Categories: Things To Do

Ontario has a massive underground 4-level bunker you can explore

Photo via jrtwynam / Shutterstock

History buffs, if you love a good deep-dive into the past, we’ve got a question for you — is four storeys underground deep enough for you? Get ready to descend into history at Diefenbunker, a fascinating relic of Ontario’s past.

Located 75 feet underground, this Cold War museum is a massive four-level underground bunker, built between 1959 and 1961.

This mind-blowing structure was once top secret, designed to withstand nuclear attacks.

“During the Cold War, top officials were to take shelter here in the event of a nuclear war. It was active as Canadian Forces Station Carp until 1994,” says the museum’s website.

“When you visit the Diefenbunker, you are stepping into history — we are Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact and stand as a testament to the important role that Canada played during a critical period in recent world history.”

When you arrive, you’ll get an inside look at the operations of this Cold War-era structure.

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That includes “recreated government work spaces, living quarters, and cryptographic areas, filled with vintage maps, old telephones and early computers,” says Ottawa Tourism.

Among the highlights are the Prime Minister’s Suite, the War Cabinet, and the Bank of Canada Vault.

Today, it’s a non-profit National Historic Site with award-winning tours and programs.

It even has a Spy Camp for kids and a thrilling Escape Room!

The popular experience runs Thursday through Sunday evenings and takes place over an entire 25,000-square-foot floor of the underground bunker.

If this sounds like an experience you can’t miss out on, you’ll have to make your way to the Ottawa area to check it out.

We’d say that this one-of-a-kind experience is well worth the road trip!