The National War Memorial

Yes. The memorial is an outdoor monument in Confederation Square and is accessible at all hours, every day of the year. It is illuminated at night, which creates a particularly moving atmosphere after dark.

During summer months (typically late June through late August), sentries from the Canadian Armed Forces stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 10:00 AM and is free to observe.

The World Exchange Plaza parking garage on Queen Street is the nearest option, about a 3-minute walk. Metered street parking is available on Elgin Street and along Sparks Street. The memorial is also a short walk from the Rideau Centre.

The memorial sits between Parliament Hill (2-minute walk), the Rideau Canal locks (5-minute walk), and the ByWard Market (7-minute walk). The National Arts Centre and Sparks Street pedestrian mall are also within a block. You could easily spend a full morning exploring this area on foot.

The National War Memorial is approximately 20 minutes by car from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn, which is 7 minutes from the terminal, take the Airport Parkway north to Elgin Street. The memorial stands at the junction of Elgin and Wellington Streets in Confederation Square.