Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is an impressive structure that houses a fascinating collection. Sharply-angled concrete walls convey a sense of disquiet that suits the contents on display. Those contents trace the history of warfare from the Canadian perspective. Indigenous wars, colonial conflicts, and Canada's early wars are documented. Both World Wars feature prominently. Artifacts of the Cold War years and Canada's peacekeeping efforts are also included. Complimenting the reminders of death are Walter Allward’s life-sized plaster maquettes. These were models for the figures adorning the Vimy Memorial in France. Each represents concepts such as honour, justice, and truth. I visited the museum with a friend as winter was drawing to a close. We spent the day exploring with our cameras. The maquettes and the museum's collection of military equipment were especially fertile subjects.