Plan Your Visit

Visitor Code of Conduct

The Canadian War Museum is a national Museum open to everyone. Respectful sharing of spaces and resources ensures an enriching and inclusive experience for all visitors.

We kindly ask that all visitors follow the guidelines described below so that the visiting public and Museum staff are treated with respect, and that every visitor has an equal opportunity to enjoy a meaningful experience. Activities and/or actions inconsistent with Museum values will not be tolerated.

Visitor Behaviour

• All individuals visiting the Museum are expected to uphold a standard of respect towards fellow visitors, Museum staff, and volunteers, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or any other distinguishing characteristic. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where every person feels valued and respected for who they are.
• Visitors are expected to be mindful of individuals with disabilities and to offer assistance if needed. Respect for designated accessible spaces and equipment is mandatory.
• All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an individual 16 years of age or older.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
• Strollers are permitted in all galleries, unless otherwise noted.
• Eating and drinking are not permitted in any of the Museum galleries. Visitors are permitted to bring outside food to eat at the Museum in designated areas, including the Main Lobby and the Café.
• Visitors are to refrain from deliberate shouting and running.
• Individuals exhibiting any offensive, abusive, or threatening language or behaviour, and individuals suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, will be asked to leave the Museum.
• Visitors are not permitted to engage in the following activities: leafleting, protests, rallies, third-party sales, or any activity that has the effect, intent, or propensity to draw attention.
• Pets are not permitted in the Museum. Service animals are permitted with presentation of official certification from a healthcare provider at the Information desk upon arrival. We ask that guests with non-traditional service animals contact the Museum in advance of their visit.
• Smoking, vaping, and the use of cannabis are prohibited on Museum grounds, inside the building, and in all parking lots.
• The use of all smoke-related products including e-cigarettes, cigars, vaporizers, tobacco and its derivatives, and cannabis and its derivatives are prohibited.
• The following items are not permitted in the Museum at any time:
• Bicycles, scooters, tricycles, skateboards, roller/in-line skates;
• Drugs or alcohol;
• Paint;
• Weapons of any kind, and any other item deemed dangerous by the Museum; and
• Any other item prohibited under Canada’s Criminal Code.
• We encourage you to provide feedback or suggestions to Museum staff in a constructive manner. Your input helps us improve the visitor experience for everyone.

Safety and Security

• To preserve the artifacts, visitors are not to touch or lean on any of the exhibits or displays.
• Photography is permitted for personal use only, with hand-held equipment. Please exercise due care when taking close-up photographs of any exhibit or display. The use of tripods, monopods, etc. is not permitted unless pre-approval has been requested and given. To make such a request, please visit the Information desk. In some special exhibitions, photography may not be permitted. Signs will be posted wherever such restrictions apply.
• Although we encourage all visitors to leave any non-essential items at home, we realize that some personal items may be necessary. One bag smaller than 35 cm x 30.5 cm x 19 cm is permitted per visitor unless otherwise stated. Large bags, backpacks and full-length umbrellas must be left at the Coat Check. Diaper bags may be carried with you.
• For the safety of our visitors, employees and collections, all bags entering or leaving the Museum, including purses, may be subject to inspection. Certain exhibitions, events, or programming may be subject to further restrictions.
• Any actions that support or commemorate current or historical hate groups (including propaganda or display of sensitive symbols) are not permitted inside the Museum or on its grounds. Individuals exhibiting any such actions or activities that are inconsistent with Museum values, are harmful to visitors, or are not in the spirit of the Museum will be asked to leave Museum premises.
• The Museum does not allow items that promote, support, or glorify hatred towards people based upon race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation (collectively considered “protected groups”), nor does it permit items or content that promote organizations or people with such views. Items or displays that contain racial slurs or derogatory language about protected groups are strictly prohibited.
• Trespassing, entering, or remaining in or upon Museum premises when the Museum is not open to the public, except with the express consent of Museum staff, is strictly prohibited. Any access onto or within any adjacent areas under construction or closed to the general public is also prohibited.
• Obstructing the use of public areas such as entrances, foyers, lobbies, corridors, concourses, offices, elevators, escalators, stairways, roadways, driveways, or walkways is not permitted.
• Tampering with fire- and life-safety devices, such as fire extinguishers or alarm pull stations, is not permitted.
• Violating the order of, or preventing the execution of duties by Museum staff to maintain order and control public access and movement is prohibited. Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or intentionally interfering with Museum staff engaged in their official duties is prohibited.
• The Museum and its grounds are subject to video surveillance.