Heritage & monuments
National Holocaust Monument
About the Monument
The National Holocaust Monument is an outdoor memorial designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. Located across from the Canadian War Museum, it provides a quiet space to reflect on the history of the Holocaust. The geometric concrete architecture creates distinct triangular spaces, walkways, and viewing areas for personal contemplation.
Getting There
The site is situated roughly 1.5 km west of Parliament Hill. Walking from central Ottawa along Wellington Street takes around 20 minutes. Public transit and local cycling paths also reach the area in under 10 minutes from the city centre.
How Much Time to Allow
Plan for 20 to 40 minutes. As an open-air architectural monument rather than an indoor museum, this provides sufficient time to walk through the pathways, view the concrete walls, and read the informative panels.
When to Visit
Daylight hours from spring through autumn provide the easiest access. Winters in Ottawa bring heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures, which can leave outdoor corridors icy. The site rarely experiences large crowds, offering a calm environment at almost any time of day.
Nearby Attractions
You can easily combine a stop here with several adjacent landmarks:
- Canadian War Museum (0.2 km): Situated directly across the street.
- LeBreton Flats (0.2 km): Surrounding open parkland along the Ottawa River.
- Memorial to the Victims of Communism (0.5 km): A short walk east toward central Ottawa.
- Christ Church Cathedral (0.5 km): Located nearby on the western edge of downtown.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors