2025 Doors Open Ottawa at the Diefenbunker

By reservation only, the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum will be open to visitors for free Highlights Tours for Doors Open Ottawa on Saturday, June 7, 2025. 

Book your tickets for a free 30-minute Highlights Tour, which will cover key areas in the Diefenbunker like the Blast Tunnel, the War Cabinet Room, and the Prime Minister’s Suite — ideal for first-time visitors to the museum! 

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 (one day only!) 

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with designated entry time slots for each tour 

• Entry time slots are every 15 minutes beginning at 10:00 a.m. 
• The last entry time is 2:15 p.m. 

Admission: Free 

• Tickets must be reserved in advance, as there are designated entry time slots and limited spots available 
• Parking is always free! 

Details: 

• There will be no option for general admission or self-guided exploration of the museum this day — only the scheduled Highlights Tours. 
• Due to capacity and demand, tickets must be reserved in advance. Walk-up visitors may not be admitted. 
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your designated entry time for the start of the tour. Late arrivals may not be admitted. 
• Highlights Tours are offered in English, with select French tours available. 
• The Gift Shop will be open to explore after your tour. 
• We encourage you to check out the free Interpretive Trail outside the museum before or after your tour. 
• Outdoor toilets are available in the museum parking lot for public use. Fully accessible washrooms are available inside the museum.

While admission is free on June 7 for Doors Open Ottawa, we welcome donations to support our unique museum, national historic site, and independent charitable organization. 

We look forward to welcoming you underground! 

>> RESERVE TICKETS 

Descend into history, 75 feet underground, and discover unforgettable experiences. 

The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact — it is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. 

Today, it is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site, preserving important Canadian Cold War stories and artifacts and welcoming visitors from all around the world. The Diefenbunker is a remarkable immersive history destination, offering a window into the past through award-winning exhibitions, tours, programs, events, and escape rooms. 

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The City of Ottawa is proud to present Doors Open Ottawa — a free annual architectural event that celebrates our community’s built heritage. Learn more about 2025 Doors Open Ottawa.