The Military Museums — Attraction in Calgary

Visiting The Military Museums in Calgary was an incredibly meaningful and emotional experience for me, as someone who comes from a long line of military veterans. This place isn’t just a museum—it’s a tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of countless individuals who have served to protect and shape our nation. Walking through its exhibits, I felt a profound connection to my own family’s history and a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the generations of service that have come before me.

The museum is immaculately curated, offering a comprehensive and immersive look into Canada’s military history. From the early conflicts to the World Wars, through to modern-day peacekeeping missions, every exhibit tells a powerful story. The artifacts, ranging from uniforms and weaponry to personal letters and photographs, bring to life the human element of military service. I found myself reflecting on the parallels between the stories told here and the experiences my family has shared over the years.

One of the most moving sections for me was the exhibit on World War II, particularly the displays honoring Canadian soldiers who served overseas. Seeing the relics and reading the personal accounts was a humbling reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, including those in my own family. I also found the sections dedicated to peacekeeping and modern military missions incredibly inspiring, showcasing not just the hardships but the hope and resilience that define Canada’s role on the global stage.

The museum’s layout is thoughtful and engaging, guiding visitors through various aspects of military history without overwhelming them. The interactive exhibits, such as the recreated trenches and naval displays, were particularly impactful. They allowed me to better understand the environments in which soldiers, including those in my family, had to endure. It was both sobering and enlightening to see these aspects of military life up close.

The staff and volunteers at The Military Museums were wonderful—knowledgeable, approachable, and clearly passionate about preserving and sharing this history. They took the time to answer my questions and share additional stories about some of the artifacts, which added even more depth to my visit.

What struck me most was how the museum balances honoring the past while educating visitors about the importance of peace, understanding, and global responsibility. It’s not just about showcasing war—it’s about remembering the sacrifices and learning from history to create a better future.

Tips for Visitors: • Take your time—there’s so much to absorb, and every display is worth lingering over. • Don’t miss the outdoor monuments and memorials—they add another layer of reflection and meaning. • If you have a personal connection to military service, bring a notebook to jot down thoughts or reflections—it’s an experience that stays with you.

For me, visiting The Military Museums was more than just a day of learning—it was a personal journey that brought me closer to my family’s legacy and gave me a deeper appreciation for those who have served. I left feeling profoundly moved and grateful, carrying a renewed sense of pride in my heritage. This is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in military history, but especially for those with personal ties to Canada’s armed forces. It’s an experience I will...

The name of the place does allude to the fact that this is several separate museums all in one facility. It can be a bit frustrating to try to teach history to children as each gallery has its own full history and it repeats in each one, but I'd recommend starting in the PPCLI for a really good holistic story of time, and then elaborate on what fits in when as you go through the others. The exhibits themselves are absolutely stunning. I have had the opportunity to see many museums across Canada and the USA and the depictions and interactive displays here are so well done and well-maintained I was floored. GREAT use of mirrors to expand spaces, the periscopes were a treat and such smooth bearings, the scenes from full size mannequins to scale model battlefields so good to show you what it was like. The immersive areas truly immerse you, in trenches, in POW shacks, in barracks. The Founders Gallery was neat for a museum nerd, to walk in and feel the climate and humidity control, you know what's in it is precious. Finding a whole gymnasium space of propaganda was eerie given current times! Having washrooms in two spaces was nice, we didn't have to return to the beginning to relieve ourselves, and the break room/snack room was an absolute treat to find as a family. Ample space to bring out the lunch we packed guilt-free. Drinks, snacks, and small meals clearly laid out for purchase nearby if needed. Lots of toys for kids to play - dress up, Lego, K'Nex, and small world play, as well as coloring and puzzle pages. At several places we met docents/volunteers who were all eager to share their knowledge. It was a treat getting more in-depth tours and tips about other galleries as well.

It's a traveling exhibit, but my little loved the code breaking in the Naval Museum, and I loved being able to see an Enigma machine and the visual to see how it actually coded...

I took my 2 and 4-year-old sons here for a couple hours on a Wednesday morning. Like most boys, they like tanks and planes and guns, so I thought they'd have fun in this museum.

The staff was welcoming, waving us over as soon as we walked in the door. He gave me a map and a brief explanation of the exhibits so we headed straight over to the large hangar with the Navy exhibit. The boys had a wonderful time wandering around and pointing out all the cool things. Even though there were signs saying "please don't touch the exhibits," it was enjoyable to be in a museum where I wasn't worried about them breaking anything if they did touch!

I spent a lot of time talking to the volunteer in the Navy exhibit, David E. He was absolutely wonderful. Friendly and willing to talk as long as I was interested. He had some great stories to tell, and interesting facts about the exhibits. Though I came for my boys, I ended up having a great time thanks to this volunteer.

Once we were done the Navy exhibit, we stopped in the lunchroom for a snack. There are quite a few tables, including some small ones with little chairs! Vending machines provide quick snacks, though we brought our own.

Afterward, we wandered through one more gallery before the boys were tired and it was time to go. But I'd seen enough of the museum that I felt like I got my...