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Diefenbunker museum of Ottawa
The Diefenbunker...what a bizarre concept. Though the threat of nuclear war between the superpowers has apparently faded, in the 1960's cold war rhetoric and saber ratting between them was common. Even now, though the various arsenals have supposed to have been downgraded, it's suggested that the world's largest countries maintain enough nuclear firepower to destroy all life on our planet. Makes on wonder then what the government was thinking (oxymoron?) when the Diefenbunker was built.
The Diefenbunker is the place where Canada's government would have come in time of nuclear war. It's located just west of Ottawa not far off highway #417. From the Parliament Buildings, it's about a 38 km ( about 24 miles) to the Diefenbunker guard shack. Driving directions You take 417 West to the Carp Road exit #144, turn right at the end of the off ramp and drive 8 – 10 minutes to the village of Carp. Continue straight through the village (straight through the four way stop at the middle of the town) up the hill, past the 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 at 3911 Carp Road – turn left at this sign and continue down the access road through the second gate to the parking lot (the helicopter pad).Once you have parked, please walk back to the Guard House (the small building opposite the library, on the west side of the road) to start your tour! Here's a Google map for directions. This once-secret bunker is now a museum and National Historic Site of Canada. In addition to preserving and promoting Canada's Cold War history, they offer a variety of visitor programs and services. 2008 is the 10th anniversaryof the Diefenbunker, perhaps a perfect opportunity to visit and relive the experience of the Cold War near Ottawa. When to visit? The museum is open year-round, excluding Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Days. Visits are by guided tour only, and are offered daily. Please book early, and reservations are required as space is limited. Reserve by calling either of these numbers during normal business hours. 613-839-0007 or 1-800-409-1965. Regular hours (to June 30) Weekday tours are Monday to Friday in English at 2:00 p.m. Visites en français sont à 11h00 samedi et dimanche. Admission rates as of 2008: Check before you go Adults: $14.00 +GST Tours take approximately 90 minutes. Flash photography, video and sound recording are not permitted in the museum.The temperature in the museum is 17 degrees C, so wearing a sweater is advisable. Diefenbunker Museum and others are here. To Top
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