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.

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!

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, visitors are offered a wide variety programs and services.

The museum is normally open year-round with some exceptions.

Visits are by guided tour only, and are offered daily. Please book early, and reservations are required as space is limited.

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.

For more information or reserving a tour, please visit their website at www.diefenbunker.ca