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Ottawa War Museum; a tribute to Canada's military.
For decades the Ottawa war museum was housed on Sussex Drive in Ottawa, a lovely facility, but much too small to properly exhibit the rich and vast storehouse of artifacts relating to Canada’s participation in wars around the world. The stucture of the new Canadian War Museum is dramatic; built to resemble a large defense bunker, perhaps similar to one of those overlooking the beaches of Normandy in World War II.
From the grounds you overlook the beautiful Ottawa River as it winds it’s way east and south, past the magnificent Parliament of Canada, on it’s way to the mighty St. Lawrence River, about 150 kilometers (90 miles) away. The Canadian War Museum is located a very comfortable 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) West of the Parliament Buildings along Wellington St. and it’s street address is, quite appropriately, Vimy Road. In this picture, with a bit of delicious irony, you can see the tip of the Peace Tower in the background of the Canadian War Museum; one a memorial to
If the weather's pleasant, you might stroll westward along and down from the “hill”, and you’ll first pass the Confederation Building on your right, just past Parliament Hill. Next you’ll wander past the Supreme Court Building, housing the highest court in the Canada. Take a moment to walk behind the Supreme Court Building to the outlook. The view is well worth the short detour. As you pass the Supreme Court, just ahead to the right is the National Archives / National Llibrary building, in it's own right a significant piece of Canada's history. And then, just down the hill, you’ll see the breathtaking silhouette of the Canadian War Museum. Visit, and see how the wars of the world have affected Canada’s development through the ‘eyes’ of the almost 13,000 artifacts on display, from a full size Voodoo Jet, military vehicles of all types, artillery pieces, and to poignant memorabilia of all types.
When there, do take a moment – in fact, you might want to take more than a just a moment - to ponder the meaning of Memorial Hall housed in the brand-new-in-2005 building – which is dedicated to Canada’s war dead. Memorial Hall is the new resting place of the “Uknown Soldier” from WW I. With an astounding piece of design….each November 11, precisely at 11:00 a.m..., a shaft of sunlight will pierce the strategically placed window to illuminate the tomb with the warmth of the fall sunshine. November 11th is Canada’s Remembrance Day, when all Canadians are invited and requested to take time to remember those fallen in conflicts around the world. Services are held at Cenotaphs around the country, and in Ottawa, there’s a particularly moving ceremony at the Canadian War Memorial. As it is with any visitor site in Ottawa, it’s always good to call to check details, current times of opening, current admission rates etc. to avoid disappointment when arriving. Here’s information for you that is currently valid, but that you would want to verify when you are ready for a visit. Canadian War Museum There’s lots of parking at the Museum, and depending on the time of year, there may be a parking charge. Admission Fees*** Check and see if the Museum still has free admission on Thursday evenings! ***Fees as of late 2005, and are subject to change without notice Also check and see if they still have the admission special where, for the same admission fee, you can visit both the Canadian War Museum and the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Museum of Civilization which is just a short distance away. For more information on-line, please visit the Canadian War Museum web site. To top
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