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Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Remembrance

Honoring Canada's fallen heroes, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of remembrance and sacrifice in the heart of Ottawa.

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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa is a poignant monument honoring Canadian service members who died in war. It holds the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from World War I, repatriated from France in 2000. The tomb serves as a focal point for national remembrance and is a powerful symbol of sacrifice.

A brief summary to Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

  • 53 Elgin St, Ottawa, Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ontario, CA
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Local tips

  • Visit during the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill (late June to late August) for a moving display of Canadian military tradition.
  • Attend the Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11 to witness a national commemoration.
  • Take time to explore nearby attractions such as Parliament Hill, the Canadian War Museum, and the Rideau Canal.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is easily accessible by Ottawa's public transportation system (OC Transpo). Several bus routes stop near Confederation Square. From downtown Ottawa, take bus routes 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, or 15 to the Elgin / Queen stop, a 2-minute walk to the tomb. A single fare is approximately $3.70 CAD.

  • Walking

    The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located in downtown Ottawa, making it easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From Parliament Hill, walk east along Wellington Street to Confederation Square. The tomb is located in front of the National War Memorial. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Ottawa. A taxi ride from downtown Ottawa to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier typically costs between $9 and $13 CAD. Several taxi companies operate in Ottawa, including West-Way Taxi, City Cab Ottawa, and Capital Taxi.

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Discover more about Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Located in Confederation Square in Ottawa, in front of the National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol of Canadian remembrance. It honors the approximately 116,000 Canadians who have died in conflicts, particularly those with no known grave. The Unknown Soldier was selected from among 1,603 unidentified Canadian soldiers buried near Vimy Ridge, the site of a significant World War I battle where all four Canadian divisions fought together. The soldier's remains were exhumed from the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in France and brought to Canada in May 2000. The tomb is made of Caledonia granite and adorned with bronze elements. The design reflects themes from the Vimy Memorial. The bronze relief sculpture includes a helmet, sword, and maple and laurel leaves. The laurel leaves symbolize both victory and death. The four corner pieces feature replicas of the Memorial Cross and a poppy, representing past and future conflicts. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has become a central point for commemorative events at the National War Memorial. A tradition began spontaneously after the tomb's installation, with attendees placing poppies on the tomb. This has expanded to include flowers, photos, and letters. Sentries from the Canadian Armed Forces guard the tomb from April to November.

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