Sight guide · Ottawa · Canada
Visiting National War Memorial and Confederation Square
The granite arch and bronze figures of The Response stand in Confederation Square, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at their base.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jcart1534, Public domain
Quick answer
National War Memorial and Confederation Square is a landmark in Downtown and Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Allow 20–30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- Downtown and Parliament Hill
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history and free
- Best months
- February and September–October
About National War Memorial and Confederation Square
The granite arch and bronze figures of The Response stand in Confederation Square, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at their base. Ceremonial sentries guard the memorial in summer, and it is the focus of national Remembrance Day ceremonies on 11 November.
Tip: Watch the sentry change on the hour in summer, a short walk from the Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 20–30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Downtown and Parliament Hill, government buildings, hotels and the Sparks Street pedestrian mall.
Best time to visit National War Memorial and Confederation Square
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- February: -4°C (25°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- September: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Ottawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Ottawa itinerary visits National War Memorial and Confederation Square on day 1, together with Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks and ByWard Market.
- No. 6 of the 18 sights in our Ottawa things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Ottawa.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Ottawa.
Near National War Memorial and Confederation Square
Also in Downtown and Parliament Hill, so you can walk between them:
- Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks — 1–2 hours, free
- Parliament Hill — 1.5–2 hours with a tour, free
If you like National War Memorial and Confederation Square
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica — ByWard Market and Lowertown, 30 minutes
- Rideau Hall — New Edinburgh, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near National War Memorial and Confederation Square
Stay in Downtown and Parliament Hill ($$$) to walk here: government buildings, hotels and the Sparks Street pedestrian mall. All areas to stay in Ottawa.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at National War Memorial and Confederation Square?
Plan 20–30 minutes. With Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks nearby, it fits a half-day in Downtown and Parliament Hill.
+Is National War Memorial and Confederation Square free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit National War Memorial and Confederation Square?
February and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Watch the sentry change on the hour in summer, a short walk from the Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill.
+Do I need to book National War Memorial and Confederation Square in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.