War Machines weekend: August 8–10, 2025
This August, the Canadian War Museum will host War Machines, an event that’s sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Imagine the ground rumbling as operable military vehicles — tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and more — are brought to life before your eyes. You’ll be able to see and learn about these military vehicles, as well as interact with the static displays. These machines, many of which have been restored thanks to the generosity of donors and the expertise of volunteers and staff, will provide an opportunity to experience Canadian military history in action.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, this year’s event will focus on vehicles from that period. At the time of writing, select vehicles are undergoing maintenance inspections to determine which ones will be included in the event. One that will be featured is the Ram Kangaroo named “Marion II,” a Canadian armoured personnel carrier that served from August 1944 to the end of the Second World War. Donor support made it possible to restore it to an operable state in 2021.
Canadian War Museum, CWM2023-0044-0005-Dm
We will share information about new and ongoing restoration projects, including the Universal Carrier 2-pdr and Ram cruiser tank. Also on the horizon is a new project: the Sherman Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle. Used during the Normandy landings, this rare, specialized machine was acquired from The Tank Museum in Bovington, UK, and arrived at the War Museum this spring. It’s slated for restoration in the coming years.
For our valued donors, this event will serve as a testament to your contributions. Financial support makes it possible to restore and maintain these remarkable machines, ensuring that Canadian military history is preserved for current and future generations.
War Machines will take place from the evening of August 8 until August 10. A regular admission ticket to the War Museum is all you’ll need to participate in person. If you can’t come, we look forward to sharing some photos and footage with you.
For more information about War Machines, see warmuseum.ca.
To discuss donating in support of artifact preservation, please contact Kim Strydonck, Senior Fundraising Officer, Annual Giving, at 819-776-8640 or kim.strydonck@warmuseum.ca.
