What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 3pm Sunday 10am - 3pm

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Name: Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
Address: 3929 Carp Road, Ottawa, ON, K0A1L0, CA
Telephone: 613-839-0007
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

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Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Ottawa’s immersive history destination. Descend into history, 75 feet underground.
(804)

📍Ottawa’s immersive history destination.
☢️ A four-storey underground Cold War communications HQ,
🏛 Now a one-of-a-kind museum & national historic site.
The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact — it is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any mom

ent in case of a nuclear attack. Today, it is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site, telling stories of national and international importance. Through award-winning exhibitions, tours, programs, events, and escape rooms, the museum offers an important platform to spark meaningful conversations, collaborations, and connections in response to our changing world. Located in Canada’s capital, the Diefenbunker is preserving important Canadian Cold War stories and artifacts, and welcoming visitors from all around the world. Guided Tours | Exhibitions | Escape Rooms | Educational Programs | Spy Camp | Birthday Parties | Rentals

Stay up to date with news from underground by signing up for our monthly e-Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ha3HnX

08/31/2026

How did Canada gather intelligence during the early Cold War?

Join us on September 24 for our next Cold War Speaker Series lecture with Dr. Timothy Andrews Sayle.

Dr. Sayle will unpack the history explored in his new book, "The Next War: Indications Intelligence in the Early Cold War," examining how Canada and its allies developed intelligence networks to identify signs that the Cold War could turn into a hot war. Drawing on recently declassified documents, he explores the decisions, debates, and relationships that shaped this work.

The evening includes a presentation followed by an audience Q&A.

📅 Thursday, September 24
🕖 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. ET
💻 Zoom
🎟️ Free

Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

Register now: diefenbunker.ca/events/speaker-series-sept-2026/

08/28/2026

🕵️ That's a wrap on Spy Camp 2026!

For nine weeks this summer, young secret agents took over the Diefenbunker for looking for clues and solving puzzles.

These agents put their observation skills to the test as they worked together to track down the nefarious Agent X. And, every week, they managed to catch them! 🔎

There was also time for a few very important ice cream missions. 🍦

Thanks to all the campers and Counsellors-in-Training who joined us for Spy Camp this summer!

08/27/2026

The sun is setting on summer, and our hours are shifting. 🍂

Starting Monday, August 31, the Diefenbunker returns to its fall and winter schedule, open Wednesday to Sunday:

Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed

This fall, continue to join us for our new Extended Experience guided tours, featuring an in-depth look at the Diefenbunker and personal stories from our guides about their lived experiences during the Cold War. Spots can fill quickly, so book your tickets in advance!

Escape the Diefenbunker also returns to its regular fall schedule, with evening experiences Thursday to Sunday, plus daytime options on weekends.

Plan your visit: diefenbunker.ca/plan-your-visit/

08/25/2026

It’s almost time for a rematch!

Join us Saturday, August 29 for Game Night in the Bunker, an evening of strategy, teamwork, rivalry, and fun.

📅 Saturday, August 29 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Challenge your friends with classics like Clue, Risk, Monopoly, and Settlers of Catan, or BYOBG (Bring Your Own Board Game) and share your favourite with the group.

Snacks? ✅ Drinks? ✅ Bar service and snacks will be available on site all evening.

⏰ Don’t wait to get your tickets: diefenbunker.ca/events/game-night-august/

08/24/2026

Reminder: Time is running out to vote!

Help champion the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum in Attractions Ontario’s Ontario Choice Awards! 🏆

We’re nominated in the Top Museum, Art Gallery, Historic Site category, and you can vote every day until September 6.

VOTE NOW: https://attractionsontario.ca/top-museum-art-gallery-historic-site/

Thank you for helping us spread the word and show your support! ❤️

08/23/2026

Look closer. 🔍 There’s more to discover above ground. 🌿

Our Interpretive Trail takes you along the Diefenbunker hillside, where you can learn about the the operations of the bunker beneath your feet, while taking in views of the Carp River and nearby farmland.

Keep your eyes and ears open along the way. The grounds are home to all kinds of wildlife, from wildflowers and insects, to frogs, toads, and birds. 🐸

Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or curious about the wildlife around you, apps like iNaturalist and Merlin can help you identify what you spot.

🍃 Can you identify any of the plants or wildlife we spotted? Let us know in the comments!

Take your time and see what you can discover along the trail. Plan your visit: diefenbunker.ca/plan-your-visit/

08/22/2026

We'll just leave this here . . .

It's International Museum Meme Day and we’re using our favourite meme format featuring Ottawa legend, Smudge. 🐈

08/21/2026

As Capital Pride • Fierté dans la Capitale kicks off this Saturday, we’re celebrating the 2SLGBTQI+ community and the people who continue to make our city a more inclusive place.

We’re proud to be a Rainbow Registered organization, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming museum for our staff, volunteers, and visitors.

That commitment to inclusion also extends to the stories we tell. Earlier this month, our Cold War Speaker Series explored Canada’s LGBT Purge, an important part of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ history.

Want to learn more? Read our blog post for a recap of the event and watch the full presentation: https://diefenbunker.ca/blog/2026-cold-war-speaker-series-canadas-lgbt-purge/

This Pride, we’re proud to celebrate with our community, acknowledge the past, and help build a more inclusive future.

Happy Ottawa Capital Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

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08/19/2026

Want to volunteer at the Diefenbunker?

We’re currently seeking:

🔹 VR Docent Volunteers: Help visitors with our immersive VR experience. An ideal position for someone who is friendly, attentive, and enjoys interacting with visitors of all ages and abilities. Comfortability working with technology is valuable.

🔹 Museum Housekeeping Volunteers: Help keep our exhibits and public spaces clean and welcoming. An ideal position for a detail-oriented and organized individual who takes pride making spaces look their best.

We’d love to have you on the team! Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

Learn more about our volunteer program and apply: https://diefenbunker.ca/volunteer/

Address

3929 Carp Road
Ottawa, ON
K0A1L0

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm
Sunday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

613-839-0007

Website

http://www.diefenbunker.ca/

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