Diefenbunker

The Diefenbunker is Canada's Cold War Museum and is one of the most exceptional museums in Ottawa. It is located 30 minutes west of Ottawa and is well worth the drive.

Have you ever been in a bunker before? What makes this one unique is that it is a nuclear bunker that was built under the ground between 1959-1961. It is over 100,000 square feet and is four stories.

Why was it build you ask? It was built secretly for a safe place for government and military personnel to go if there ever was a nuclear attack. Some of the areas you would see on your tour include the Prime Minister's Suite, the CBC radio station, the Bank of Canada vault and the living quarters.

Here is some important information about the Diefenbunker:

• Address: 3911 Carp Road
• Telephone: 613-839-0007 or 1-800-409-1965
• Tours run daily
• Winter tours (until the end of June) are Monday to Friday at 2:00pm and Saturday & Sunday at 11:00am, 1:00pm & 2:00pm
• Summer tours (dates to be announced in 2008) are every hour between 11:00m – 3:00pm (a french tour is offered at 1:00pm)
• An Evening Tour is offered on Tuesday nights at 7:00pm
• Admission is:
  • Adults - $14.00
  • Seniors - $12.50
  • Post Secondary Students - $12.50
  • Students (6-17) - $6.00
  • Children under 5 are free
• Tours run for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours
• Parking is free

The Diefenbunker offers a wide range of activities and events throughout the year. Here are some that may be of interest to you, your family or your school:

• Film Club – movies are shown on a monthly basis 60 feet underground
• Speaker Series – guest speakers available a few months of the year
• Spy Camp – for children aged 7-10
• Midnight Diefenbunker
• Bunker Back Roads - a tour for those who have already done the regular tour and want to go off the beaten path
• Halloween celebrations

There are also special exhibits displayed throughout the year that you may find interesting. Make sure to call ahead or visit their website (www.diefenbunker.ca) for more information.

Enjoy your tour of this amazing museum. Make sure to bring a light sweater or jacket because it can get pretty cool down there!

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