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The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history and one of the world’s most respected museums for the study and understanding of armed conflict.

The Museum traces its origins back to 1880, when it consisted primarily of a collection of militia artifacts. The Museum opened at its new location on the LeBreton Flats site in downtown Ottawa on May 8, 2005. Its opening not only marked the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe (V-E Day) but also the 125th anniversary of the Museum itself. Since its opening in 2005, the Museum has welcomed approximately 500,000 visitors every year.

Including and welcoming people with disabilities in all aspects of our organization is a top priority for the Museums. We are committed to improving accessibility by implementing this accessibility plan over the next three years. We are also dedicated to continuing the work of examining our practices, policies and operations to find and address barriers to accessibility. We understand that accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are committed to engaging in that process through consultations with people with disabilities.

Dedicated to the education, preservation and remembrance of Canada’s military history, the Canadian War Museum also demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability. The Museum’s architectural theme, as reflected in its design, is regeneration:

While nature may be ravaged by human acts of war, it inevitably survives, regenerates and renews itself.
— Raymond Moriyama, architect

By fully integrating this theme into the building and landscape architecture through energy-efficient features, the use of recycled materials and a green roof, the Museum recognizes the harsh reality of war, yet offers hope that, like the regenerating landscape, Canadians will inherit a future free from conflict.

The Canadian Museum of History is a Crown corporation as defined and established by the Museums Act. The corporation oversees the operation of three museums: the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum and the Virtual Museum of New France. The corporation’s overall mandate is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of events, experiences, people and objects that reflect and have shaped Canada’s history and identity, and also to enhance their awareness of world history and cultures.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 2023–2029
Our Strategic Directions for 2023–2029

• Foster an innovative workforce culture that promotes equity, respect and a sense of belonging
• Engage people from across Canada in diverse histories and stories
• Advance reconciliation and strengthen our commitment to recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Build organizational resilience through sustainable practices
• Leverage technology to drive innovation and deepen access to Museum activities

These five directions are intended to help us better focus, re-energize and reinforce who we aspire to be as an organization moving forward.

The Museum offers a fully automated, fast, and easy-to-use parking system. Please note that the parking garage is reserved for Museum visitors.

• Parking is open from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm
• Rate: $2.75 per half hour
• Daily maximum rate: $13

Prices are subject to change for special events and festivals.

Q. How can I pay for parking?
A: You have two payment options:
Pay before you leave, at the pay stations inside the Museum:

• Insert your ticket in the slot and your fee will be calculated. Pay by cash, debit, credit or mobile.*
• Your ticket will be validated as paid.
• Keep your ticket and insert it in the automated exit terminal.

Pay at the contactless automated exit terminal:

• Proceed directly to the exit.
• Insert your ticket in the exit terminal.
• Pay by debit, credit or mobile.*

Q. How do I use the parking system?
A. Please follow these steps:

1. When you enter the parking, wave your hand in front of the contactless button on the terminal to get a ticket (or press the button). Bring your parking ticket with you into the Museum.
2. When you’re ready to leave, you can pay for your parking at one of the pay stations located inside the Museum (by cash, debit, credit or mobile).
3. Keep your validated ticket. The pay station will give change in cash and issue a receipt.
4. Go to your car and proceed to the parking exit. At the automated exit terminal, insert your validated ticket and the gate will open.
5. You can also use our contactless automated exit terminal and pay by debit, credit or mobile.*

Q. Where are the pay stations?
A. There are three pay stations inside the Museum: one at the P1 parking level and two at the P2 parking level.

Q. What happens if I forget to pay for parking at the pay station inside the Museum?
A. You can pay for your parking at the contactless automated exit terminal (by debit, credit or mobile).* The terminal will issue a receipt.

Q. If I have a problem when I pay at one of the pay stations or terminals, where can I get assistance?
A. All of our pay stations and terminals are equipped with a HELP button. Simply push the button and an attendant will assist you.

Q. Is it secure to use my credit card at the pay stations or exit terminals?
A. Yes. All of our pay stations and exit terminals are secure and compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.

Q. What do I do if I lose my ticket?
A. If you lose your ticket, press the button marked LOST TICKET at the pay station. A new ticket will be issued. The maximum daily rate will apply.

Q. Is the Museum parking facility accessible to people with disabilities?
A. Yes. Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities are located on the P1 level.

*The machine accepts debit, Interac Flash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPass, payWave, and mobile payment applications such as Apple Pay.

• Public washrooms are available. Changing tables and a nursing room are available. Drinking fountains are available throughout the Museum, but please fill your water bottle rather than drinking directly from the fountain.

• Diaper-changing tables are available in all Museum public washrooms. Nursing is welcome at all locations in the Museum. A private nursing room is located on the first level; please speak with a Visitor Services representative.

• The Museum’s Coat Check is complimentary and available during Museum hours. Lockers are also available on the P1 level.

• Courtesy strollers and wheelchairs are available. Please inquire at the Information desk.

Although we encourage all visitors to leave any non-essential items at home, we realize that some personal items may be necessary.

• Large bags, backpacks, and full-length umbrellas must be left at the Coat Check. Diaper bags may be carried with you.
• Conventional strollers are allowed, although we ask that oversize strollers, wagons, and backpack-style carriers be left at home or in your vehicle.