The bunker was built to withstand a 5-megaton nuclear blast from 1.8 kilometers away.
It was constructed in total secrecy under the code name 'Project EIG' (Emergency Interim Government).
The facility was designed to house 535 government officials for up to 30 days without external supplies.
The vault for the Bank of Canada's gold reserves was built to hold millions of dollars in gold bars.
The site contains an underground CBC studio intended for wartime radio broadcasts to the Canadian public.
A specialized decontamination tunnel serves as the primary entrance to prevent radioactive material from entering the bunker.
The bunker was equipped with a sophisticated air filtration system designed to scrub radioactive fallout particles.
The Diefenbunker is a four-story, 100,000-square-foot underground facility designed in 1959 to protect the Canadian government during a nuclear attack. Located in Carp, Ontario, it was officially known as the Emergency Government Headquarters until its decommissioning in 1994. The structure features a 350-ton blast door, a decontamination shower room, and an authentic Prime Minister’s suite. Visitors explore the bunker through a self-guided route that includes original telecommunications equipment, the CBC broadcasting studio, and the vault where Canada's gold reserves were stored. The museum currently operates as a National Historic Site of Canada, preserving Cold War-era artifacts and military archives. The facility remains climate-controlled year-round despite its subterranean depth.
The massive, circular 350-ton blast door at the entrance.
Bring a light sweater or jacket as the underground temperature remains cool regardless of the season.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes to navigate the metal stairs and long concrete corridors.
Check the official website in advance to see if any temporary exhibit closures are in effect.
Rushing through the corridors; the depth of the historical artifacts requires time to read the accompanying documentation.
Open daily, but occasionally closed for private events or maintenance; always verify availability on the official website before traveling.
Maintain a respectful tone in the preserved living and communications quarters.
