reviews by Saturday27 for Ottawa
Montreal Quebec Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

This should be on your list when visitng Ottawa. The museum is very well done, interesting and has meaning to everyone. All aspects of war from the aboriginals in the early days of Canada through the War of 1812, 1st and 2nd WWs, the Cold War, Korean and Afghanistan are well documented. A must for history buffs and concerned citizens... More

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Windsor, Ontario
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

Much better than expected. The two main areas are an exhibition area that goes through Canada's roles during four time periods (including WW1 and WW2). Exhibits are very well done and please spend time reading the descriptions - saw too many people rush through just looking. There is also a large gallery for military equipment. This was quite cool. Spent... More

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See 4 more reviews by rtan73 for Ottawa
Trenton, Canada
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Whatever your opinion of armed conflict, a visit to the War Museum is a very good lesson in Canadian history. Canada's influence with the international community and its diplomatic role could never have been earned without its participation in the Boer War, WWI and WWII. Leadership and respect always come at a cost, an this Museum emphasizes how much it... More

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See 3 more reviews by padregerson for Ottawa
Toronto, Canada
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

We learned so much about our history. Loved all the props. They have tanks, planes and even Hitler's Mercedes Benz. More

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See 5 more reviews by muttilein for Ottawa
Waterloo, Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Excellent tour, but it is so sad that we still haven't figured out how to resolve our differences without violence. The basement with all the tanks/vehicles was a draw for my 4 teenage boys. I enjoyed (if that can be said) reading about the missing people from the Baltic. I learned alot. They have beautiful statues representing the values defended... More

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See 2 more reviews by Linda B for Ottawa

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