Homepage Image 1 the Canadian Centre for the Great War

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Experience Canada’s First World War history like never before

Currently on display

The Way Back

1936 Vimy Pilgrimage

In 1936, thousands of Canadians journeyed to France for the unveiling of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Come experience this defining pilgrimage that forever changed Canadian collective memory.

Tickets

2026 Calendar

April 9th - November 10th
Tour Season

Open: Friday - Saturday, 11 AM3:30 PM
Buy your tickets ahead of time or at the door

January 5th - April 8th
Winter Season

Tours by appointment only
Email us at info@greatwarcentre.com to make an appointment
Availabilities: Mon–Thurs, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM

December 19th - January 3rd
Closed

For winter holidays

Our Visitor Experience

Visit the Canadian Centre for the Great War, nestled in the historic Maison Louis-Joseph Forget in downtown Montreal. Book a visit with an experienced member of our team and explore Canada’s First World War legacy in a unique heritage setting.

Encounter a rich array of First World War artifacts, both in our exhibition space and our open reserve—a collection storage area where visitors are granted up-close access to our artifacts.

What to expect

Visitor Experience

Enjoy an immersive visit at the Canadian Centre for the Great War. On the main floor, you’ll discover the Centre's exhibition space. Here, our curated displays reveal stories of Canada’s First World War legacy through a range of artifacts—from equipment and gear to rare photographs and keepsakes.
Visit the Canadian Centre for the Great War
But the experience doesn’t stop there. You’ll also get to explore our open reserve—a behind-the-scenes experience offering exclusive access to our collection storage. This is an opportunity to view stored artifacts not typically available to the public in traditional museum settings, including personal photographs, uniforms, memorial plaques, and other objects that provide intimate insights into the lives of Canadians during the war.
The Canadian Centre for the Great War (CCGW)

Along the way our team will share with you their expertise on conservation, the history behind each item, and the ways we preserve these pieces for future generations. This is not just a visit—it’s an opportunity to connect with the past, see history through the eyes of those who lived it, and ask questions directly to the experts.

At the end of your tour, we invite you to browse our merchandise and complete a short survey to share your thoughts on the experience.

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Book your visit today and uncover Montreal's hidden gem. Experience history in an unparalleled way—only here at the Canadian Centre for the Great War.
Book your visit
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Visitor Testimonials

"The Canadian Centre for the Great War provides an excellent one-on-one tour by both knowledgeable and friendly staff members. I highly recommend anyone in the Montreal area to pay a visit to see this First World War collection of artefacts."

12th July, 2025

"Wonderful museum. They spent a lot of time one-on-one with my ten-year-old nephew. Highly recommended."

23rd June, 2025

"Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, and helpful. He gave us a tour we won't forget."

24th July, 2025

"Sobering and charming ... such simple lives made real and strong in the face of extraordinary adversity. With so many wars and social conflicts abounding, it is an opportunity for Montrealers to recognise their complex and brave history."

21st September, 2025

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