Doors Open Ottawa at the Diefenbunker 2026

Doors Open Ottawa at the Diefenbunker is fully booked. 

By reservation only, the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum will be open to visitors for free Highlights Tours on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

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 6, 2026

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.

Tickets

Free

• Tickets must be reserved in advance, as there are designated entry time slots and limited spots available

Details

Arrival

• 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.

Tours

• Highlights Tours are offered in English, with select French tours available.
• While our tours are accessible and adaptable, there is a designated accessible tour option available. Learn more about accessibility at the museum. For additional accessibility accommodations, please contact our team in advance.

Additional Offerings

• 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.
• Water and snacks will be available for purchase, to eat outside the museum. You may also bring a lunch to eat outside at our picnic tables.

While admission is free on June 6 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!

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. 

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 Doors Open Ottawa.