Canadian War Museum, Ottawa

They have a whole room with just tanks. TANKS!!!! There is also an Enigma machine there. I could stay there all day but just to walk through and see everything is just about 2hrs max. That's why they have those coin operated parking at the front of the entrance. However the cafeteria for breakfast/lunch was the best deal. I mean I went there for breakfast even though I wasn't visiting the museum. It was good.

The museum is a beautiful collection of history, machinery and Canadian humanity. Yes it is was wonderful but in the same foot note it is heart-wrenching and filled with the gruesome reminders of what civilization must participate in. In closing yes the collections were beautiful and educational but many of the interactive exhibits were malfunctioning. The displays were all extremely dated and directed towards a dwindling demographic. I recommend they update the way museums engage the attendees.

I went on a trip to Ottawa with my husband and thought "Canadian War Museum" sounded like a nice place to check out. We didn't know what to expect when we came in. It was fascinating. The way things are presented, in chronological order, makes you see the way warfare has evolved over the years. From tomahawks to tanks, submarines and planes. There are many many real life guns, tanks, anti-air flak cannons, etc. I recommend this museum to anybody. It was truly a unique experience.

The tactful nature of this museum is really what puts it over the top. Everythign is clean and polished and in working order - there is a tangible sense of respect by all the employees and guides. We bought tickets in advance, not realizing that CF members got in free, but it was easily worth the $13. I had been through once before back in Basic, and not much had changed since then other than an exhibit on Flanders and fighting in Belgium. Having the synthesized smells of chlorine and mustard gas really made the exhibit hit home. All in all the museum does a great job walking visitors through Canada's military history and our part on the global stage. It would have been great to see a little more emphasis on the culture and traditions of the CF as they stand today...regimental histories, etc. But with the space they have, they do an excellent job.

Went with little ones (aged 1, 3, 5) and we all loved it. The exhibits on WWI and WWII are great very instructive. As long as parents explain things well, children should not get scared (i.e. I think it's appropriate for all ages). Oh, and go to the tanks room last, if not it will be hard to get kids out of there to see the rest!