Base Borden Military Museum — Attraction in Essa

I recently had my first visit to the infamous Base Borden Military Museum. Infamous only to those of us who live so close to it, but I learned it does have some truth. Did you know that Camp Borden was the first training camp of its kind in Canada? Established in 1916, it continues today, over 100 years later, as a primary training facility. Located just west of Angus, ON, the drive is quite nice, with some lovely horizon views. The kids thought that as we entered a military base, there would be a guarded gate. When we could drive right in and head to the museum, they relaxed a bit. The history hits you as you make your way across the base. Several decommissioned tanks, trucks, and aircraft are on display and are quite a view and reminder of our military past. Just go straight until you see the sign directing you left to the museum. It's the building surrounded by even more numerous decommissioned vehicles. If you are a military or vehicle buff, you have plenty to see on the lawns itself, but I urge you to go when the museum building is open and look around inside. There is a donation box to the left as you enter the building, and no formal cost is charged to enter. If you can, please donate to furthering the function of this museum. I think it's an important facility for all Canadians to see and appreciate. The museum itself is not fancy (hence only 4 stars). It's lay out was not as I expected. But man, there are lots of vehicles, weapons, framed, and unframed pieces hung on the walls to look at and learn about. Literal "tons" of stuff to see! Sadly, the area that once allowed for vehicles to be accessed was not open when we went. If it is, or isn't, next time, though, I will be sure to take pictures to share!! My little guy so wanted to climb on each and every vehicle there. I hope he gets that chance in the...

I recently visited the Military Museum at Base Borden and had a wonderful experience. The museum boasts a vast collection of military vehicles and artifacts, with the main building housing an impressive array of vehicles and a side room containing one of the largest collections of firearms I've ever seen. The outdoor portion also features a huge amount of vehicles scattered all across the base, making for a fascinating exploration.

The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Their warm welcome added to the overall positive experience. The museum was super clean, including the restrooms. The base offers amenities like Tim Hortons and other dining options nearby.

Admission is free, with only a request to leave basic information at the front desk. The museum is best reached by car, located about 20 km from Barrie and an hour north of Toronto, with plenty of parking available. I believe the building is fully wheelchair accessible.

Overall, the sheer number of vehicles and artifacts made the drive thru Toronto/GTA traffic worth it. I highly recommend visiting the Military Museum at Base Borden for a...

A very large and impressive collection of military hardware, ranges from hundreds of small arms, an F5 fighter jet and a T55 you can climb into, dozens of old trucks, artillery and various other AFVs, they have dozens of very rare World War 1 and World War 2 tanks, (such as a Mark A Whippet, Sherman Flail, Churchill 1, M13 40, etc.) thousands of small artifacts (I was even told they have a complete SS office from Hitler’s bunker, but Is unfortunately out of bounds), and the museum buildings themselves are pre-World War 2 hangers which was the original home and birthplace of the Royal Canadian Tank Corps when it was first created in the 30s. The highlight from my experience is seeing their ongoing restoration of one of only 2 left in the world German “Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind”, anti aircraft tanks from World War 2, which they are restoring to full operational condition, and is open to the public every other weekend! Well worth the visit if you are...