Plan Your Visit

Plan your visit to Canada's Cold War Museum. We're pleased to welcome you underground!

Hours

Regular Hours

Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monday – Tuesday: Closed

*The admissions desk closes 30 minutes before the museum closes. Tickets cannot be purchased after this time.

Special Hours & Closures

  • Closed on statutory holidays unless otherwise listed
  • Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in January – May and September – December
  • Winter holiday hours:
    • Closed from December 23 to 26
    • Open on December 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Open between December 28 and 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    • Closed on January 1
    • Regular hours and schedule resume January 2, 2025

*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+): $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

Guided Tour

Adult (18+): $20.00
Senior (60+): $19.50
Student (18+): $15.50
Youth (6–17): $13.50
Family Rate (2 Adults, 5 Youth): $51.00
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!

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS

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 [email protected] to complete your booking.

 

🏒 World Juniors hockey-goers receive 15% off general admission 🏒

As the Diefenbunker is conveniently located down the road from the Canadian Tire Centre, we welcome fans attending the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship to pay us a visit on game day! Show your valid game ticket to museum staff when you arrive, and get 15% off general admission to the museum.

Valid between December 27 and January 5, excluding January 1, during the museum's operational hours. Valid for one redemption per 2025 World Juniors hockey game ticket. Not valid for Guided Tours. Cannot be combined with other special offers.

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

Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.

French Tours

Saturday and Sunday: 1:30 p.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.

BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR

 

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!

EXPLORE THE AUDIO GUIDE

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY

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 [email protected].