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National War Memorial

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National War Memorial
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The granite arch, bronze figures and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier form Canada's national place of military remembrance.

Guide's tip. Pause before photographing. The figures emerge through the arch while the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier brings public ceremony down to one grave. Guard and remembrance ceremonies may affect the approach, and this remains a place for quiet conduct. The final 0.93-mile leg stays green but is the longest of the day; continue south to the Canadian Museum of Nature or take transit if you are tired.

On a walking tour. Stop 9 of 10 on the walking tour Ottawa, river, Parliament and national museums, every stop on a map in walking order.

about 30 min for a visit

The story

The National War Memorial centers on a granite arch through which bronze figures move forward carrying military equipment. First dedicated in 1939, it became a broader national memorial to Canadians who served in later conflicts. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in 2000 and brings public remembrance down to one unidentified person.\n\nThe site changes during guard ceremonies, Remembrance Day and other official events. Those moments can deepen the visit, but they also require visitors to follow barriers, instructions and quiet conduct.\n\nPause before taking photographs and allow room around the tomb. Read the inscriptions and figures as choices about public memory, then compare them with the personal stories encountered at the Canadian War Museum. The outdoor memorial has no museum-style closing time, but security and ceremonies may alter access.

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