Open for discovery
Explore this summer’s most immersive attraction in Ottawa.
The Diefenbunker is a hidden gem, offering a unique day trip experience.
Step into history, inside an impressive four-storey underground Cold War communications headquarters, now a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site.
There is something for everyone to discover — adventure on a guided tour, learn from engaging exhibitions, or challenge your family and friends to an escape room.
Plan your visit to Canada's Cold War Museum
We're pleased to welcome you underground!
Hours
Regular Hours
Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
*The admissions desk closes 30 minutes before the museum closes. Tickets cannot be purchased after this time.
Special Hours & Closures
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June 13 to June 23: There will be construction near the museum entrance. Visitors may park in the main parking lot outside the museum gate. Please follow on-site signage to access the museum entrance. We apologize for any inconvenience or disruptions.
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June 26, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.: The museum will be closed for a private event. The museum will reopen at 2:00 p.m. and remain open until 4:00 p.m.
- July 1 (Canada Day): 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (50% off admission)
- August 4 (Civic Holiday): 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- September 1 (Labour Day): Closed
- Closed on statutory holidays unless otherwise listed
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in January – May and September – December
*Given our location in rural West Ottawa, the museum occasionally closes due to inclement weather. Any closures will be posted on our website. Ticketholders will be contacted.
Admission
We highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance of your visit to the museum to ensure there are still spots available.
The admissions desk closes 30 minutes before the museum closes. Tickets cannot be purchased after this time.
General Admission
Adult (18+): $19.50
Senior (60+): $17.50
Student (18+): $15.00
Youth (6–17): $13.00
Family Rate (2 Adults, 5 Youth): $55.50
Child 5 and under: Free
Guided Tour
Adult (18+): $25.00
Senior (60+): $23.00
Student (18+): $20.50
Youth (6–17): $18.50
Family Rate (2 Adults, 5 Youth): $61.00
Child 5 and under: Free
Have an Annual Pass or Membership? General Admission and Guided Tours are free. Subject to availability.
*Parking is always free!
Special Rates
The Diefenbunker is proud to recognize the following programs and groups, each with a unique special rate or discount available. For more information or to confirm your museum tickets using one of these special rates, please contact our team by phone at 613-839-0007 or by email at reservations@diefenbunker.ca
- Access 2
- Attractions Ontario Reciprocal Program
- Canadian Museums Association (CMA) Membership
- Canoo (The Institute for Canadian Citizenship)
- First Nations, Inuit, Métis individuals
- National Trust for Canada Membership
- Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Enrolment Card
- Ontario Museum Association (OMA) Membership
- Veterans and Military, Teachers, Health Care Workers
- Visit Ottawa Passes
Is your program or group not listed? Please contact our team to help us make the museum more accessible for everyone.
Daily Guided Tours
Immerse yourself in stories from the past as you tour Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact. Guided tours of this unique facility take visitors through recreated government rooms, living quarters, and areas used for vital communications. Some of the focal points include the Prime Minister’s Suite, the War Cabinet Room, the Medical Centre, and the Bank of Canada Vault.
Tours are offered year-round in both English and French.
English Tours
Monday – Friday: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
French Tours
Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m.
*Spots are limited. 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.
Visiting with a group?
Learn about our group tour options for large groups or schools.
Free Audio Guide
Navigate the site using our informative Audio Guide, available in 10 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!
Directions
Location
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
3929 Carp Road
Ottawa, Ontario K0A 1L0
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 far gates
The Diefenbunker is unfortunately not accessible by public transit.
Parking
The Diefenbunker offers:
- Free on-site parking
- Designated spaces for school and tour buses
- Designated accessible parking spaces located near the main entrance
Please use caution when walking in the parking lot and walkways when snow and ice are present. Surfaces can become slippery when wet.
Accessibility
We at the Diefenbunker are committed to accommodating your needs to the best of our abilities. We acknowledge that there are pre-existing barriers within our building such as ledges, lips, and stairs that may make it difficult to access some rooms.
We welcome inquiry, feedback, and resources regarding accessibility and accessibility improvement. Please contact our team to let us know how we can accommodate you on your visit.
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 is with a baby carrier.
- A wheelchair is available for use upon request.
- Sensory bags are available for use upon request.
- Service animals are welcome. You may be asked to show acceptable documentation. Pets are not permitted.
- The temperature can fluctuate between different areas of the bunker. We recommend that you wear layers if you are sensitive to temperature changes.
Visitor Map
Visitor guides with maps are available upon your arrival to the museum.
Click the image of the map below to enlarge it.
For more information, please call us at 613‑839‑0007 or 1‑800‑409‑1965, or email us at reservations@diefenbunker.ca.
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