Canadian War Museum, Ottawa (must see)

The Canadian War Museum is a national museum that documents Canada’s military history and its influence on the nation. The museum's exceptional exhibitions tell about Canada’s rich military past, spanning a period from centuries ago to the present day. Among other exhibits presented here are personal accounts of people who took part in action as well as those who waited for them back home, outlining Canada’s engagement in various wars, peacekeeping missions and other military conflicts.

Originated in 1880, the museum houses a collection of military artifacts in the possession of the Canadian federal government. The Canadian War Museum was officially established in 1942. It has its own modern conservation laboratories and storage facilities to preserve, repair and store the items of historical importance.

The Canadian War Museum has a vast permanent exhibition comprising several galleries and a number of smaller display spaces. Its four main exhibitions include “Battleground” which covers the pre-Confederation period covering military confrontation with Natives, the conflicts between the British and the French, and those between the British and the Americans; “For Crown and Country” deals with Canada’s early days wars up until 1931; “Forged in Fire” is dedicated to the Second World War and Canadian involvement therein; and “A Violent Peace” which covers the post World War Two period, including the Korean War, the Cold War, and recent peacekeeping operations.

For those interested in arms, LeBreton Gallery is a definite must-see, featuring a Voodoo jet, tanks, artillery, and a wide range of military vehicles. The Canadian War Museum also includes over 13,000 works of art from World War I to the present day. There is a boutique at the Museum which offers a variety of souvenirs and gift items for all tastes and budgets.

The museum also houses a Memorial Hall that contains the headstone of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War. On Remembrance Day, which falls on 11th November each year, the headstone is directly lit by the sun at 11 a.m.

In 2005, the museum was moved to its current location. Acknowledged for its modern architectural design, the building has won several awards. The Canadian War Museum is a completely new attraction and the one you must not skip on your trip to Ottawa.

Why You Should Visit:
Full of personal accounts and descriptions of various wars and battles. Overall, a more adult-oriented museum, but if you do have kids, you can walk through with them and have them try the more interactive and "reconstruction"-type sites to keep them amused.

Tip:
If you're not sure this is for you try visiting for free from 5-8 pm on a Thursday, but it won't be enough time!
The museum has a very good cafeteria-style restaurant and in good weather, you can picnic outside on the beautiful grounds that overlook the Ottawa river.
And if the weather is decent, be sure to make the trek to the lookout on the green roof.