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9 am – 5 pm

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The Canadian War Museum is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg. This land has held, and continues to hold, great historical, spiritual and sacred significance. Read the full land acknowledgement.

Admission Getting here Accessibility
Admission Getting here Accessibility
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, featuring a unique building with a roof made of metal and grass.

What’s on

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Canadian naval personnel
Temporary exhibition

Last Voices of the Second World War

Until Jan. 18, 2026
Soldiers on parade
Temporary exhibition

Canada at War Against Japan, 1941–1945

Until Aug. 31, 2026
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa showcases a historic plane hanging from the ceiling.
Ongoing exhibition

LeBreton Gallery: The Military Technology Collection

The most extensive collection of military technology in Canada

A woman is standing in the Canadian War Museum, surrounded by sacks.
Ongoing exhibition

The South African and First World Wars – Canadian Experience Gallery 2

Canada’s contributions in these overseas wars led to a growing autonomy and international recognition, but at great cost.

A group of people looking at a statue in the Canadian War Museum.
Ongoing exhibition

Moriyama Regeneration Hall

A place that symbolizes the search for peace and hope for all humanity

View all events and programming

War Machines Weekend – Vehicle demonstrations and display

August 9 and 10, 2025 Watch — and hear — history come to life as powerful military vehicles from the Second World War rumble into action on our demo track behind the Museum. These incredible machines, restored with care by our expert team, once rolled across battlefields and through tough terrain, helping shape today’s world. Kids and adults alike can get up close to the vehicles, chat with our friendly staff and volunteers, and learn how these machines worked — and why they mattered. There’s plenty to explore for curious minds of all ages. Generously supported by the Friends of the Canadian War Museum.

A tank

Outdoor music, dinner and a screening

Join us for a fine evening of live music, food and film! Bring a friend and enjoy a sunset dinner by the river with live tunes from Grey Jazz Big Band. After the performance, take in an outdoor screening of short animations created by artists in relation to the Second World War. During this evening, you can also visit the Last Voices of the Second World War exhibition, which will remain open until 9 pm, allowing you to explore veterans’ personal oral histories.

Band members

Canadian War Museum Conference 2025: Oral History and the Veterans’ Experience

Innovative historical research takes centre stage from October 2 to 5 at the Canadian War Museum Conference 2025: Oral History and the Veterans’ Experience. Register now for this groundbreaking conference, and hear from experts and veterans about new research on the post-service experience. Discover the power of oral history in bringing untold stories to light. Gain a deeper understanding of the impact of military service on veterans, their families, and their communities.

War Machines Weekend on the Patio

August 9 and 10, 2025 Experience the rumble of history with a cold drink in hand during War Machines Weekend. Fuel up for the show with bold eats like the Tankbuster Smash Burger, classic Double Barrel Dogs (two hot dogs and fries), or the hearty Green Machine Vegan Burger, along with cold drinks and local beers. Great food, live music, and tanks on parade — it all happens here. Grab a seat and stay a while!

Four people enjoying a meal

Tank Talks: Quick Chats, Deep History

August 9 and 10, 2025 Join our knowledgeable Museum volunteers for engaging 15-minute talks that take a closer look at remarkable vehicles from the Canadian War Museum collection. Learn the stories behind the steel in these short but powerful sessions.

A group of people

War Machines: Collector Displays — “Underwear to Headwear”

August 9 and 10, 2025 Explore two Canadian militaria collections! Join local collectors Dan Ferland and Ed Storey as they showcase their extensive collections of authentic Second World War Canadian army clothing and equipment, from underwear to headwear. Learn about the materials and items issued to soldiers, including wool, cotton, leather, and even the “housewife” in every soldier’s haversack. Both collectors will share their expertise on these 80-year-old artifacts. Dan Ferland, a Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers weapons technician, and Ed Storey, a cartographer and terrain analyst, are retired Canadian Armed Forces veterans, whose service included Afghanistan.

A man

Digital on demand

Resource

Concrete and light: Inside the Canadian War Museum

Faces of men and women
Online exhibition

In Their Own Voices: Stories From Canadian Veterans and Their Loved Ones

Video

Canadians in the Second World War

A group of people on the top of a tank at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Online exhibition

Liberation! Canada and the Netherlands, 1944–1945

Online exhibition

Invasion! Canadians and the battle of Normandy, 1944