Commissioned by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, 100,000 square feet of Ontario countryside was excavated to make room for a 4-story deep underground nuclear fortress, using 5000 tons of steel and 32,000 cubic yards of concrete. Today, the Diefenbunker is a fascinating Cold War museum, anyone can enter the 378-ft blast tunnel, cross through intimidating 14-inch thick bank vault doors, and explore the fully equipped world below.
Length of Trip : Half day
Cost : Click here for the latest prices and admission hours.
Best time to go : Any time of year
Wheelchair friendly : Yes
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : The Swan Restaurant & Pastry Ph: 613-839-7926
Official Site : The Diefenbunker Ph: 613-839-0007 Toll Free 1-800-409-1965
Getting There : Take 417 West to the Carp Road Exit, number 144. Turn right (north) onto Carp Road, and drive 8 – 10 minutes to the village of Carp. Continue straight through the four way stop at the middle of the town. Continue up the hill, past the fairgrounds until the village appears to come to an end. On the left (west) side of the road you will see a large billboard sign for the Diefenbunker at 3911 Carp Road – turn left at this sign and continue down the access road to the South parking lot located on the left. Once you have parked, walk to the Guard House (the small building opposite the library, on the West side of the road) to start your tour.
Note from Robin : Well worth taking a guided tour, which take on the hour between 11am and 2pm during the summer months, and at 11am and 2pm Monday to Friday during the rest of the year (with an extra tour at 1pm on weekends). Tours take place on public holidays save for Christmas and New Years Day, when the museum is closed.