Visit one of the most unique sites in Canada. A huge four-storey bunker, buried deep under a hillside and meant to house crucial elements of Canadian government in a nuclear war, is now open to you. Exhibits and recreated areas provide a startling glimpse into Cold War history.

This National Historic Site of Canada, located outside the capital city of Ottawa, is an underground nuclear bunker built in secrecy during the height of the Cold War between 1959 and 1961, and was meant to house the top officials of the government and military during the risk of nuclear attack.

Tours of this incredibly unique facility take visitors through a time warp to 1960s era government rooms, living quarters, cryptographic areas. Visitors enjoy a guided tour of the entire facility, over 100,000 square feet in size, four stories underground. Some of the focal points will include the Prime Minister’s suite, the War Cabinet Room, the CBC radio studio, the Bank of Canada vault, and the Emergency Government Situation Centre.

The Diefenbunker is a privately funded museum which relies upon tour admissions, philanthropy and grants to survive. Please visit the Public tour link for more information. We are now in our winter hours! We are still open, but check the tour schedule for tour times!

At 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard (corner of Lancaster), 10 minutes east of downtown, the Canada Science and Technology Museum takes a "hands-on" approach to exploring how man has transformed the natural elements of his world into a new world of mechanics, transportation, and technological advances. Take the Queensway to the St. Laurent Boulevard exit south and follow it until you see a lighthouse on the left-hand side. More information (613) 991-3044

From Sussex Drive, take the Rockcliffe Parkway est past the Rockcliffe Boathouse
until you see the exit to the Canada Aviation Museum. Explore the history of aviation through some of the 120 aircraft in the museum's collection along the "Walkway of Time". Interactive exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, and films complement the exhibitions. More information (613) 993-2010.

The new Canadian War Museum is a major national museum of military history, covering Canada’s military past from earliest times to the present day. Through its extraordinary permanent and special exhibitions, the Museum shows how military events have shaped the development of the country, both at home and on the world stage. With expansive exhibition space, diverse public programmes and unparalleled displays of collections, it is a must-see destination for visitors.

Explore the world of insects, prehistoric dinosaurs, animals, and the changing face of the earth at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Located on the corner of Metcalfe and McLeod Streets, the museum is housed in the Victoria Memorial Museum Building, which over the years has played a colourful part in the city's history.