We're Open!
We are pleased to welcome you back underground!
We strongly recommend wearing a mask while visiting the site. Please visit our We’re Ready for You page to learn more about our safety measures related to COVID-19.
Hours
Monday – Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (July & August only)
Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
*For the best experience, we suggest at least one hour to explore the Diefenbunker. The admissions desk closes 30 minutes before the museum closes. Tickets cannot be purchased after this time.
*We highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance of your visit to the museum to ensure there are still spots available.
Special Hours & Closures
- Closed on statutory holidays
- Currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- Saturday, June 3: Doors Open Ottawa. SOLD OUT. No walk-up visitors will be allowed entry.
- July 1 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (50% off admission)
- July 3 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- August 7 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Given our location in rural West Ottawa, the museum occasionally closes due to inclement weather. Any closures will be posted on our website.
General Admission – Self-Guided Tour
Adult (18+): $18.00
Senior (60+): $16.50
Student (18+): $13.50
Youth (6–17): $11.50
Family Rate (2 Adults, 5 Youth): $49.00
Child 5 and under: Free
Annual Pass/Membership: Free
Parking is always free!
General Admission – Guided Tour
Adult (18+): $18.50
Senior (60+): $17.00
Student (18+): $14.00
Youth (6–17): $12.00
Family Rate (2 Adults, 5 Youth): $49.50
Child 5 and under: Free
Annual Pass/Membership: Free
Parking is always free!
Admission Passes
If you are looking to book using any of the passes, memberships, or special rates listed below, please contact our team by phone at 613-839-0007 or by email at reservations@diefenbunker.ca to complete your booking.
- Access 2 Card
- Attractions Ontario Reciprocal Program
- CMA Membership
- National Trust for Canada Membership
- Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Enrolment Card
- OMA Membership
- Veterans and Military, Teachers, Health Care Workers
Daily Guided Tours
English Tours
Weekdays: 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (starting June 15), 2:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m. (starting June 4), 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.
French Tours
Weekdays: 10:30 a.m. (starting June 21)
Saturday and Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
June 24 & 25: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
*Spots are limited to allow for physical distancing. We highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance of your visit to the museum to ensure there are still spots available.
*Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the start of your guided tour in order to ensure adequate time for the check-in process. Tours are approximately 60 minutes long.
Visitor Map
Enjoy our free Audio Guide
Navigate the site using our informative Audio Guide, available in nine languages. Access the Audio Guide and additional photos, videos, and archival materials on your phone using the Diefenbunker’s free Wi-Fi, or pick up a media player at the Welcome Desk.
If you plan on using your own device, don’t forget your headphones!
Accessibility
The museum is mostly accessible.
A stair lift is available for use by wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, or anyone who is unable to use the stairs fully or partially. The lift cannot be used for strollers — the best way to get around underground is with a baby carrier.
Certified service animals trained to carry out tasks for persons with disabilities are allowed into the museum accompanied by their designated handler. Emotional support, companion, or therapy animals are not permitted.
Please note that it is pretty chilly in certain parts of the bunker. We recommend that you bring a sweater.
Find out more about accessibility at the Diefenbunker.
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
3929 chemin Carp Road, Ottawa, Ontario K0A 1L0
Parking
Please use caution when walking in the parking lot and walk ways when snow is present. Surfaces can become slippery when wet.
The Diefenbunker offers:
- Free on-site parking
- Designated spaces for school and tour buses
- Designated accessible parking spaces located near the main entrance
Directions from downtown Ottawa
Driving
- Take Highway 417 West to the Carp Road Exit, number 144
- Turn right (North) onto Carp Road
- Drive 8 to 10 minutes to the Village of Carp
- Continue straight through the Village (through the four-way stop) and past the Carp Fairgrounds until the village appears to come to an end
- On the left (West) side of the road you will see a large billboard sign for the Diefenbunker
- Turn left at this sign and continue down the driveway to find parking on your left
- The entrance to the Diefenbunker is through the gates
Public Transportation (Wednesdays only*)
*Please note that the 303 bus to the Village of Carp only operates on Wednesdays
- Take the 303 from Bayshore Station to Juanita/Snelgrove (41 stops)
- OR Take the 61 bus from Tunney’s Pasture to Hazeldean/Springbrook (36 stops), then take the 303 bus from Hazeldean/Springbrook to Juanita/Snelgrove (10 stops)
- OR Take the 74/75 bus from Tunney’s Pasture to Lincoln Fields (3 stops), then take the 303 bus from Lincoln Fields to Juanita/Snelgrove (43 stops)
- From the Juanita/Snelgrove stop, walk 750 m north along Carp Road (please use caution along this main road)
- Turn left at the large billboard sign for the Diefenbunker and continue down the driveway through the gates
Local accommodations
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa West-Nepean
Limited-time offer for 2023: Family Getaway Package
Diefenbunker tickets for 2 adults and 2 children are included with your hotel stay!
For more information, please call 613‑839‑0007 or 1‑800‑409‑1965, or email us at reservations@diefenbunker.ca.
