Ontario has a top-secret underground bunker that was built in case of a nuclear attack from the 60’s and it’s now a museum. Here’s what to know about Diefenbunker.
The massive four story compound is located in the village of Carp, Ontario – just a short drive away from Ottawa, located at 3929 Carp Road.
According to the museum, it was commissioned by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker back in 1959. It was part of his government’s reaction to the escalating tensions in the Cold War.
“The purpose of the bunker was to house key members of the government and military in the event of a nuclear attack on Canada,” shares the museum.
“The bunker was designed and engineered by the Foundation Company of Canada, and the project was led by LCol Ed Churchill. The entire construction process took less than 18 months, and was the first recorded use of critical path construction methodology in Canada.”
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The bunker itself is 100,000 square feet over four levels and is made of 32,000 cubic yards of hand–poured concrete with 5,000 tons of steel.
It was built to withstand a five-megaton nuclear blast from 1.8 kilometers away, per the museum.
During its 32 years of use, it was also the base for the Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Carp, with about 100 to 150 people on staff.
“It was the site of some of Canada’s most top-secret communications throughout the Cold War,” states the museum.
“At all times during its operation, the cupboards and pantries were stocked with enough fresh food and rations to feed 535 people for 30 days, and the building was prepared to go into lockdown at any moment.”
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The Diefenbunker was decommissioned in 1994.
Now visitors are welcome to explore the museum from Wednesday to Sunday whether it be for guided tours, birthday parties or even its escape room.
Diefenbunker and escape room company, Escape Manor, have partnered to bring the world’s largest escape room to life.
The award-winning escape room is 25,000 square feet and spans an entire floor of the massive bunker.
It’s clearly never a dull moment.
It looks like you now have your next road trip adventure.
Diefenbunker
When: Wednesday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 3929 Carp Road, Ottawa, Ontario
Cost: Adult (18+): $18.50, Senior (60+): $17.00 and Student: $14.00
Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Netflix, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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