When you’re ready, we’re ready for you.
Proof of vaccination and photo ID are required.
To ensure your safety, and that of your family, as well as our staff and volunteers, we’ve put extensive safety measures in place, changed how you purchase your tickets, and introduced some new ways to explore the Bunker.
Please read our detailed safety protocols on our We’re Ready for You page.
The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
HOURS
Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
We suggest at least 1 hour to explore the museum. You can arrive any time after your specified entry time and continue to explore the museum during our open hours. Please plan accordingly.
Time slots are:
10:00 am
11:00 pm
12:00 pm
1:00 pm
2:00 pm (Wed–Fri only)
We strongly recommend buying tickets in advance to visit the museum.
*Proof of vaccination and photo ID are required.
*The Admissions desk closes 30 minutes before the museum closes. Tickets cannot be purchased after this time.
Holiday Hours and Special Closures
Statutory Holidays: CLOSED
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt | October 27 – 29, 2021
Family-friendly scavenger hunt with costumes, fun surprises, and Halloween treats. Admission is by donation. You must reserve your spot in advance! More info.
2021 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition | November 6, 2021 – January 31, 2022
Akìmazinàzowin | An Image of the Land features work by Algonquin artist Mairi Brascoupé. Admission is included with general admission to the museum. More info.
DOWNLOAD OUR NEW AUDIO GUIDE
While there is now free Wi-Fi throughout the Bunker, we encourage you to download the audio guide to your preferred device before your visit. Don’t forget your earbuds/headphones!
Download our Audio Guide .mp3 in:
About Canada’s Cold War Museum
The Diefenbunker is a massive four-story underground bunker, built between 1959 and 1961. During the Cold War, top officials were to take shelter here in the event of a nuclear war. It was active as Canadian Forces Station Carp until 1994.
Today, it operates as a not-for-profit, charitable museum with award-winning tours and programs.
Let’s learn more about the Diefenbunker from home with our collection of online activities and resources. You can explore:
If you have questions, let’s connect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We will happily answer any of your questions.
About the Cold War
The Cold War is the period between the end of the Second World War in 1945 and ends with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It was a period of tense conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union and each country’s respective allies.
Learn more in this 2-minute video from Historica Canada explaining the Cold War and Canada’s role.
Shop Online
Shop anytime from home!
Caution Radioactive Material Toddler Tee
Take Shelter Baseball Shirt
One Nuclear Bomb Tee
Take Shelter Baseball Shirt
The Machine Room Virtual Tour
- The bunker ran on hydroelectric power during its years of operation, much like it is today. In the event of a lockdown situation it was important that the bunker continued to be powered.
- The machine room had 4 diesel generators to power the bunker. Only 2 generators were required to keep the bunker powered in an outage. The first generator would provide power to communications only. The second was to provide power to the rest of the bunker.
Click on the image to learn more about the machine room and all its functions. We also interview one of the employees who worked in the machine room.
Virtual Tours
You can view the Diefenbunker from any device and even with VR goggles if you have them! Click on the image to open the tour.
Machine Room
400 Level
300 Level
200 Level & Vault
Ways to Support
During the unprecedented times, we’ve had many people ask to help. Thank you.
As a private, non-profit museum, we depend on visitors for 75% of our operating revenue. We need your support now more than ever. There are many easy ways that you can best support us so we can continue to teach, inform, and inspire you through lessons learned from the Cold War. See below and click on the blue squares to follow the links!
We miss you all and can’t wait to reopen our blast doors and welcome you underground again.
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Latest News and Stories
PRESS RELEASE – The Diefenbunker announces Mairi Brascoupé as its 2021 Artist-in-Residence
PRESS RELEASE – Diefenbunker announces Greta Grip as its 2020 Artist-in-Residence
The Capital’s most famous Cold War relic is getting a high priced upgrade – CTV News
Diefenbunker still needs $3M in repairs – CBC Ottawa
Diefenbunker Receives $400,000 Grant – West Carleton Online (subscription)
PRESS RELEASE – $400,000 from the Canadian Experiences Fund to Help Improve Visitor Experience at Canada’s Cold War Museum
