Page 12 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to Canada

10
CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM
A Double Dose of
Canadian Heritage
Discover the Canadian War Museum and
Canadian Museum of History—two must-visit
landmarks in the heart of Canada’s capital city.
BY FIONA TAPP
JOURNEY THROUGH
CANADA’S MILITARY
HISTORY
Located at LeBreton Flats,
the Canadian War Museum in
Ottawa reopened in 2005.
With its striking architecture and
immersive exhibits, it offers a
unique opportunity to explore
Canada’s military evolution,
from early wars to contemporary
peacekeeping efforts.
Uncover the stories of Canada’s past and
future at two world-class museums, each
offering a unique perspective on the nation’s
journey. From gripping stories of war and
remembrance to the unfolding narrative of
Canadian culture, see dynamic exhibitions
that offer new perspectives on the diverse
identities that define Canada today.
Located at LeBreton Flats, the Canadian
War Museum in Ottawa reopened in 2005.
With its striking architecture and
immersive exhibits, it offers a unique
opportunity to explore Canada’s military
evolution, from early wars to contemporary
peacekeeping efforts.
SYMBOLISM IN DESIGN
Designed by acclaimed architect Raymond
Moriyama, the Canadian War Museum’s
low-lying structure blends seamlessly into
the surrounding landscape. Its gently
sloping copper roof evokes the idea of
regeneration—an important theme
throughout the museum’s exhibits.
Inside, the museum’s centrepiece is
Moriyama Regeneration Hall. This soaring
atrium features angled views of the Peace
Tower on Parliament Hill, offering a quiet
place for reflection. Memorial Hall, another
striking feature, is dedicated to remem-
brance, providing a space where visitors
can pause and think about the ultimate
sacrifice made by those who served.
PERSONAL STORIES OF WAR
Inside the museum, you’ll find The
Canadian Experience Galleries which takes
visitors through Canada’s military history,
focusing on the human impact of war. Each
gallery is a journey through time, starting
with the wars of First Peoples and moving
through the world wars to Canada’s more
recent peacekeeping missions. The
exhibitions focus not just on the battles
fought but on the personal stories of those
who lived through them. For example, look
for a very special teddy bear given to a
soldier by his daughter before he left for
war. When he was killed at Passchendaele
in 1917, the bear was found in his pocket
and later donated to the Canadian War
Museum as a treasured artifact.
LAST VOICES OF THE SECOND
WORLD WAR
As part of the 80th anniversary of the end of
the conflict, Last Voices of the Second World
War, will be on display from May through
December, giving a voice to some of the last
surviving veterans. Through interviews,
photographs, and personal mementos, the
exhibit explores the veterans’ journeys after
the war including how they rebuilt their
lives, the struggles they faced, and the ways
in which they’ve shared their stories over
the decades.
If you’re planning a road trip or visiting
Ottawa, make sure the Canadian War
Museum is on your list. You’ll leave with a
deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made
by so many and the enduring power of
remembrance (www.warmuseum.ca).